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Strawberry Dream Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Strawberry Dream Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Strawberry Dream Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist, fluffy cake bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, layered with a rich yet tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any occasion, this elegant dessert combines natural strawberry sweetness with the creamy tang of frosting for a balanced, irresistible treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups fresh ripe strawberries, washed, hulled, and roughly chopped
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk or buttermilk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice or zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh strawberry halves or slices
  • Mint leaves or edible flowers
  • Toasted almonds or chia seeds (for layering/add-in)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Strawberries: Wash, hull, and roughly chop fresh strawberries. Set aside a handful for garnish if desired. These strawberries provide fresh flavor and natural sweetness that infuses the cake.
  2. Make the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, mixing gently to keep batter airy. Carefully fold in chopped strawberries coated lightly with flour to prevent sinking.
  3. Bake the Cake Layers: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Divide the batter evenly among two or three greased and floured round cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool completely on wire racks before frosting.
  4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and lemon juice (or zest), and vanilla extract if using. Continue whipping for several minutes until light, creamy, and spreadable.
  5. Assemble Your Cake: Level cake layers if needed. Spread an even layer of cream cheese frosting between each layer. Carefully stack the layers, then cover the entire cake with remaining frosting. Decorate the top with chilled fresh strawberries, mint leaves, or edible flowers for an elegant finish.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth batter and frosting.
  • Do not overmix the batter; fold ingredients gently to keep the cake light and tender.
  • If frosting is too soft, refrigerate briefly for easier spreading.
  • Use the freshest strawberries possible to avoid excess moisture that could sog the cake layers.
  • Test cake doneness early near minimum baking time with a toothpick to prevent overbaking.
  • Coat chopped strawberries lightly in flour before folding into the batter to prevent sinking.

Nutrition

Keywords: Strawberry cake, layer cake, cream cheese frosting, summer dessert, fresh strawberry cake, gluten-free cake option