Description

This Homemade Strawberry Layer Cake with Strawberry Frosting is the ultimate dessert for strawberry lovers. Made with real strawberries baked right into moist, fluffy cake layers and topped with a naturally pink, rich strawberry buttercream, it’s a show-stopping treat perfect for birthdays, spring gatherings, or any sweet occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup whole milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups fresh strawberry puree (strained)
Pink or red food coloring (optional, for deeper color)
For the Strawberry Frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 1/2 to 4 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed into powder
2–3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Mix in sour cream and milk until smooth.
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the strawberry puree. Do not overmix.
Add a few drops of food coloring if desired for a brighter pink hue.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
For the frosting, beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar gradually, then mix in freeze-dried strawberry powder, vanilla, salt, and cream until smooth and fluffy.
Assemble the cake by layering with frosting between each layer and spreading evenly on the outside. Decorate as desired.

Notes

Use ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor in both the cake and frosting.
Freeze-dried strawberries give a strong, natural strawberry flavor without making the frosting runny.
Chill the cake before slicing for cleaner layers.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 430
Sugar: 38g
Sodium: 190mg
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: strawberry layer cake, homemade strawberry cake, strawberry buttercream, fresh strawberry dessert, layered fruit cake