Homemade Strawberry Layer Cake with Strawberry Frosting Recipe

Vibrant, sweet, and bursting with berry flavor, this Homemade Strawberry Layer Cake with Strawberry Frosting is the ultimate celebration centerpiece. Imagine pillowy layers of moist strawberry-speckled cake, all wrapped up in a dreamy, pink-hued cream cheese frosting laced with fresh berries. Whether you’re planning a birthday bash, a summer picnic, or just want to brighten up a weekend, this classic treat brings smiles with every fruity forkful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every element in this recipe works its magic to deliver that unmistakable homemade goodness. Simple, familiar ingredients come together to create a cake with rich flavor, tender crumb, and eye-catching color—while the luscious frosting ties everything together.

• White Cake Mix: The trusted foundation, providing a fluffy, dependable base to soak up those bright berry flavors.
• Strawberry Gelatin (Jell-O): Packs the cake with beautiful blush color and bold, unmistakable strawberry flavor.
• Vegetable Oil: Locks in moisture for a sumptuous, tender crumb every time.
• Milk: Adds richness and helps the batter come together smoothly.
• Large Eggs: Give structure and a lovely rise for tall, bakery-style layers.
• Fresh Strawberries (mashed): Brings authentic berry flavor and those gorgeous little flecks in each bite; frozen (thawed and drained) works too.
• Vanilla Extract (optional): Deepens the cake’s flavors and mellows the sweetness with a warm background note.
• Pink Food Coloring (optional): Amp up your cake’s pretty-in-pink hue if you want a truly rosy presentation.
• Cream Cheese: The secret to a tangy, creamy frosting that balances out the sweetness beautifully.
• Unsalted Butter: Soft, buttery richness makes the frosting irresistibly smooth.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for effortless spreading and piping.
• Finely Chopped or Pureed Strawberries: Is responsible for the frosting’s berry burst and natural pink swirl—be sure to drain these well for best texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Infuses the frosting with classic, subtle aroma.
• Pinch of Salt: Highlights the flavors and makes every other ingredient shine a little brighter.

How to Make Homemade Strawberry Layer Cake with Strawberry Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Use a little butter or nonstick spray to grease two 9-inch round cake pans, then sprinkle with flour and tap out the excess. This prevents sticking and ensures your lovely layers come out clean.

Step 2: Mix The Dry Ingredients

In a big mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix and strawberry gelatin powder. This blend will kick off your batter with both the structure of cake and an instant strawberry punch of flavor. Give it a good stir to get everything evenly incorporated.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients and Strawberries

Pour in the vegetable oil, milk, eggs, optional vanilla, and those mashed strawberries. This is where the magic happens! Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the mixture for 2 minutes until it’s smooth and luscious. If you want an extra pop of color, stir in a couple of drops of pink food coloring at this stage.

Step 4: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide your pretty-in-pink batter between the prepped pans, smoothing the tops for even layers. Slide them into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean and the tops spring back with a gentle touch. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Make the Strawberry Frosting

In a fresh bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until it’s gorgeously creamy and lump-free. Gradually sift in powdered sugar, a cup at a time, beating until your frosting is thick and fluffy. Mix in the strawberry puree, vanilla, and a pinch of salt—be sure your berries are well-drained so the frosting isn’t runny. If the frosting feels too soft, pop it in the fridge for a bit before assembling your cake.

Step 6: Assemble and Decorate

On a cake plate, set one layer and slather it with generous spoonfuls of strawberry frosting. Place the second layer on top and use the remaining frosting to blanket the top and sides. For a bakery-worthy touch, load some frosting into a piping bag fitted with a star tip and swirl on extra decoration. Step back and admire your Homemade Strawberry Layer Cake with Strawberry Frosting—almost too pretty to eat, but absolutely irresistible!

How to Serve Homemade Strawberry Layer Cake with Strawberry Frosting

Garnishes

Fresh strawberries are a classic touch—halve or fan them and nestle them on top of your frosted cake for instant elegance. You can also sprinkle over a little extra powdered sugar, swirl on some white chocolate shavings, or even add a few mint leaves for a pop of color. Sometimes, just a handful of edible flowers turns this cake into a true show-stopper.

Side Dishes

If you’re saving room for even more deliciousness, offer a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a bowl of whipped cream alongside each slice. A medley of fresh berries in a little bowl is a lovely, light complement that doubles down on that fruity, fresh flavor. And for celebrations, consider a glass of sparkling rosé or lemonade to really get the party started!

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this treat into cupcakes for easy serving at a picnic or little ones’ birthday parties. You could also cut the baked layers into fun shapes for a garden party or trifle the components in glasses with extra strawberries and cream for a stunning dessert parfait. However you present it, every bite celebrates the magic of Homemade Strawberry Layer Cake with Strawberry Frosting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have cake left, tuck the leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. The cake stays moist and the frosting perfectly creamy for up to 4 days—if it lasts that long! Bring slices to room temperature for the freshest flavor and softest texture before serving again.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake layers (unfrosted) by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, storing up to two months. Frosting also freezes well in an airtight container. For a frosted cake, flash freeze until the frosting is firm, then wrap and store. Thaw overnight in the fridge and let warm slightly before enjoying.

Reheating

This isn’t a cake you’ll want to reheat, but if you forgot to bring a slice to room temperature out of the fridge, a quick 10-15 seconds in the microwave softens it beautifully—just enough to bring back that bakery-fresh feel without melting the frosting.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for the cake and frosting?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain off excess liquid before adding them to either the batter or the frosting. This prevents extra moisture from making your cake or frosting soggy.

Does the strawberry gelatin affect the cake’s texture?

Strawberry gelatin not only boosts the berry flavor and color, but also helps create an ultra-moist, bouncy crumb that makes each slice so satisfying. Don’t skip it—it’s part of what makes this Homemade Strawberry Layer Cake with Strawberry Frosting unique!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Substitute a quality gluten-free white cake mix and check that your strawberry gelatin is gluten-free. The remaining ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’re all set for celiac-friendly celebrations.

Is it possible to reduce the sweetness of the frosting?

If you prefer a tangier, less-sweet finish, reduce the powdered sugar slightly and rely more on the fresh strawberry puree and cream cheese for flavor. You may need to chill the frosting so it firms up enough for spreading and piping.

How far in advance can I assemble the cake?

You can bake the layers and prep the frosting a day ahead, keep them separate, then assemble on the day you plan to serve. The frosted cake holds beautifully for a day or two in the fridge, so feel free to get a head start!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to add a pop of color and burst of berry flavor to your next celebration, you can’t go wrong with this Homemade Strawberry Layer Cake with Strawberry Frosting. It’s simple, show-stopping, and truly a joy to bake (and eat). Gather your berries and enjoy every sweet, creamy, and strawberry-studded bite—you deserve it!

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