Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful treat perfect for any celebration. This cake stands out with its vibrant flavor and creamy texture, making it an ideal choice for birthdays, gatherings, or just a special dessert at home. The combination of fresh strawberries and luscious cream cheese frosting creates a beautiful and delicious dessert that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Fruity Flavor: The use of fresh strawberries gives this cake an amazing taste that’s refreshing and light.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can whip this cake up in no time.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a summer picnic, this cake fits right in.
• Showstopper Presentation: With its lovely layers and whipped frosting, this cake is visually impressive.
• Customizable Options: You can adjust the sweetness or add different fruits for variety.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, ensure you have the right tools on hand to make the process smooth.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups
• Baking pans (8-inch or 9-inch)
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric Mixer: Ensures that your batter becomes smooth and fluffy quickly.
• Measuring Cups: Accurate measurements are essential for achieving the perfect cake texture.
• Baking Pans: The right size helps your cake bake evenly without overcrowding.

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Cake:

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup mashed fresh strawberries (or strawberry puree)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 box white cake mix (15.25 oz)
• 1 box strawberry-flavored vegan gelatin (3 oz, like Jell-O)
• Optional: 3-4 drops red food coloring for a more vibrant pink

For the Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2-3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold)

How to Make Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350F (175C). Grease and flour three 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans (or line with parchment).
2. In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix and strawberry vegan gelatin powder.
3. Add in the eggs, milk, oil, sour cream, mashed strawberries, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until smooth.
4. If desired, add food coloring to enhance the pink hue of the batter.
5. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and smooth out the tops.

Step 2: Bake

1. Place the pans in the oven and bake for 22-28 minutes.
2. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
3. Allow cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Whipped Frosting

1. In a large bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and fluffy.
2. Gradually add vanilla extract followed by powdered sugar; mix until light and creamy.
3. Pour in cold heavy cream and whip until fluffy peaks form (about 2-3 minutes). Avoid overwhipping.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Level each cooled cake layer with a serrated knife if needed.
2. Place one layer on a serving plate or cake board, spreading a layer of frosting on top.
3. Repeat layering with frosting between each subsequent layer until all layers are stacked.
4. Use remaining frosting to coat the top and sides of the cake smoothly or create swirls as desired.
5. Garnish with fresh strawberries if serving immediately.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your homemade Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting!

How to Serve Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

Serving strawberry cake with whipped cream cheese frosting can elevate any occasion, from birthday parties to casual gatherings. Here are some delightful ways to present this delicious dessert.

Classic Slice

• Serve a generous slice of the strawberry cake on a dessert plate, garnished with a fresh strawberry on top for an eye-catching presentation.

Layered Parfait

• Crumble leftover cake and layer it in a glass with whipped cream cheese frosting and fresh strawberries for an elegant parfait.

Mini Cupcakes

• Bake the batter in mini cupcake tins instead of round pans. Top with the frosting and serve as bite-sized treats for guests.

Cake Pops

• Use leftover cake to create cake pops by mixing crumbled cake with frosting, shaping them into balls, and coating with melted chocolate.

Outdoor Picnic Treats

• Pack slices of strawberry cake in individual containers for an easy-to-carry dessert option during outdoor picnics or barbecues.

How to Perfect Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

To ensure your strawberry cake turns out perfectly every time, follow these handy tips.

• Use Fresh Strawberries: Opt for ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor and natural sweetness in both the cake and frosting.

• Sift Powdered Sugar: Sifting powdered sugar helps prevent lumps in your frosting, resulting in a smoother texture.

• Cold Ingredients: Keep your cream cheese and butter at room temperature before mixing. This creates a fluffier frosting.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to maintain a light texture; overmixing can lead to a dense cake.

• Cool Completely: Allow the layers to cool completely before frosting. This prevents melting and ensures neat layers.

• Experiment with Flavors: Try adding lemon or orange zest to your frosting for a refreshing twist that complements the strawberries.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

Pairing side dishes with your strawberry cake can enhance the overall experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds color and balances the sweetness of the cake.

2. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is a classic complement that provides a cool contrast to the warm flavors of the cake.

3. Lemon Sorbet: This light, citrusy sorbet offers a zesty palate cleanser between bites of rich strawberry cake.

4. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can provide savory notes that balance out the sweetness of the dessert.

5. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: Elevate your dessert table further by serving chocolate-covered strawberries alongside each slice.

6. Mint Tea: Brewed mint tea can be served hot or iced, providing a refreshing beverage option that pairs well with dessert flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a perfect Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting requires attention to detail. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Wrong Oven Temperature: Baking at the incorrect temperature can lead to unevenly baked cakes. Always preheat your oven to the specified temperature and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.

• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can make the cake dense. Mix until just combined, ensuring the batter is smooth but not overworked.

• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Using incorrect measurements can affect the texture and flavor of your cake. Use measuring cups and spoons for precise amounts.

• Skipping Cooling Time: Frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt. Allow your cake layers to cool completely on wire racks before frosting.

• Using Cold Ingredients: Cold eggs or butter can lead to a lumpy batter. Bring all ingredients to room temperature before mixing for best results.

• Ignoring Frosting Instructions: Overwhipping the frosting can cause it to become too stiff. Whip until soft peaks form, then stop to maintain a creamy texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat individual slices for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covered, for several minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting:

Can I use frozen strawberries in the cake?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture in the batter.

How do I achieve a vibrant pink color in my cake?

Adding red food coloring can enhance the pink color of your Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting. Start with small drops until you reach your desired shade.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute regular cake mix with a gluten-free version, ensuring all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

How should I store leftover frosting?

Store leftover whipped cream cheese frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different fruits or flavors. Try it today and impress your friends and family with this delightful dessert!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 53 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge in the delightful taste of Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting, a perfect dessert for any gathering or celebration. This cake features a moist and fluffy strawberry sponge infused with fresh strawberries, layered generously with creamy whipped cream cheese frosting. Its vibrant pink hue makes it visually stunning, while the combination of flavors provides a refreshing and light treat that everyone will adore. Ideal for birthdays, picnics, or just a sweet surprise at home, this cake is easy to make and customizable for your preferences. Enjoy the burst of fruity flavor in every slice!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup mashed fresh strawberries (or strawberry puree)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 box white cake mix (15.25 oz)
• 1 box strawberry-flavored vegan gelatin (3 oz)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2–3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold)
• Optional: 3-4 drops red food coloring for a more vibrant pink

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three round baking pans.
2. In a large bowl, mix the white cake mix and strawberry vegan gelatin powder.
3. Combine eggs, milk, oil, sour cream, mashed strawberries, and vanilla extract; beat until smooth.
4. Divide batter among prepared pans and bake for 22-28 minutes until done.
5. For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy; add powdered sugar and vanilla, then whip in cold heavy cream.
6. Level cooled cake layers and assemble with frosting in between; finish by coating the top and sides.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 28 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 55mg