Homemade Strawberry Cake: Sweet, Simple, and Bursting with Berry Flavor
If sunshine had a flavor, it would taste like strawberry cake. Light, fluffy, and full of juicy berry goodness, this cake is the kind of dessert that feels like a celebration—whether it’s for a birthday, brunch, or just because you need a little sweetness in your life. Unlike boxed mixes that rely on artificial flavoring, this homemade strawberry cake uses real strawberries for that fresh, fruity punch in every bite.
Why This Strawberry Cake Stands Out
It’s not just pink—it’s deliciously pink thanks to real puréed strawberries in both the batter and the frosting. The texture is soft and tender, and each layer tastes like strawberry shortcake in cake form. Whether you frost it with cream cheese frosting, whipped buttercream, or strawberry glaze, it’s a dessert that always disappears fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
- 1½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup whole milk
For the Strawberry Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup strawberry purée
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How to Make the Cake
1. Prep your strawberry purée
Blend the fresh strawberries into a purée. Simmer over medium heat until thickened and reduced by half. Let cool completely.
2. Mix your dry ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
3. Cream the butter and sugar
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla and the cooled strawberry purée.
4. Combine and bake
Alternate adding the dry ingredients with the sour cream and milk. Mix just until combined. Pour into greased cake pans and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the layers cool completely before frosting.
5. Make the frosting
Beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, reduced strawberry purée, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Beat until light and fluffy.
6. Assemble the magic
Frost and layer your cake, adding fresh strawberries on top if desired. Chill for 30 minutes before slicing for clean cuts and a picture-perfect finish.
Make It Your Own
- Add a layer of strawberry jam or sliced berries between layers.
- Use whipped cream frosting for a lighter touch.
- Turn it into cupcakes for a cute party treat.
- Add lemon zest to the batter for a citrusy twist.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so nostalgic and comforting about strawberry cake—it’s sweet but not overpowering, classic yet endlessly customizable. Whether you’re baking it for a loved one or just treating yourself to a slice of something special, this strawberry cake delivers every single time.
Stick around—every visit tastes better than the last at The Buttered Bliss.
