If you have a soft spot for luscious, fruity desserts that celebrate the freshness of strawberries, you are going to adore this Strawberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It’s a perfect balance of moist, tender cake studded with real strawberries and topped with a tangy, creamy frosting that feels like a hug in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or craving a sweet treat that feels like a slice of summertime, this recipe is not only straightforward but irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Strawberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe plays its own starring role, coming together to create a beautiful harmony of flavor, texture, and color. From the cake mix that provides a moist base to the fresh strawberries that give bursts of juicy freshness, every item is thoughtfully chosen.
- Strawberry Cake mix (1 box – 15.25 ounces): The foundation of our cake with a tender crumb and strawberry flavor.
- Water (1 cup): Helps hydrate the cake mix for a perfect batter consistency.
- Oil (1/3 cup): Adds moisture and richness to keep the cake wonderfully soft.
- Eggs (3 large): Bind the ingredients together and add structure.
- Sour cream (1/3 cup): Contributes to a tender crumb and slight tang that pairs beautifully with the sweet strawberries.
- Freshly chopped strawberries (1 cup): The star ingredient that infuses the cake with real fruit flavor and delightful texture.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Creates a luscious, tangy frosting that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cake.
- Salted butter (1/3 cup, softened): Adds creaminess and depth to the frosting.
- Powdered sugar (3 ½ cups): Sweetens the frosting while adding a smooth texture.
- Milk (3 tablespoons): Used to achieve that perfect frosting consistency, neither too thick nor runny.
- Vanilla (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor of the frosting with a warm aroma.
How to Make Strawberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray so the cake releases easily after baking. In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix with water, oil, eggs, and sour cream. Mix everything on low speed using a hand mixer until the ingredients come together, then bump it up to medium speed for about 30 seconds for a smooth, well-incorporated batter. Gently fold in the freshly chopped strawberries to add little bursts of juicy freshness throughout your cake base without overmixing.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
Pour your strawberry-packed batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Place it in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This ensures your cake is moist but fully cooked. Once done, take it out and allow it to cool completely before moving on to frosting. Patience pays off here; cold cake means your cream cheese frosting will spread smoothly without melting.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake cools, it’s time to whip up the irresistible cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and salted butter together until creamy and fluffy — this usually takes about two minutes. Next, gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, blending thoroughly between each addition to avoid lumps. Pour in milk and vanilla extract, then continue beating on medium speed until your frosting is silky, smooth, and spreadable.
Step 4: Frost and Serve
Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly across the top. The contrast between the light, moist strawberry cake and the tangy, luscious frosting is just divine. Cut into 12 generous servings and prepare for some well-earned compliments!
How to Serve Strawberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate this cake’s beauty and flavor by adding fresh strawberry slices on top just before serving. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of edible rose petals can add a charming touch perfect for a festive occasion or simply to impress your guests.
Side Dishes
This Strawberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe shines brightest on its own, but if you want to serve sides, consider a simple scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. Fresh berries or a glass of chilled lemonade also complement the cake’s fruity vibrancy perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a delightful twist, cut the cake into small squares and serve on decorative toothpicks for a party-friendly finger food version. Alternatively, layer slices of the cake with whipped cream and strawberry slices to make individual trifles or parfaits that taste as good as they look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, no worries — this cake stays fresh for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keeping it chilled preserves the cream cheese frosting’s perfect texture and prevents the cake from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake without frosting for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then prepare the frosting fresh for best results.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t typically necessary. If you prefer it slightly warm, allow individual slices to come to room temperature before serving; avoid microwaving to prevent the frosting from melting.
FAQs
Can I substitute fresh strawberries with frozen ones?
While fresh strawberries provide the best texture and flavor in this Strawberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, you can use frozen ones if fresh aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that could affect the cake’s texture.
Is there a way to make this cake from scratch instead of using boxed mix?
Absolutely! You can replace the strawberry cake mix with a homemade strawberry cake batter, incorporating fresh strawberry puree or freeze-dried strawberry powder to replicate the flavor. However, using the mix keeps the recipe quick and accessible for everyone.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
If you choose a gluten-free strawberry cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free, this recipe can be adapted. Just pay attention to cross-contamination risks if you have severe allergies.
How do I prevent the cream cheese frosting from becoming too runny?
Use well-chilled cream cheese and butter and beat them until just fluffy, not melted. Adding powdered sugar gradually and chilling the frosting before spreading can also help maintain a thick consistency.
What’s the best way to chop strawberries for this cake?
Chop them into small, evenly sized pieces about ¼ inch to ensure they distribute evenly without sinking to the bottom of the batter or creating uneven pockets of moisture.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is truly one of those crowd-pleasing desserts that you’ll find yourself baking again and again. It’s simple enough for a weekday treat yet special enough for celebrations, with a perfect balance of fruity freshness and creamy indulgence. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to make a cake that’s as joyful to bake as it is to eat!
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Strawberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delightful Strawberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting features a moist and flavorful strawberry-infused cake enhanced with freshly chopped strawberries. Topped with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting, it’s a perfect treat for celebrations or any time you crave a sweet, fruity dessert.
Ingredients
Strawberry Cake
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) Strawberry Cake mix (I used Pillsbury’s Moist Supreme)
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 cup freshly chopped strawberries
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup salted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, water, oil, eggs, and sour cream. Use a hand mixer to beat the mixture on low speed until ingredients are just combined, then increase to medium speed and beat for about 30 seconds to ensure a smooth batter.
- Fold in Fresh Strawberries: Gently fold in 1 cup of freshly chopped strawberries into the batter with a spatula, mixing just until incorporated to keep the strawberries intact.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Once done, remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and salted butter with a hand mixer until the mixture is creamy and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add Powdered Sugar, Milk, and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, beating well after each addition to avoid lumps. Then add the milk and vanilla extract and continue beating on medium speed until the frosting is smooth and free of lumps.
- Frost and Serve: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the surface. Slice into servings and enjoy your delicious strawberry cake with cream cheese frosting!
Notes
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before applying the frosting to prevent melting.
- Freshly chopped strawberries add natural sweetness and texture; however, you can substitute with frozen thawed strawberries if fresh are unavailable.
- The cake mix used is a strawberry-flavored boxed mix, which simplifies the preparation without compromising flavor.
- For a lighter frosting, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar or use reduced-fat cream cheese and butter.
- This cake can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
