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Homemade Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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If you’ve ever dreamed of a cake bursting with fresh, fruity flavor and a creamy, dreamy frosting to match, then you’re going to adore this Homemade Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It’s the kind of dessert that brings sunshine to your table — tender, moist layers infused with strawberry essence, crowned by a luscious cream cheese frosting studded with real strawberries. Whether it’s for a special celebration or just because you deserve a sweet treat, this cake promises a perfect balance of light sweetness and rich texture that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Homemade Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is where the magic begins. Each component plays a starring role in creating that classic strawberry flavor and the moist, fluffy texture that makes this cake so memorable.

  • 2 cups sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly without overpowering the strawberry flavor.
  • 3¼ cups self-rising flour: Provides a light, tender crumb with just the right amount of rise.
  • 1 (3-oz) package strawberry jello: Packs an intense strawberry punch and beautiful pink color.
  • 1 cup frozen sliced strawberries with juices, thawed: Adds real fruit texture and juicy sweetness.
  • 1½ cups vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and soft throughout.
  • 5 eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
  • 3 Tbsp ricotta cheese: Contributes creaminess and a subtle tang for depth.
  • 12 oz cream cheese, room temperature: Base for the luscious frosting with a smooth, velvety texture.
  • ½ cup butter, room temperature: Adds richness and helps the frosting hold its shape.
  • 2 cups sugar: Sweetens the frosting just right.
  • 1 tsp strawberry extract: Intensifies the strawberry aroma for an extra burst of flavor.
  • 1 (2-lb) bag powdered sugar: Ensures a silky, spreadable frosting.
  • â…“ cup frozen sliced strawberries, thawed and drained: Provides lovely texture and bursts of juicy strawberry inside the frosting.

How to Make Homemade Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF and greasing and flouring two 9-inch cake pans. This little step makes sure your beautiful cake layers don’t stick and come out clean every time, setting the stage for a flawless bake.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

Using your electric mixer with the paddle attachment, blend the sugar, self-rising flour, and strawberry jello until evenly combined. Then, add in the thawed sliced strawberries along with their juices, vegetable oil, eggs, and ricotta cheese. Mix until everything melds into a smooth, fragrant batter bursting with strawberry goodness.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and slide them into the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove your cakes and let them cool completely — patience here means your frosting won’t melt or slide off.

Step 4: Whip Up the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

With your mixer still ready, beat the cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy, which usually takes about 1 to 2 minutes. Then stir in the sugar, strawberry extract, and thawed strawberry slices. Gradually fold in the powdered sugar until your frosting reaches the perfect spreadable consistency — smooth, creamy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavors.

Step 5: Assemble Your Layers

Carefully cut each cake layer in half so you end up with four beautiful, thin layers. Place one layer on your cake stand or plate and generously spread strawberry frosting over it. Repeat with the next layers, frosting between each, then finish by covering the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. This layered construction ensures every bite is packed with strawberry love.

Step 6: Chill Before Serving

Pop your masterpiece into the refrigerator and let it chill until you’re ready to serve. This helps the frosting set and the flavors meld beautifully, making each slice a luscious experience.

How to Serve Homemade Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Homemade Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A fresh touch takes this cake to the next level. Consider topping it with fresh strawberry halves, edible flowers, or a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios for a pop of color and texture that complements the strawberry cream cheese frosting perfectly.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with light accompaniments such as freshly whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or even a chilled glass of rosé. These sides balance richness and add refreshing contrast to the sweet, creamy layers.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your presentation up a notch by serving slices on pretty plates with a drizzle of strawberry coulis or a dusting of powdered sugar. For gatherings, arranging mini cake slices in individual cups with a spoon makes for an adorable and mess-free treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Slice up any leftover Homemade Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe and store it covered in the fridge. The frosting’s cream cheese base means refrigeration is key to keep everything fresh and luscious for up to 4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before frosting. Avoid freezing the frosted cake as the texture can suffer upon thawing.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer, let refrigerated slices sit out for 30 minutes before serving to bring out the full strawberry cream cheese frosting flavor and creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh strawberries bring an excellent texture and flavor. Just be sure to finely chop them and remove excess moisture so they don’t make the batter too watery.

What if I don’t have strawberry jello? Can I substitute it?

Strawberry jello adds both flavor and color, but if you don’t have it, you can use strawberry gelatin powder or a combination of fresh strawberry puree with a touch of food coloring. The jello also helps with the cake’s moisture and softness.

Is there a way to make this cake less sweet?

Yes! You can reduce the sugar in both the cake and frosting by a quarter cup each, but keep in mind it may slightly affect texture and stability, especially in the frosting. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Switching to a gluten-free self-rising flour blend can work, but results vary depending on the brand. Make sure your blend includes xanthan gum or another binding agent to maintain the cake’s structure and moisture.

How long does this cake stay fresh?

Refrigerated, it stays fresh for up to four days, but it’s at its absolute best within the first two. For the freshest taste and texture, bake and frost just before serving when possible.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so joyful about making and sharing this Homemade Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, and I hope it becomes a cherished favorite in your kitchen too. From its tender, strawberry-infused layers to the rich, creamy frosting dotted with fruity sweetness, every bite feels like a celebration. So, grab your apron and get ready to create a show-stopping dessert that’s bound to bring smiles and requests for the recipe from everyone lucky enough to taste it!

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Homemade Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe


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4.4 from 45 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Homemade Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful, moist cake bursting with strawberry flavor in every bite. Featuring layers of tender cake made with strawberry jello and fresh strawberries, topped with a luscious strawberry-infused cream cheese frosting, this cake is perfect for celebrations or a special dessert treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3¼ cups self-rising flour
  • 1 (3-oz) package strawberry jello
  • 1 cup frozen sliced strawberries with juices, thawed
  • 1½ cups vegetable oil
  • 5 eggs
  • 3 Tbsp ricotta cheese

Frosting Ingredients

  • 12 oz cream cheese, room temperature
  • ½ cup butter, room temperature
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 tsp strawberry extract
  • 1 (2-lb) bag powdered sugar
  • â…“ cup frozen sliced strawberries, thawed and drained

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans to ensure the cake doesn’t stick and set them aside for later use.
  2. Make Cake Batter: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the sugar, self-rising flour, and strawberry jello powder. Add the thawed frozen strawberries with their juices, vegetable oil, eggs, and ricotta cheese. Mix on medium speed until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the batter is smooth.
  3. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pans before proceeding.
  4. Prepare Frosting: In a clean bowl of an electric mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and butter together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add the granulated sugar, strawberry extract, and the thawed, drained strawberry slices. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing slowly until the frosting reaches your desired thickness and consistency.
  5. Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, cut each cake layer in half horizontally to create four equal layers. Place one layer onto a cake stand or serving plate. Spread a generous amount of strawberry frosting evenly on top. Repeat this process with the remaining layers, stacking and frosting each. Finish by spreading the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake.
  6. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the completed cake until you’re ready to serve. This allows the frosting to set and the flavors to meld beautifully.

Notes

  • Use room temperature eggs and cream cheese for smoother mixing and better texture.
  • Make sure the frozen strawberries are fully thawed before adding to ensure even flavor distribution.
  • Adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting for your preferred sweetness and consistency.
  • For best results, allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
  • This cake is best served chilled but can be brought to room temperature before serving for enhanced flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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