Fluffy Fresh Strawberry Cake with Creamy Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
A light and airy strawberry cake bursting with fresh fruit flavor, topped with a smooth and tangy strawberry-infused cream cheese frosting. Perfect for spring and summer, this easy homemade dessert is quick to make and a crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour, sifted
- 2 ½ teaspoons (12g) baking powder
- ½ teaspoon (3g) salt
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons (10ml) vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk (or whole milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
- 1 cup (150g) fresh strawberries, pureed
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
- ½ cup (75g) fresh strawberries, pureed and strained
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Using an electric mixer, beat softened butter and granulated sugar for 3-4 minutes until pale and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Fold in pureed fresh strawberries and buttermilk gently until combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture in three parts, folding gently until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes rest in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto cooling racks to cool completely.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until creamy.
- Fold in pureed and strained strawberries, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until frosting is light pink and luscious.
- Place one cake layer on serving plate, spread a thick layer of frosting on top.
- Add second layer and cover entire cake with remaining frosting.
- Chill cake for 15-20 minutes before slicing for a neat finish.
Notes
If frosting is too soft, chill briefly before spreading. If too stiff, beat in a teaspoon of milk. Use fresh strawberries for best flavor and color. Room temperature eggs and butter improve texture. Fold dry ingredients gently to keep batter airy. Can substitute gluten-free flour for gluten-free option or vegan alternatives for dairy-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cak
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 44
- Protein: 4
Keywords: strawberry cake, fresh strawberry cake, cream cheese frosting, easy dessert, homemade cake, spring dessert, summer dessert, fluffy cake