Description
Strawberry Dream Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting combines moist, fluffy cake layers infused with fresh strawberry puree, layered and topped with a tangy, creamy cream cheese frosting. This visually stunning and flavorful dessert is perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or any sweet craving.
Ingredients
For the Cake Layers
- Fresh Strawberries – 1 cup (hulled and pureed)
- All-Purpose Flour – 2 ½ cups
- Granulated Sugar – 1 ¾ cups
- Butter – ½ cup (1 stick), softened
- Eggs – 3 large
- Buttermilk – 1 cup
- Baking Powder – 2 teaspoons
- Baking Soda – ½ teaspoon
- Salt – ¼ teaspoon
- Vanilla Extract – 1 ½ teaspoons
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cream Cheese – 8 oz, softened
- Butter – ½ cup (1 stick), softened
- Powdered Sugar – 4 cups
- Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon
For Decorating
- Fresh Strawberry slices – as needed
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberry Puree: Wash and hull fresh strawberries, then blend them into a smooth puree. This puree adds natural strawberry flavor and moisture to the cake layers.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt for even distribution of leaveners and seasoning.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy to create an airy cake base.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract and buttermilk alternately with the dry ingredients. Fold in the strawberry puree last for an even pink hue and consistent flavor.
- Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly between prepared cake pans. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Then allow cakes to cool completely.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is smooth, spreadable, and well combined.
- Assemble the Cake: Layer the cooled cakes with a generous spread of frosting between each layer. On the final layer, spread frosting evenly and decorate with fresh strawberry slices for a beautiful finish.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter, eggs, and cream cheese to achieve smooth batter and frosting.
- Do not overmix the batter; mix only until ingredients are combined to maintain tender cake layers.
- If frosting feels too soft, chill for 15-20 minutes to make spreading easier.
- Use fresh strawberries in season for the best natural flavor and sweetness.
- Trim and level your cake layers for a professional and even assembly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: thirty-five grams
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: strawberry layer cake, cream cheese frosting, fresh strawberry cake, birthday cake, moist cake