Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of fresh strawberries in every bite. This cake is ideal for birthdays, celebrations, or just a sweet afternoon treat. The combination of moist strawberry cake and creamy whipped cream cheese frosting makes it a standout dessert that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Deliciously Flavored: The fresh strawberries add a natural sweetness and vibrant flavor to the cake.
Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
Versatile for Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday party or a family gathering, this cake fits any celebration beautifully.
Beautiful Presentation: The pink hue and fresh strawberry garnishes make this cake visually stunning.
Creamy Frosting: The whipped cream cheese frosting adds a rich, creamy layer that complements the lightness of the cake.
Tools and Preparation
To create your Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will ensure your baking experience is smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Measuring cups
Cake pans (8-inch or 9-inch)
Spatula
Wire racks
Importance of Each Tool
Electric mixer: This tool helps achieve a smooth batter quickly, saving you time and ensuring even mixing.
Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are crucial in baking for consistent results.
Spatula: Perfect for spreading frosting evenly and scraping down the sides of bowls for thorough mixing.
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Cake:
4 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup mashed fresh strawberries (or strawberry puree)
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 box white cake mix (15.25 oz)
1 box strawberry-flavored vegan gelatin (3 oz, like Jell-O)
Optional: 3-4 drops red food coloring for a more vibrant pink
For the Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2-3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold)
How to Make Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350F (175C). Grease and flour three 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans (or line with parchment).
In a large bowl, combine cake mix and strawberry vegan gelatin powder.
Add eggs, milk, oil, sour cream, mashed strawberries, and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the batter is smooth and fluffy.
If desired, add food coloring to intensify the pink color.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
Step 2: Bake
Bake for 22-28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Whipped Frosting
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy.
Add vanilla and gradually beat in powdered sugar until light and creamy.
Pour in cold heavy cream and whip until the frosting is fluffy and holds peaks (about 2-3 minutes). Be careful not to overwhip.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Level the cooled cake layers with a serrated knife if necessary.
Place the first cake layer on a serving plate or cake board. Spread with a layer of frosting.
Add the second and third layers, repeating frosting in between each layer.
Frost the top and sides with remaining frosting. Smooth out or use swirls as desired.
Garnish with fresh strawberries if serving immediately.
How to Serve Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting
Serving Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful experience that can be tailored to any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a summer picnic, or just a sweet treat for the family, here are some creative serving suggestions.
Individual Slices
Serve each slice on a decorative plate for an elegant presentation. Add a sprig of mint for a touch of freshness.
Layered Parfaits
Cut the cake into cubes and layer them in glasses with whipped cream cheese frosting and fresh strawberries for an appealing parfait.
Cupcake Style
Use small cupcake wrappers to create mini versions of the cake topped with frosting. Perfect for parties or gatherings!
With Fresh Fruit
Serve the cake alongside a variety of fresh fruits like blueberries or raspberries. This adds color and complements the flavors.
Ice Cream Accompaniment
Pair slices of the cake with scoops of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
Coffee or Tea Pairing
Offer slices of cake with a warm cup of coffee or tea. The flavors harmonize beautifully for a cozy afternoon treat.
How to Perfect Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting
Achieving the perfect Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting requires attention to detail. Here are some helpful tips to elevate your baking game.
Use Fresh Strawberries: Opt for ripe, juicy strawberries for the best flavor in both the cake and frosting.
Chill Your Ingredients: Ensure your heavy whipping cream is cold; this helps create a fluffier frosting.
Level the Cakes: Take time to level your cooled cake layers before frosting. This ensures a beautiful, even finish.
Don’t Overmix: Mix your batter until just combined to keep the cake light and airy.
Test for Doneness: Use a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
Store Properly: Keep leftover cake covered in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting
Pairing side dishes with Strawberry Cake can enhance your dessert table and provide balance. Here are some great options to consider.
Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and complements the sweetness of the cake.
Lemon Sorbet: The tartness of lemon sorbet contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the cake.
Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide savory notes that balance the sweet flavors.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These treats echo the strawberry theme while adding a decadent touch.
Nutty Granola: A sprinkle of granola on top adds crunch and texture, which enhances each bite of cake.
Herbed Biscuits: Savory biscuits can offset sweetness while providing a satisfying contrast in flavors.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with berries and granola as another refreshing option alongside your cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting, it’s easy to make errors that can affect the final result. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.
Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to be lumpy and affect the cake’s texture.
Overmixing the Batter: Be careful not to overmix once you combine wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than a light, fluffy one.
Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Use proper measuring cups for both dry and liquid ingredients. Inaccurate measurements can change the cake’s consistency and flavor.
Skipping the Cooling Step: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting. Frosting on warm cakes can melt and slide off, ruining your presentation.
Neglecting to Level Cake Layers: If your cake layers are uneven, level them with a serrated knife before stacking. This ensures a stable and aesthetically pleasing cake.
Ignoring Storage Guidelines: Properly store leftover cake in airtight containers. Not following storage instructions can lead to dryness or spoilage.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
Store leftover strawberry cake in an airtight container.
It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
To keep frosting intact, consider keeping each layer separate if possible.
Freezing Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting
Wrap slices of cake tightly in plastic wrap.
Place wrapped slices in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting
Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds. Check frequently to avoid overheating.
Stovetop: Use a pan on low heat; cover it for even warming. It should take about 5 minutes per slice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding the Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting recipe.
Can I use frozen strawberries in my strawberry cake?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries; just thaw and drain excess liquid before adding them to the batter.
How do I achieve a vibrant pink color without food coloring?
You can achieve natural color by using ripe strawberries or pureeing other red fruits like raspberries along with strawberries.
What’s the best way to store leftovers of Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the white cake mix with a gluten-free version available at most grocery stores, ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
How should I decorate my strawberry cake?
Fresh strawberries on top make beautiful decorations. You could also add sprigs of mint or edible flowers for extra flair!
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize it by adding different fruits or flavors into either the cake or frosting. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or simply enjoying dessert at home, this recipe is sure to impress!
Indulge in the delightful experience of making Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting, a perfect dessert for any occasion. This cake captures the essence of fresh strawberries, enveloped in a moist sponge layered with a rich, creamy frosting.
Ingredients
Scale
4 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup mashed fresh strawberries
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 box white cake mix (15.25 oz)
8 oz cream cheese
1 cup unsalted butter
2–3 cups powdered sugar
1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three round cake pans.
In a large bowl, combine cake mix and strawberry vegan gelatin powder. Mix in eggs, milk, oil, sour cream, strawberries, and vanilla until smooth.
Divide batter between pans and bake for 22-28 minutes. Allow cakes to cool completely.
For frosting, beat together cream cheese and butter until fluffy, then add powdered sugar and vanilla. Finally, whip in cold heavy cream until peaks form.
Assemble the cake by layering frosting between cooled layers and finishing with frosting on top.
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:28 minutes
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Nutrition
Serving Size:1 slice (100g)
Calories:320
Sugar:26g
Sodium:210mg
Fat:22g
Saturated Fat:10g
Unsaturated Fat:11g
Trans Fat:0g
Carbohydrates:30g
Fiber:1g
Protein:4g
Cholesterol:80mg
Keywords: Use ripe strawberries for maximum flavor. Chill your heavy cream for fluffier frosting. Level cake layers before stacking for stability.