Homemade Strawberry Layer Cake

My Homemade Strawberry Layer Cake Adventure

This homemade strawberry layer cake has completely stolen my heart, and honestly, I think it might become your new obsession too. After countless kitchen experiments and a few berry-stained aprons later, I’ve finally perfected this dreamy dessert that tastes like summer wrapped in fluffy cake layers. Moreover, the combination of fresh strawberries and vanilla cream creates pure magic that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

What Is This Strawberry Layer Cake?

Picture this: tender vanilla cake layers sandwiched with fresh strawberry filling and billowy whipped cream frosting. Furthermore, this isn’t your typical boxed cake mix situation. Instead, we’re talking about a from-scratch beauty that showcases ripe, juicy strawberries in every single bite. Additionally, the moist cake pairs perfectly with the fruity layers, creating a dessert that’s both elegant and comforting.

What You’ll Need for This Strawberry Cake

Let me break down everything you’ll need for this strawberry layer cake recipe. Fortunately, most ingredients are probably already sitting in your pantry right now.

For the Cake Layers:

• All-purpose flour – 2½ cups (you can substitute with cake flour for extra tenderness)
• Granulated sugar – 1¾ cups (creates that perfect sweetness)
• Unsalted butter – ½ cup, softened (salted butter works too, just reduce added salt)
• Large eggs – 3 whole eggs at room temperature
• Whole milk – 1¼ cups (buttermilk adds extra tang if you prefer)
• Baking powder – 2½ teaspoons (fresh is best for maximum rise)
• Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons pure vanilla
• Salt – ½ teaspoon

For the Strawberry Filling:

• Fresh strawberries – 2 pounds, hulled and sliced
• Sugar – ⅓ cup for macerating
• Cornstarch – 2 tablespoons (helps thicken the juices)
• Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Cream cheese – 8 oz, softened completely
• Heavy whipping cream – 1½ cups, cold
• Powdered sugar – 1 cup, sifted
• Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s dive into making this gorgeous homemade strawberry layer cake. Trust me, the process is way more straightforward than you might think.

Preparing the Strawberry Filling

First, combine sliced strawberries with sugar and let them macerate for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, the berries will release their natural juices, creating a syrupy mixture. Then, stir in cornstarch and lemon juice to help thicken everything up beautifully.

Making the Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing two 9-inch round pans. Next, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Subsequently, add eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Alternately, add dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Additionally, don’t overmix the batter once flour is incorporated.

Baking the Layers

Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops gently. Then, bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Afterward, cool completely on wire racks before removing from pans.

Whipping Up the Frosting

Beat softened cream cheese until completely smooth and lump-free. Gradually, add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until well combined. Finally, whip in cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form, creating a cloud-like frosting perfect for this strawberry cake.

Assembly Time

Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread half the cream cheese frosting on top. Next, add a generous layer of macerated strawberries, letting some juices soak into the cake. Then, top with the second layer and repeat with remaining frosting and berries.

Serving Ideas

This homemade strawberry layer cake shines brightest when served chilled from the refrigerator. Furthermore, I love pairing thin slices with fresh mint leaves and maybe a dollop of extra whipped cream on the side. Additionally, a drizzle of strawberry syrup from the macerated berries makes each bite even more heavenly. Consequently, this cake works perfectly for birthday celebrations, summer gatherings, or any time you want to impress guests.

Pro Tips for Cake Success

• Room temperature ingredients – Let eggs, butter, and milk come to room temp for better mixing
• Don’t overmix – Stop mixing once flour disappears to keep layers tender
• Level your layers – Use a cake leveler or serrated knife for even stacking
• Chill between steps – Refrigerate assembled cake for easier slicing
• Fresh berry selection – Choose firm, bright red strawberries for best flavor
• Make ahead friendly – Cake layers freeze beautifully wrapped for up to 3 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! However, thaw frozen strawberries completely and drain excess liquid before macerating. Additionally, you might need slightly less sugar since frozen berries tend to be sweeter. Nevertheless, fresh strawberries do provide better texture for this layer cake recipe.

How long does this strawberry cake stay fresh?

Your homemade strawberry layer cake stays delicious for up to 3 days when stored covered in the refrigerator. Moreover, the flavors actually improve overnight as everything melds together beautifully. Therefore, making it a day ahead often results in an even more flavorful dessert.

Can I make this as cupcakes instead?

Yes! Divide the batter among 24 cupcake liners and bake for 18-22 minutes. Then, hollow out centers slightly and fill with strawberry mixture before topping with cream cheese frosting. Consequently, you’ll have adorable individual strawberry cakes perfect for parties.

What if my frosting turns out too soft?

Chill the frosting for 15-20 minutes, then re-whip briefly. Additionally, make sure your cream cheese was properly softened but not warm when mixing. Furthermore, cold heavy cream whips better than room temperature cream for this strawberry layer cake frosting.

Why This Recipe Wins Every Time

This homemade strawberry layer cake consistently delivers incredible results because it balances sweet and tart flavors perfectly. Moreover, the moist vanilla cake provides the ideal backdrop for fresh berry brightness. Additionally, the cream cheese frosting adds richness without being overly heavy. Consequently, every bite feels like a celebration, and honestly, isn’t that exactly what we want from our desserts?

My Recipe Development Journey

Creating this perfect strawberry layer cake took me through several kitchen adventures and honestly, a few disasters too. Initially, my first attempt resulted in soggy cake layers because I added too much strawberry juice. However, learning to macerate berries separately and control moisture levels completely changed the game. Eventually, after testing different frosting combinations, I discovered that cream cheese frosting provided the perfect tangy contrast to sweet strawberries. You can find more of my baking experiments and behind-the-scenes moments on my Pinterest page, where I share all the trial-and-error moments that lead to these winning recipes.