Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Filling – Easy Homemade Recipe
The best part of a dessert? A fresh, strawberry filled cake! Get the ultimate recipe for a sweet, decadent dessert that everyone will love.
Picture this: layers of moist, fluffy strawberry cake bursting with fresh berry flavor, sandwiched between clouds of luscious strawberry filling that tastes like summer in every bite. This strawberry cake with strawberry filling is pure magic on a plate!
Did you know that strawberries are technically not berries but aggregate fruits? Just like this fascinating fact, this recipe will surprise you with its incredible depth of flavor and remarkably simple preparation.
What makes this cake truly special is how it transforms humble ingredients into an elegant dessert that’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply treating your family to something extraordinary.
Unlike our popular vanilla layer cake, this recipe celebrates the bright, tangy sweetness of strawberries in every component. Get ready to fall in love with the most delicious strawberry cake you’ll ever make!
What is Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Filling?
Ever wondered why we double down on strawberries in this heavenly creation? It’s simple – why settle for subtle hints when you can have an explosion of berry bliss? This isn’t just any ordinary cake; it’s a strawberry lover’s dream come true, featuring strawberry-infused cake layers paired with a rich, creamy strawberry filling that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Some say the way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach, and this cake is your golden ticket to winning hearts and creating unforgettable memories. Ready to become the hero of your next gathering?
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Filling
Fresh, Vibrant Flavor Profile This cake delivers an incredible strawberry experience that tastes like you picked the berries yourself. The natural tartness of fresh strawberries perfectly balances the sweetness, creating a complex flavor that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Each bite offers layers of strawberry goodness that will transport you to a summer strawberry field.
Budget-Friendly Homemade Luxury Making this stunning cake at home costs a fraction of what you’d pay at a bakery. You’ll save money while creating something far superior to store-bought alternatives. Plus, you control every ingredient, ensuring the highest quality and freshness for your family.
Irresistible Texture Combination The moist, tender crumb of the cake paired with the creamy, smooth filling creates a textural symphony in your mouth. Unlike our classic chocolate cake recipe, this strawberry version offers a lighter, more refreshing experience perfect for any season.
Ready to create bakery-quality magic in your own kitchen? Let’s dive into this incredible recipe!
How to Make Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Filling
Quick Overview
This delightful strawberry cake combines the best of fresh fruit flavors with classic baking techniques. The recipe features tender, moist cake layers infused with strawberry puree and filled with a luscious strawberry cream that’s absolutely divine.
Preparation Time: 45 minutes Baking Time: 25-30 minutes Cooling Time: 2 hours Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes Servings: 12 slices
Key Ingredients for Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Filling
For the Cake:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup fresh strawberry puree
- Pink food coloring (optional)
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup strawberry puree
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Kitchen Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter and dust with flour. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Make Strawberry Puree Blend 1 cup fresh strawberries until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds. You should have about ½ cup of puree. Set aside.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in vanilla extract and strawberry puree.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined. Don’t overmix.
Step 7: Divide and Bake Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool Completely Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks. Cool completely before filling and frosting.
Step 9: Prepare Strawberry Filling In a saucepan, combine diced strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until thickened. Stir in lemon juice and cool completely.
Step 10: Make Cream Filling Whip heavy cream to stiff peaks. In another bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in whipped cream and cooled strawberry mixture.
Step 11: Prepare Frosting Beat butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then strawberry puree, cream, and vanilla. Beat until smooth and spreadable.
Step 12: Assemble the Cake Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread strawberry filling evenly on top, leaving a ½-inch border. Top with second layer and frost the entire cake.
What to Serve Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Filling With
This delectable cake pairs beautifully with several complementary treats:
- Fresh berries and whipped cream for an extra burst of summer flavor
- Vanilla ice cream to balance the intense strawberry taste
- Hot coffee or Earl Grey tea to cut through the sweetness
- Sparkling water with mint for a refreshing palate cleanser
- Dark chocolate shavings for an elegant flavor contrast
Top Tips for Perfecting Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Filling
Use Room Temperature Ingredients Bring eggs, butter, and cream cheese to room temperature before starting. This ensures smooth mixing and better texture.
Don’t Skip the Strawberry Puree Straining Removing seeds from your puree creates a smoother cake texture and prevents specks in the final product.
Test for Doneness Properly Insert a toothpick in the center – it should come out with just a few moist crumbs, not completely clean or wet.
Cool Completely Before Assembly Rushing this step will cause your filling to melt and create a messy cake. Patience is key!
Make Ahead Tip Bake cake layers up to 2 days ahead and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. This actually improves the texture.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Storage Guidelines: Store your finished cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cream-based filling requires cold storage to maintain food safety and texture.
Freezing Instructions: Unfrosted cake layers can be frozen for up to 3 months when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before assembling.
Serving Temperature: Remove the cake from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture. Cold cake can taste muted, so this brief warming enhances all the strawberry flavors.
Leftover Management: Cut slices store well covered in the refrigerator. For best results, place plastic wrap directly on the cut surfaces to prevent drying out.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Slice (1/12 of cake) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 485 |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 11g |
| Cholesterol | 95mg |
| Sodium | 285mg |
| Total Carbs | 78g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 68g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Vitamin C | 15% DV |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh? Yes, but thaw and drain them thoroughly first. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture that could make your cake soggy.
How do I know when my cake layers are done? The cake should spring back when lightly touched in the center, and a toothpick inserted in the middle should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Can I make this cake dairy-free? Substitute the butter with vegan butter, use coconut milk instead of regular milk, and replace cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives.
Why did my cake layers sink in the middle? This usually happens from opening the oven door too early, overmixing the batter, or using expired baking powder.
How far in advance can I make this cake? The assembled cake is best served within 2 days of making. However, you can bake the layers up to 3 days ahead and store them wrapped at room temperature.
Can I use strawberry extract instead of fresh strawberries? While possible, fresh strawberries provide superior flavor and natural color. If using extract, start with 1-2 teaspoons and adjust to taste.
What’s the secret to getting bright pink cake layers? The natural strawberry puree provides some color, but for vibrant pink, add 2-3 drops of pink food coloring to enhance the hue.
How do I prevent my filling from making the cake soggy? Ensure your strawberry mixture is completely cooled before folding into the whipped cream, and don’t overfill the layers.
Pro Chef Secrets for Success
The Reverse Creaming Method For even more tender cake layers, try mixing your dry ingredients with cold butter pieces first, then adding the wet ingredients. This creates an incredibly fine crumb.
Strawberry Intensity Booster Reduce fresh strawberry puree in a saucepan over low heat until it’s concentrated and syrupy. This intensifies the flavor without adding extra moisture.
Professional Finishing Touch Brush each cake layer with strawberry simple syrup (equal parts water, sugar, and strawberry puree boiled and cooled) for extra moisture and flavor.
This strawberry cake with strawberry filling represents the perfect harmony of fresh fruit flavor and classic baking techniques. Every element works together to create a dessert that’s both impressive enough for special occasions and simple enough for weekend family treats. The combination of moist, flavorful cake layers with luscious strawberry filling creates a memorable dessert experience that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a summer gathering, or simply treating your family to something special, this cake delivers on every level. The bright, cheerful appearance matches the incredible taste, making it a showstopper that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Happy baking, and get ready to create some truly sweet memories!
