If you have a soft spot for fresh, fruity desserts that sing with the vibrant flavor of summer, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Homemade Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Frosting Recipe. Imagine a tender, moist cake infused with luscious strawberry puree, layered and finished with a creamy, tangy strawberry cream cheese frosting that’s naturally pink and bursting with strawberry goodness. This cake is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a joy to make, perfect for celebrations, cozy afternoons, or any time you want to feel a little extra special with every bite.

A slice of pink two-layer cake sits on a white plate with a textured edge. Each cake layer is light pink with a soft, spongy texture, and between the layers and on top is a thick, creamy pink frosting. A fresh small strawberry with green leaves rests on top of the cake slice. The plate is placed on a red and white checkered cloth over a white marbled surface with a blurred brown wood background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this Homemade Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Frosting Recipe. Each item plays a crucial role, from the soft butter that creates a tender crumb to the fresh strawberries that bring fresh fruit flavor and a beautiful pink tint to both cake and frosting.

Fresh strawberries: The star of the show, providing authentic strawberry flavor and natural sweetness.
Cake flour: Ensures a delicate and light texture perfect for a layered cake.
Baking powder and baking soda: Help the cake rise beautifully, making it airy and soft.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture while allowing control of saltiness.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping with its tender crumb.
Egg whites: Provide structure and stability without heaviness.
Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Adds moisture and a subtle tang enhancing the strawberry flavors.
Pure vanilla extract: Balances and elevates the overall flavor profile.
Whole milk: Keeps the batter smooth and helps dissolve the sugar.
Freeze-dried strawberries: Packed into the frosting, they intensify the strawberry taste and add a lovely color.
Cream cheese: Creates a luscious and tangy frosting that pairs perfectly with the cake.
Confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens and smooths the frosting for that perfect spreadability.
Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness in both cake and frosting.

How to Make Homemade Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Reduced Strawberry Puree

The magic begins by pureeing fresh strawberries and gently reducing them on the stove until thick and concentrated. This step intensifies the sweet, juicy flavor of the strawberries and forms the heart of both your cake batter and frosting. Cooling this puree completely before use is crucial to achieving the perfect texture and flavor balance.

Step 2: Prepare Your Cake Pans

While your puree cools, get your oven and pans ready. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line them with parchment paper rounds. This ensures your beautifully baked cakes will pop right out without a hitch after baking, maintaining their smooth surface for frosting.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This combination gives your cake the perfect structure and leavening needed for a light, tender crumb and a consistent rise.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar, Then Add Wet Ingredients

Beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy for that wonderful cake texture. Slowly add egg whites, sour cream, and vanilla extract, blending everything into a smooth, creamy batter that will be the base of your cake’s moist crumb.

Step 5: Combine Everything with Reduced Strawberry Puree

Gently fold in your dry ingredients and milk while mixing on low—this prevents overmixing, which can toughen your cake. Then whisk in the reduced strawberry puree and optional food coloring for a beautiful, natural pink tint. This mixture is where the cake really starts to come alive with strawberry flavor.

Step 6: Bake and Cool the Cake Layers

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake at 350°F for about 24 to 25 minutes. Use the toothpick test to check doneness. Once baked, cool in pans for an hour, then release the cakes and let them finish cooling on a rack. Your cakes must be completely cool before frosting to avoid melting your creamy topping.

Step 7: Make the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

Turn freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder using a blender or food processor to pack a punch of strawberry flavor without extra moisture. Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually add confectioners’ sugar, strawberry powder, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt to perfect your frosting’s creamy texture and balanced sweetness. Chill the frosting to help it set before decorating.

Step 8: Assemble and Frost Your Cake

Level your cooled cakes to create flat layers for easy stacking. Spread a generous layer of frosting between the cake layers, then cover the entire cake with a thin crumb coat. Chill briefly to set, then finish with a final thick layer of frosting for that gorgeous, creamy finish that makes this Homemade Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Frosting Recipe truly unforgettable.

How to Serve Homemade Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Frosting Recipe

A two-layer pink cake is shown on a white cake stand with a wooden base, sitting on a red and white checkered cloth over a white marbled texture. Each cake layer is pale pink and looks soft and moist, with a layer of pink frosting between them. The cake is covered in a textured, creamy pink frosting that looks fluffy and slightly uneven. Two fresh strawberries with green leaves rest on top of the cake, adding a bright red color contrast. The background is bright white, making the cake stand out clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh strawberries sliced or halved on top add a stunning, natural decoration along with a sprinkle of freeze-dried strawberry powder or edible flower petals to make your cake shine as the centerpiece of any gathering.

Side Dishes

For a delightful summer afternoon, serve this cake alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream to complement and cool the fruity sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your cake into mini strawberry trifles by layering cake pieces, frosting, and fresh berries in individual glasses, or turn it into elegant cupcakes using the same batter and frosting, adding piped rosettes of strawberry frosting on top for an adorable touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For the best flavor, remove the cake about two hours before serving to let it come close to room temperature, softening the frosting and enhancing the strawberry flavors.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers by wrapping them well in plastic wrap and foil, then freezing for up to three months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before frosting and serving.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. Instead, plan ahead to let refrigerated cake sit out for a couple of hours or thaw frozen cake slowly in the fridge overnight to preserve moisture and texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this Homemade Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Frosting Recipe?

Fresh strawberries are best for this recipe to achieve the natural vibrant color and flavor, but if frozen are all you have, thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before pureeing to avoid making your batter too wet.

Why do we use egg whites instead of whole eggs in this cake?

Egg whites give the cake a lighter texture and help maintain a delicate crumb, which complements the moistness from the sour cream and strawberry puree without adding heaviness.

How do I make sure my cake layers come out evenly?

Using parchment paper rounds and greased pans prevents sticking, and leveling the cakes after baking with a serrated knife ensures flat, even layers for stacking and frosting.

Can I make this cake vegan or dairy-free?

This version relies on dairy for richness and texture, but you could experiment with plant-based butter, yogurt alternatives, and vegan cream cheese—just be prepared for slight variations in taste and texture.

Why is it important to chill the frosting before assembling the cake?

Chilling helps the strawberry cream cheese frosting firm up, making it easier to spread and helping it hold its shape on the cake without melting or sliding off.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Frosting Recipe is a joyful celebration of fresh strawberries in every bite and swirl of frosting. It’s a recipe that invites you to slow down, enjoy the sweet process, and delight those lucky enough to share in the final slice. Whether it’s a special occasion or simply a cozy day that calls for something sweet, this cake’s light, fruity, and creamy magic never fails to bring smiles and happy taste buds. I hope you give it a try and make many sweet memories with it as I have!