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The Best Homemade Strawberry Cake From Scratch with Cream Cheese Frosting

A moist slice of layered strawberry cake with white frosting and pink strawberry crumbs on top.

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You will bake a moist strawberry cake bursting with fresh berry flavor, topped with a creamy strawberry cream cheese frosting. This recipe is perfect for celebrations and gatherings.

Ingredients

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  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed and strained (about 1 cup liquid)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, finely chopped
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted (for frosting)
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (for frosting)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 1/4 cup fresh strawberry puree (for frosting)
  • Optional: Pink food coloring

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Add the softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until just combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, strained strawberry puree, and vegetable oil.
  5. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry mixture, mixing on low speed until smooth. Do not overmix.
  6. Gently fold in the finely chopped fresh strawberries using a spatula.
  7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Prepare the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
  11. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating until incorporated.
  12. Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and strawberry puree. Beat on medium speed until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add a drop of pink food coloring if you desire a stronger pink color.
  13. Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread about one-third of the frosting evenly over the top.
  14. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
  15. Decorate with extra fresh strawberries if you wish.

Notes

  • For the most intense flavor, use fresh, ripe strawberries for both the cake batter and the frosting puree.
  • To strain the strawberries for the puree, press the mashed berries through a fine-mesh sieve.
  • If your frosting seems too soft, chill it for 15 minutes before spreading.

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