Homemade Strawberry Birthday Cake Recipe

Strawberry birthday cake recipe is a soft vanilla sponge layered with fresh strawberries, creamy filling, and smooth frosting. I made this cake from scratch after seeing a beautiful version at a local bakery that caught my attention.

Inspired by that moment, I recreated it in my kitchen using fresh ingredients. The highlight of this recipe is the strawberry filling that adds freshness and natural sweetness. My baking experience helped me bring out the best flavors and textures.

Today, I’m going to walk through how I made this strawberry birthday cake recipe step-by-step so you can enjoy the same homemade cake in your own kitchen.

Why You Will Choose A Strawberry Birthday Cake Recipe?

You will choose a strawberry birthday cake recipe because the flavor of fresh strawberries adds a natural sweetness that feels fresh and light.

The soft vanilla sponge pairs well with the fruit, creating a balanced taste. This strawberry birthday cake recipe brings color and freshness to any table.

The homemade cream cheese frosting adds a smooth texture that blends beautifully. Fresh strawberries not only taste good but also make the cake look beautiful.

This strawberry birthday cake recipe is a great way to celebrate special moments using seasonal fruit. The method is clear and enjoyable, and the result brings joy to those who share a slice.

Details Of Strawberry Birthday Cake Recipe

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories per servings: 520 kcal

Serving Size: 10 servings

What You’ll Need For Strawberry Birthday Cake Recipe

To make this Strawberry Birthday Cake just right, I’ll guide you through each step with clear instructions and helpful tips. I’ll also share the kitchen tools I use, which can make baking smoother but aren’t all necessary.

Don’t worry if you don’t have everything using what does on hand will still help you create a fresh, tasty cake that everyone will enjoy!

Kitchen Utensils

• 2 mixing bowls
• 1 electric mixer (or hand mixer)
• 1 spatula
• 2 8-inch round cake pans
• 1 whisk
• 1 measuring cup and spoons
• 1 cooling rack
• 1 knife or offset spatula (for frosting)
• Parchment paper (optional, for lining the pans)

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 40g (1.4 oz) caster or superfine sugar
• 200g (7 oz) fresh strawberries, chopped
• 3 tablespoons sugar syrup (store-bought or homemade)

For the Vanilla Sponge Cake:

• 2 cups (300g/10.6 oz) cake flour
• 1 1/4 cups (310 ml/11 fl oz) whole milk
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 stick (113g) unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 3/4 cups (385g/13.6 oz) caster or superfine sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 2 packages (16 oz total) powdered sugar
• 2 packages (16 oz total) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For Decoration:

• 100g fresh strawberries, halved or sliced

How To Make Strawberry Birthday Cake Recipe

1. Prep the strawberries for filling:

Start by washing and hulling 200g of fresh strawberries. Chop them roughly and toss with 40g caster sugar and 3 tablespoons sugar syrup. Set aside to macerate while you prepare the cake batter.

2. Preheat the oven:

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8 or 9-inch round cake pans, or line with parchment paper.

3. Prepare dry ingredients:

In a bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside.

4. Mix wet ingredients:

In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter with the sugar until pale and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla bean paste.

5. Combine milk and flour:

Alternate adding the sifted dry ingredients and milk to the butter-egg mixture. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix gently until everything is just combined; avoid over mixing.

6. Bake the sponge cakes:

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. Cool the cakes:

Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a cooling rack to cool completely.

8. Make the cream cheese frosting:

Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, and then beat in the vanilla extract until fluffy.

9. Assemble the cake:

Once the cake layers are completely cool, slice each layer horizontally if you want thinner layers. Spread the macerated strawberry filling evenly over the bottom layer, and then add the next layer. Cover the entire cake with cream cheese frosting, smoothing with a spatula.

10. Decorate:

Arrange the remaining fresh strawberries on top of the cake for a beautiful finishing touch. Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the frosting set.

Special Notes

Make sure eggs and milk are at room temperature to help the cake rise evenly. If you don’t have sugar syrup, you can make it by heating equal parts sugar and water until sugar dissolves and cooling it. For best results, chill the cake layers before frosting to avoid the frosting melting. You can swap vanilla bean paste for vanilla extract if needed.

Why My Recipe Works

My strawberry birthday cake recipe works because it uses simple, fresh ingredients that naturally bring out rich flavor and balanced texture. The vanilla sponge is soft and moist because of the proper egg-to-flour ratio and gentle mixing.

The fresh strawberry filling adds just the right amount of sweetness without making the cake heavy. Cream cheese frosting brings a smooth, rich finish that complements the fruit instead of masking it.

Using room temperature ingredients also helps everything blend evenly, giving consistent results every time this strawberry birthday cake recipe is made.

Decorating And Serving Ideas

Decorate the strawberry birthday cake recipe using fresh strawberry halves arranged neatly on top for a bright, fresh finish. Add small rosettes of whipped cream or cream cheese frosting around the edges for texture and elegance.

Sprinkle white chocolate shavings or powdered sugar lightly over the top for a soft, delicate look. Edible flowers or mint leaves add a pop of color and a garden-fresh touch.

Serve each slice on chilled plates to keep the frosting firm. A strawberry glaze drizzle or fan-shaped strawberry slices placed beside each piece creates a beautiful presentation when serving guests at any celebration.

Expert Baking Tips

1. Always choose the freshest, ripest strawberries you can find. Their natural sweetness and juiciness make the filling burst with flavor and keep the cake refreshing. Wash and pat them dry carefully to avoid sogginess.

2. Take the eggs and milk out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before baking. When these ingredients are at room temperature, they mix more smoothly with the other ingredients, creating a lighter, fluffier sponge.

3. Sift the cake flour and baking powder together to ensure even distribution. This step helps prevent clumps and gives the cake a tender crumb instead of dense patches.

4. When folding the dry ingredients into the egg mixture, do it gently using a spatula. Over mixing can deflate the batter and result in a dense cake. Slow, careful folding keeps the sponge soft and airy.

5. After baking, allow the cake layers to cool completely on a wire rack. Adding filling or frosting to warm cakes can cause the layers to slide or frosting to melt, making assembly messy.

6. Once the cake is assembled and frosted, refrigerate it for at least an hour before serving. This step helps the frosting firm up and the flavors blend together, giving you a beautifully set cake that slices cleanly and tastes even better.

How Do I Store This Cake?

To store this strawberry birthday cake recipe, keep it covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent the frosting from drying out.

Place the cake in an airtight container or cover it loosely with plastic wrap or a strawberry birthday cake recipe dome. It will stay good for up to 3-4 days.

Before serving, let the strawberry birthday cake recipe sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes to soften slightly for the best taste and texture.

Avoid freezing if possible, as the fresh strawberries and cream cheese frosting don’t freeze well and can change texture after thawing.

FAQs

Conclusion

This strawberry birthday cake recipe is truly amazing everyone who tries it loves the fresh flavors and soft texture. It’s a special cake that brings joy to celebrations, and I was so happy to make it for my son’s birthday.

Watching him enjoy every bite made all the effort worth it. I hope you feel inspired to try this strawberry birthday cake recipe yourself and create wonderful memories with your loved ones.

Baking this strawberry birthday cake recipe is a rewarding experience, and I’m sure it will become a favorite in your home too. Wishing you lots of fun and happiness as you bake and enjoy!

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