When it comes to elegant yet easy desserts, nothing beats the Strawberry Dream Cake. This delightful cake combines soft, fluffy layers of vanilla sponge with luscious strawberry filling and creamy frosting, creating a dessert that feels like a sweet summer breeze in every bite.
Perfect for birthdays, brunches, or any occasion that calls for something beautiful and delicious, this cake not only tastes amazing but looks stunning with its pink tones and fresh berry topping.
Ingredients
For the Cake Layers
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup fresh strawberry purée
For the Strawberry Filling
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickness)
For the Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup strawberry purée
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Baking Time: 30 minutes
- Cooling & Assembly: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Gently fold in the strawberry purée until evenly mixed.
Step 2: Bake the Cake Layers
- Divide the batter evenly between the pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Strawberry Filling
- In a small saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Simmer for 5–6 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- (Optional) Stir in cornstarch mixed with a teaspoon of water for a thicker texture.
- Cool completely before using.
Step 4: Prepare the Frosting
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add powdered sugar gradually, mixing on low speed.
- Mix in strawberry purée and vanilla extract until fluffy.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a plate and spread strawberry filling evenly over the top.
- Add the second cake layer and cover the entire cake with strawberry cream frosting.
- Decorate with fresh strawberries, mint leaves, or white chocolate shavings.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve chilled for a refreshing dessert on warm days.
- Garnish each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and a fresh strawberry.
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or sparkling rosé for an elegant treat.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 slice) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 385 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Total Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 52 g |
| Sugars | 36 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
| Cholesterol | 80 mg |
Nutritional Notes:
- Strawberries provide vitamin C and antioxidants, making this cake bright and refreshing.
- Cream cheese frosting adds rich creaminess without being overly sweet.
- Buttermilk ensures tender, moist cake layers every time.
- For a lighter version, substitute half the butter with Greek yogurt and reduce sugar by 20%.
Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Dream Cake
- Use fresh strawberries for the best color and flavor — frozen berries can make the cake denser.
- Chill the cake for at least 1 hour before slicing for clean layers.
- Add a few drops of natural beet juice or strawberry powder if you want a deeper pink hue without food coloring.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
The Strawberry Dream Cake is a show-stopping dessert that perfectly balances light, fruity flavors with a creamy, dreamy texture. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or simply treating yourself, this recipe delivers a beautiful, bakery-quality cake that tastes as good as it looks.
Indulge in a slice of this pink perfection and let every bite remind you why strawberries and cream are a timeless pair.