Moist strawberry cake made with real strawberries and layered with smooth cream cheese frosting. This homemade dessert features a fresh strawberry reduction for natural flavor and vibrant color, making it a perfect choice for birthdays, spring events, and summer parties. Easy to bake with simple ingredients and topped with fresh berries.

A soft and fluffy strawberry cake made with real strawberries, layered with tangy cream cheese frosting, and topped with fresh berries — a show-stopping dessert for spring and summer celebrations.

Ingredients

Strawberry Reduction

900 g (2 punnets) fresh or frozen strawberries
⅓ cup (67 g) white sugar (caster sugar in the UK)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon salt

Strawberry Cake

1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups (400 g) white sugar (caster sugar in the UK)
3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon strawberry emulsion or extract (optional)
2 drops pink gel food coloring (optional)

To Decorate

1 batch cream cheese frosting
8 fresh strawberries

Instructions

1. Make the Strawberry Reduction

In a medium saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and salt.
Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the strawberries start to break down. Use a potato masher to help the process along if needed.

Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until thickened and bubbling heavily (about 10 minutes).
For a smooth reduction, press the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl. You should end up with approximately 1 cup of strawberry reduction.
Let it cool completely, then refrigerate until ready to use.

2. Make the Strawberry Cake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.

Mix in the cooled strawberry reduction and strawberry emulsion/extract (if using).

Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until the batter is smooth.
If desired, add a few drops of pink gel food coloring for a more vibrant color.

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans.
Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Decorate

Once the cakes are completely cool, frost with cream cheese frosting. Top with fresh strawberries for garnish.

Tips

Use ripe, flavorful strawberries for the best-tasting reduction.
Make the reduction ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Sift your dry ingredients to ensure a light, even texture.
Let your butter and eggs come to room temperature for easier mixing.
For even cake layers, weigh the batter as you divide it between pans.

Variations and Substitutions

No strawberry emulsion? Use extra reduction for flavor or add a bit of vanilla extract.
Make it gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Different frosting: Swap cream cheese frosting for whipped cream or mascarpone frosting.
Add filling: Layer with strawberry jam or fresh sliced strawberries between the cakes.
Use frozen berries: Thaw and drain them before cooking down into a reduction.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, bake the cake layers a day ahead, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and frost the next day.

Can I freeze the cake?
Absolutely. Freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before decorating.

What does strawberry emulsion do?
It boosts the strawberry flavor without adding moisture, and holds up better during baking than extracts.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect for birthdays, bridal showers, Easter, or summer gatherings.
Serve with fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Garnish with mint leaves and extra strawberry slices for a fresh finish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Real strawberry flavor in every bite
Moist, soft crumb with a buttery texture
Cream cheese frosting adds rich tanginess
Stunning presentation with simple ingredients
Easy to make ahead and freezer-friendly