A strawberry birthday cake recipe is the epitome of a fresh, sweet celebration. Perfect for any summer birthday party or a special occasion, this cake combines the delightful flavor of ripe strawberries with the fluffy, moist texture of a classic vanilla cake.
Their sweet, slightly tart flavor pairs beautifully with the richness of cake, creating a balance that’s both refreshing and indulgent.
Strawberries also add a vibrant color, making your cake as visually appealing as it is delicious. Imagine a beautifully layered cake with a soft crumb, topped with creamy strawberry frosting and fresh berry garnishes.
This cake not only tastes delicious but also looks stunning, making it a centerpiece that will wow your guests.
In this guide, I will walk you through the process of creating a delightful strawberry birthday cake recipe. We’ll cover everything from selecting the right ingredients to perfecting your frosting technique.
By the end of this article, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to bake a cake that’s sure to impress.
Why You Will Choose A Strawberry Birthday Cake Recipe?
A strawberry birthday cake recipe is a wonderful choice for many reasons. The sweet and slightly tart flavor of strawberries provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, buttery cake.
The natural color from the strawberries also gives the cake a beautiful pink hue, making it as visually appealing as it is tasty.
Whether you’re celebrating in the spring or summer when strawberries are in season, or bringing a touch of warmth to a winter gathering, this cake is always a hit.
Details Of Strawberry Birthday Cake Recipe
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories per servings: 520 kcal
Serving Size: 10 servings
What You’ll Need For Strawberry Birthday Cake Recipe
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)
Essential Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups of cake flour
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder
- ½ teaspoon of baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
- 1/3 cup (75g) sour cream or plain yogurt, at room temperature
- ½ cup (120ml) whole milk, at room temperature
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- ¼ cup fresh strawberries, pureed
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (adjust as needed for consistency)
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese (brick-style), softened to room temperature
- Salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 drops of red or pink food coloring (optional)
How To Make Strawberry Birthday Cake Recipe
1. For the Cake:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper, or grease and flour them. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the egg whites, one at a time, to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream (or yogurt), milk, pureed strawberries, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk-strawberry mixture. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and place them on a cooling rack to cool completely.
2. For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:
1. In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, ½ cup at a time, until fully combined and smooth.
2. Add the pureed strawberries, salt, vanilla extract, and a few drops of food coloring if desired. Mix until smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to reach the desired consistency.
3. Assembling the Cake:
1. Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread a layer of frosting over the top. Place the second layer of cake on top, and cover the entire cake with a generous amount of strawberry frosting.
2. Slice and serve. You can garnish with additional fresh strawberries if desired.
Special Notes
1. Freshness Matters: Always use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor. You can also substitute with frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available, but make sure to thaw and drain them well.
2. Frosting Consistency: If the frosting is too runny, add more powdered sugar to thicken it up. On the other hand, if it’s too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
3. Make Ahead: You can bake the cake layers a day ahead and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost the cake just before serving to ensure the freshest taste.
Ideas For Decorating A Strawberry Birthday Cake Recipe
1. Fresh Strawberry Arrangement
➤ What You Need: Fresh strawberries, whole or sliced.
➤ How to Decorate: After frosting your cake, arrange whole or sliced strawberries on top in a circular pattern. You can create a ring around the edge or fill the entire top with strawberries.
For an elegant touch, slice some strawberries and fan them out in the center of the cake. The vibrant red color of the strawberries against the frosting creates a stunning visual contrast.
2. Chocolate Drizzle and Strawberry Topping
➤ What You Need: Melted chocolate, fresh strawberries.
➤ How to Decorate: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the frosted cake, letting it drip down the sides for a dramatic effect.
Place fresh strawberries around the edge of the cake or pile them in the center. The combination of rich chocolate and juicy strawberries is both visually appealing and delicious.
3. Strawberry Buttercream Rosettes
➤ What You Need: Strawberry buttercream frosting, piping bag with a star tip.
➤ How to Decorate: Use a piping bag fitted with a star tip to pipe rosettes all over the cake. Start from the center and work your way outward, or create rows of rosettes around the sides and top.
This technique gives the cake a textured, elegant look that’s perfect for special occasions.
4. Sprinkles and Strawberry Slices
➤ What You Need: Colorful sprinkles, sliced strawberries.
➤ How to Decorate: After frosting the cake, generously apply colorful sprinkles around the top edge of the cake. Then, place sliced strawberries in a pattern in the center of the cake or around the edges.
The combination of sprinkles and strawberries adds a playful and festive touch, perfect for a birthday celebration.
5. Whipped Cream and Strawberry Layers
➤ What You Need: Whipped cream, fresh strawberries, additional cake layer (optional).
➤ How to Decorate: If you have an extra cake layer, place it on top of the first one and spread whipped cream between the layers, adding sliced strawberries in between.
Frost the entire cake with whipped cream and top with more sliced strawberries. This method not only adds height and drama to your cake but also makes it extra indulgent with the layers of cream and fruit.
My Tips for Making Strawberry Birthday Cake Recipe
➢ Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for a smoother batter and fluffier cake texture.
➢ Always use fresh, ripe strawberries for the cake and frosting to enhance the natural strawberry flavor.
➢ When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated to avoid a dense cake.
➢ Let your cakes cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting and sliding off.
➢ If the frosting is too thick, add a little milk; if it’s too thin, add powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.
FAQs
Can I use strawberry jam instead of fresh strawberries?
Yes, you can substitute strawberry jam for fresh strawberries in the frosting. However, fresh strawberries will provide the best flavor and texture for the cake batter.
How do I store the cake to keep it fresh?
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
What can I do if my cake turns out too dry?
If your cake is dry, try adding a simple syrup made from sugar and water to the layers before frosting. This will help add moisture back into the cake.
Can I make the cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them, tightly wrapped, at room temperature. Frost the cake on the day of serving.
What other fruits can I use in this recipe?
If strawberries aren’t available, you can substitute raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches for a different but equally delicious flavor.
Conclusion
Baking a strawberry birthday cake recipe is not just about creating a dessert; it’s about crafting a memorable experience that brings joy to those celebrating.
This strawberry birthday cake recipe combines the natural sweetness of strawberries with a tender cake and velvety frosting, resulting in a treat that’s perfect for any birthday festivity.
The freshness of the strawberries shines through in every bite, offering a burst of flavor that’s both refreshing and indulgent.
The pride of presenting a homemade cake to your loved ones, paired with the delight of seeing their smiles as they enjoy each slice, is truly priceless.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to celebrate with a cake that’s as delightful as the occasion itself.
More Delicious Strawberry Cake Recipes
Strawberry Cake Roll Recipe || A Sweet and Creamy
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake
Strawberry Cake Cookies – A Sweet Delight
Strawberry Punch Bowl Cake Recipe || Delightful And Visually
Old Fashioned Strawberry Cake Recipe – Classic Dessert
Strawberry Birthday Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 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 Cake:
- 1 ½ cups of cake flour
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder
- ½ teaspoon of baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
- 1/3 cup 75g sour cream or plain yogurt, at room temperature
- ½ cup 120ml whole milk, at room temperature
- 1 cup fresh strawberries pureed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- ¼ cup fresh strawberries pureed
- 1 –2 tablespoons milk adjust as needed for consistency
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese brick-style, softened to room temperature
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 –2 drops of red or pink food coloring optional
Instructions
For the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper, or grease and flour them. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the egg whites, one at a time, to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream (or yogurt), milk, pureed strawberries, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk-strawberry mixture. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and place them on a cooling rack to cool completely.
For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, ½ cup at a time, until fully combined and smooth.
- Add the pureed strawberries, salt, vanilla extract, and a few drops of food coloring if desired. Mix until smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to reach the desired consistency.
Assembling the Cake:
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread a layer of frosting over the top. Place the second layer of cake on top, and cover the entire cake with a generous amount of strawberry frosting.
- Slice and serve. You can garnish with additional fresh strawberries if desired.