Easy Red Velvet Cake With Strawberries Recipe

Picture this: layers of velvety crimson cake paired with fresh, juicy strawberries and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. This red velvet cake with strawberries is pure heaven on a plate! Did you know red velvet cake originated in the 1800s when natural cocoa reacted with acidic ingredients to create that signature reddish hue?

This stunning dessert combines the classic elegance of traditional red velvet with the bright freshness of seasonal strawberries. It’s surprisingly simple to make and perfect for impressing family and friends at any celebration. Just like our popular chocolate strawberry tart, this recipe proves that fruit and cake make the most delightful duo!

What is Red Velvet Cake with Strawberries?

Ever wondered why we call it “red velvet”? The name perfectly captures this cake’s luxurious texture and striking crimson color! Back in Victorian times, “velvet” cakes were prized for their incredibly soft, fine crumb. Add fresh strawberries to the mix, and you’ve got a match made in dessert heaven.

As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” – and this gorgeous cake will steal hearts at first bite! Ready to create some sweet magic in your kitchen?

Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Cake with Strawberries

Rich, Moist Texture with Perfect Flavor Balance

This red velvet cake delivers an incredibly tender crumb with a subtle chocolate undertone that pairs beautifully with sweet-tart strawberries. The tangy cream cheese frosting adds the perfect creamy contrast to the cake’s delicate flavor.

Budget-Friendly Homemade Luxury

Skip the expensive bakery prices! Making this stunning cake at home costs a fraction of store-bought versions while delivering superior taste and freshness. You control every ingredient for the best possible results.

Fresh Strawberry Topping Magic

Fresh strawberries add natural sweetness, gorgeous color, and a burst of vitamin C to every slice. The combination of ruby-red cake and bright strawberries creates an Instagram-worthy dessert that tastes even better than it looks.

Similar to our beloved strawberry shortcake recipe, this cake celebrates the perfect marriage of berries and cream. Why not explore both recipes for your next gathering?

How to Make Red Velvet Cake with Strawberries

Quick Overview

This red velvet cake with strawberries features:

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours (including cooling)
• Serves: 12-14 people
• Difficulty: Beginner-friendly

The secret lies in the perfect balance of cocoa, buttermilk, and vinegar that creates the signature tender crumb. Fresh strawberries and rich cream cheese frosting elevate this classic into something truly spectacular.

Key Ingredients for Red Velvet Cake with Strawberries

For the Cake:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1½ cups vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the Strawberry Topping:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cake Layers:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, combine oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar. Whisk until smooth and well blended.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix – the batter should be smooth but not overworked.
5. Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
6. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

7. Beat cream cheese and butter together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
8. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
9. Beat in vanilla extract and salt until smooth and spreadable.

Prepare the Strawberries:

10. Toss sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let sit for 15 minutes to create natural juices.

Assemble the Cake:

11. Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread half the frosting evenly over the top.
12. Arrange half the macerated strawberries over the frosting.
13. Top with the second cake layer and spread remaining frosting on top and sides.
14. Decorate with remaining strawberries just before serving.

What to Serve Red Velvet Cake with Strawberries With

This elegant cake pairs beautifully with:

• Fresh berry medley with blueberries and raspberries
• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence
• Coffee or black tea to balance the sweetness
• Champagne or sparkling cider for special celebrations
• Milk for a classic comfort combination

Top Tips for Perfecting Red Velvet Cake with Strawberries

Perfect Texture Every Time

Use room temperature ingredients for the smoothest batter. Cold eggs and buttermilk can cause the batter to curdle, affecting the final texture.

Color Intensity

Don’t skip the vinegar! It reacts with the baking soda and cocoa to enhance the red color naturally. For deeper color, add food coloring gradually until you achieve your desired shade.

Strawberry Prep

Choose firm, ripe strawberries and slice them just before serving to prevent excess moisture from making the cake soggy.

Frosting Consistency

If your frosting is too thin, chill it for 30 minutes. If too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or cream.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Storage:

• Store covered cake in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
• Unfrosted cake layers can be wrapped and frozen for up to 3 months
• Add fresh strawberries just before serving for best appearance

Freezing:

• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving

Serving:

• Bring cake to room temperature 30 minutes before serving for best flavor
• Cut with a sharp knife, cleaning between slices for neat presentation

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Slice (1/12 of cake)
Calories	485
Total Fat	22g
Saturated Fat	8g
Cholesterol	65mg
Sodium	420mg
Carbohydrates	72g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	65g
Protein	6g
Vitamin C	15mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! Bake the cake layers up to 2 days ahead and store wrapped at room temperature. Frost the day you plan to serve it.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

Make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of regular milk. Let sit for 5 minutes before using.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries work best for decoration, but you can use thawed frozen strawberries in the filling. Drain excess liquid first.

How do I get the perfect red color?

The amount of food coloring varies by brand. Start with 1 tablespoon and add more gradually until you achieve your desired shade.

Can I make this as cupcakes?

Absolutely! Divide batter among 24 cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes at 350°F.

What’s the best way to cut clean slices?

Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts. A thin-bladed knife works best for neat slices.

Pro Chef Secrets for Extra Success

Ingredient Quality Matters: Use European-style butter for richer frosting and pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. Fresh, local strawberries in season will provide superior taste and appearance.

Temperature Control: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This creates a smoother batter and more even texture in the finished cake.

Mixing Technique: Mix wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake rather than the tender crumb red velvet is famous for.

Layer Assembly: Apply a thin “crumb coat” of frosting first, then chill for 30 minutes before adding the final layer. This prevents crumbs from mixing into your beautiful white frosting.

This red velvet cake with strawberries combines classic elegance with fresh, seasonal flavors that never go out of style. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating your family to something extraordinary, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results with confidence-building instructions. The combination of that signature red velvet taste with juicy strawberries and cream cheese frosting creates a dessert that’s both visually stunning and absolutely delicious.