Irresistible Strawberry Dream Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Indulge in the pure bliss of a Strawberry Dream Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, a dessert that perfectly balances sweet strawberries with rich, tangy cream cheese frosting. Moist, tender layers bursting with fresh strawberry flavor combine beautifully with a smooth, luscious frosting to create the ultimate treat for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special moment or simply craving a slice of happiness, this cake promises to delight your taste buds and impress your guests with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Freshness: Made with real strawberries, this cake offers a natural, juicy flavor that brightens every bite.
- Perfectly Moist Layers: Each layer remains tender and soft, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to resist.
- Rich Cream Cheese Frosting: The frosting adds a creamy tang that complements the sweet strawberries superbly.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples combined with fresh fruit for an easy yet impressive dessert.
- Versatile and Customizable: Ideal for birthdays, gatherings, or a cozy afternoon treat with loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe combines simple, essential ingredients that work in harmony to create the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each component—from fresh strawberries to cream cheese—plays a vital role in making your Strawberry Dream Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting truly irresistible.
- Fresh Strawberries: Provides natural sweetness and vibrant color for moist cake layers and garnish.
- All-Purpose Flour: Forms the sturdy but tender base of the cake layers, ensuring perfect rise and texture.
- Sugar: Adds balanced sweetness that enhances the strawberries without overpowering.
- Butter: Brings richness and moisture to the cake, keeping it soft and flavorful.
- Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the ingredients for a fluffy crumb.
- Buttermilk: Adds tenderness and subtle tang, making the cake moist and light.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Natural leavening agents that ensure a perfect rise.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with its warm, sweet notes.
- Cream Cheese: The main ingredient in the frosting, delivering creamy, tangy richness.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and smooths the cream cheese frosting to a luscious finish.
- Heavy Cream: Whipped into the frosting for lightness and smooth spreadability.
Variations for Strawberry Dream Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
One of the joys of this Strawberry Dream Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is how adaptable it is. Feel free to modify or enhance the recipe to fit your dietary needs and flavor preferences while keeping that dreamy strawberry essence.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make this cake accessible for gluten-sensitive friends.
- Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based butter, dairy-free cream cheese, and flax eggs for a compassionate twist.
- Extra Strawberry Punch: Add chopped strawberries in the batter or between layers for more fruit-centered flavor.
- Citrus Zest Addition: Incorporate a hint of lemon or orange zest into the cake or frosting for a fresh, bright contrast.
- Chocolate Twist: Add a layer of melted dark chocolate ganache between cake layers for decadent variety.
How to Make Strawberry Dream Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
Wash and hull fresh strawberries, then puree half of them for mixing into the cake batter while chopping the rest for optional layering or garnish. This dual approach infuses the cake with authentic strawberry flavor and appealing texture.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
Cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, blending well after each. Incorporate vanilla extract and buttermilk alternately with your flour, baking powder, and baking soda mixture, then fold in the strawberry puree gently for moist and flavorful layers.
Step 3: Bake the Cake Layers
Divide the batter evenly into greased round pans and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the layers to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then whip in heavy cream until the frosting reaches a light, spreadable consistency that’s rich with tang and sweetness.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting, top with chopped strawberries if desired, then add the next layer. Repeat and finish by covering the entire cake with frosting, smoothing it evenly.
Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Dream Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensures smoother batter and frosting without lumps.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Keeps the cake tender by avoiding too much gluten development.
- Chill the Frosting: If too soft, refrigerate for 10-15 minutes before frosting for better spreading.
- Strawberries at Peak Ripeness: For best flavor, choose ripe, fragrant strawberries at their freshest.
- Level Your Cake Layers: Use a serrated knife or cake leveler for even layers that stack beautifully.
How to Serve Strawberry Dream Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Garnishes
Fresh whole strawberries, edible flowers, or a sprinkle of crushed freeze-dried strawberries make charming, colorful garnishes that enhance presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair with lightly whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a crisp glass of sparkling lemonade to complement the cake’s sweet and tangy notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual mini cakes or elegant slices stacked on pretty plates with a drizzle of strawberry sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra-special touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cake covered tightly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to preserve freshness and prevent drying out.
Freezing
Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container to freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
Allow chilled cake to come to room temperature for the best texture; avoid microwaving frosting directly as it can melt and become greasy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this cake?
While fresh strawberries provide the best texture and flavor, you can use thawed frozen strawberries—just be sure to drain excess moisture to avoid soggy batter.
Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute dairy with plant-based alternatives like vegan butter, coconut cream, and dairy-free cream cheese for a delicious dairy-free Strawberry Dream Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.
How long does the cake stay fresh?
Properly stored in the refrigerator, this cake stays moist and tasty for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freezing is recommended.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, by using a high-quality gluten-free flour blend, you can enjoy a delicious gluten-free version without sacrificing moisture or flavor.
What’s the best way to cut the cake cleanly?
Use a sharp, serrated knife and wipe it clean between cuts to achieve neat, beautiful slices without smearing the frosting.
Final Thoughts
The Strawberry Dream Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of fresh flavors and creamy textures that promise to brighten any occasion. Trust me, once you try this cake, it will become a cherished favorite in your recipe box, ready to fill your home with joy and sweetness whenever you need a little slice of happiness.
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Strawberry Dream Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Enjoy the delightful Strawberry Dream Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, a moist and tender cake bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, complemented by a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting. This easy-to-make dessert uses simple pantry staples and fresh fruit, offering a perfect treat for celebrations or cozy gatherings, with versatile options for dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free option available
Ingredients
For the Cake
- Fresh Strawberries – 2 cups (1 cup pureed, 1 cup chopped)
- All-Purpose Flour – 2 ½ cups
- Sugar – 1 ¾ cups
- Butter (softened) – ½ cup (1 stick)
- Eggs – 3 large
- Buttermilk – 1 cup
- Baking Powder – 2 tsp
- Baking Soda – ½ tsp
- Vanilla Extract – 2 tsp
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cream Cheese (softened) – 8 oz (1 package)
- Butter (softened) – ¼ cup (half stick)
- Powdered Sugar – 3 cups
- Heavy Cream – 3 tbsp
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberries: Wash and hull fresh strawberries. Puree half of them to mix into the cake batter for natural strawberry flavor, and chop the remaining strawberries to use as garnish or between layers for texture.
- Mix the Cake Batter: Cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Alternate adding vanilla extract and buttermilk with the flour, baking powder, and baking soda mixture. Fold in the strawberry puree gently to maintain moisture and flavor.
- Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly into greased round cake pans. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then whip in heavy cream until the frosting is light, creamy, and spreadable.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top, and add chopped strawberries if desired. Repeat for remaining layers and finish by covering the entire cake with the frosting, smoothing evenly.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth batter and frosting.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
- If frosting is too soft, chill in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before using.
- Choose ripe, fragrant strawberries for the best flavor.
- Level cake layers with a serrated knife for even stacking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: strawberry cake, cream cheese frosting, layer cake, fresh strawberries, dessert, baking, gluten-free option, summer cake