Introduction
Homemade Strawberry Layer Cake with Strawberry Frosting is a classic, from-scratch dessert that delivers pure strawberry flavor in every bite. Soft, tender cake layers made with real strawberries are stacked high and finished with a smooth, creamy strawberry frosting that’s naturally sweet, fruity, and beautifully pink. This is the kind of cake that feels special the moment it hits the table.
What makes this cake truly stand out is its use of real strawberries instead of artificial flavoring. Fresh strawberry purée gives the cake a natural sweetness and subtle tang, while also keeping the crumb moist and delicate. The frosting mirrors those flavors, creating a cohesive, fruit-forward dessert that’s rich without being heavy.
This strawberry layer cake is perfect for birthdays, spring and summer celebrations, baby showers, holidays, and any occasion where you want a show-stopping dessert that tastes just as good as it looks. While it has a bakery-style appearance, the steps are straightforward and approachable for home bakers.
If you’re looking for a strawberry cake that’s flavorful, tender, and made completely from scratch, this recipe is a must-have in your baking collection.
Ingredients
Strawberry Cake Layers
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
¾ cup strawberry purée (fresh strawberries blended smooth)
½ cup buttermilk, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry Frosting
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4–5 cups powdered sugar
½ cup strawberry purée or reduced strawberry purée
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Optional Garnish
Fresh strawberries
Strawberry crumbs or sprinkles
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pans
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two or three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. Set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in strawberry purée and vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Add the dry ingredients to the batter alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined—do not overmix.
Step 5: Bake the Cake Layers
Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 22–28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Variations
NEXT PAGE…
ADVERTISEMENT
