Delight in a luscious Strawberry Dream Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, perfect for celebrations or a sweet everyday treat. This cake brings together moist, fluffy layers of strawberry-infused goodness with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re marking a special occasion or simply craving something delicious, this recipe offers an irresistible combination of fresh flavors and creamy textures that will quickly become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh Strawberry Flavor: Bursting with real strawberries, this cake captures the essence of summer in every bite.
Moist and Fluffy Layers: Carefully balanced ingredients ensure each layer is soft, airy, and perfectly tender.
Cream Cheese Frosting Magic: The tangy cream cheese frosting adds just the right amount of richness to complement the sweetness of the cake.
Versatile for Any Occasion: Elegant enough for parties yet simple enough for a casual dessert.
Easy to Follow: Step-by-step instructions that make baking this dream cake a breeze, even for beginners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind the Strawberry Dream Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a critical role in creating the perfect texture, moistness, and flavor harmony you’ll adore.

Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe, juicy strawberries for maximum natural sweetness and vibrant color.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides the sturdy structure needed for fluffy cake layers.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Vital leavening agents that ensure your cake rises beautifully.
Sugar: Balances tartness and enhances the natural strawberry flavor.
Butter and Oil Blend: Combines flavor from butter with moisture from oil for a tender crumb.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness to the cake batter.
Vanilla Extract: Deepens the overall flavor and complements the strawberry notes.
Milk or Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang to enhance crumb softness.
Cream Cheese: The star of the frosting, delivering tang and creaminess.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thicken the frosting without graininess.
Lemon Juice or Zest: Adds a subtle brightness to the frosting and cake batter.

Variations for Strawberry Dream Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Feel free to make this cake your own by trying different twists and adaptations. Whether you want to suit dietary needs or experiment with flavors, this recipe is incredibly flexible and easy to modify.

Vegan Version: Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal and use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives.
Gluten-Free Twist: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend.
Mixed Berry Delight: Add blueberries or raspberries alongside strawberries for a berry medley.
Chocolate Infusion: Incorporate cocoa powder into the batter for strawberry-chocolate layers.
Less Sweet Frosting: Reduce powdered sugar or add a touch of Greek yogurt for tangier frosting.

Irresistible Strawberry Dream Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

How to Make Strawberry Dream Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

Wash, hull, and finely chop the fresh strawberries. For an extra burst of flavor, lightly mash a few to release their juice, which will be folded into the batter to infuse the strawberry essence throughout each layer.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents for a uniform rise and tender crumb.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This aeration step is crucial for a soft cake texture and helps incorporate volume into the batter.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully absorbed before adding the next. Then, stir in vanilla extract to deepen the flavor.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternate adding the dry ingredient mixture and milk (or buttermilk) to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Gently fold in the chopped strawberries, careful not to overmix to avoid dense layers.

Step 6: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between greased and lined cake pans. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the layers cool completely before frosting.

Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of lemon juice or zest. Mix until fluffy and spreadable.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake

Place the first cake layer on a serving plate, spread an even layer of frosting, then repeat with the remaining layers. Finish by covering the top and sides with frosting, smoothing for a beautiful finish.

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Dream Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room temperature eggs, butter, and cream cheese for easier mixing and better texture.
Don’t Overmix Batter: Gently fold ingredients to keep the cake light and airy.
Fresh Strawberries: Choosing high-quality fresh strawberries is key for authentic flavor.
Chill Frosting Slightly: If the cream cheese frosting is too soft, refrigerate briefly before spreading to prevent sliding.
Even Layers: Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for equal distribution of batter to ensure uniform layers.

How to Serve Strawberry Dream Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

Top your cake with fresh strawberry slices, edible flower petals, or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant and inviting finish that enhances the fresh, fruity theme.

Side Dishes

Pair slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a refreshing fruit salad to balance richness with lightness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the cake on a pretty cake stand with fresh strawberry garnishes around the base or crate a mini dessert bar featuring smaller cake slices paired with complementary berry sauces or chocolate drizzle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Strawberry Dream Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent the frosting from spoiling. It can last up to 3-4 days when properly wrapped.

Freezing

Wrap individual cake layers or the fully assembled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

Since this cake is best served chilled or at room temperature, avoid reheating. Instead, let frozen cake thaw naturally to preserve the texture and flavor integrity.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture which can alter the batter’s consistency and cake texture.

Is this cake suitable for a birthday celebration?

Absolutely! The Strawberry Dream Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is festive and elegant, making it an excellent choice for birthdays and other special occasions.

How do I prevent the cream cheese frosting from being too runny?

Ensure your cream cheese and butter are well chilled before mixing and sift powdered sugar to prevent lumps; chilling the frosting after mixing can also help firm it up.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, swapping regular flour for a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum can yield excellent results while keeping the cake moist and tender.

How long does it take to make this cake from start to finish?

With preparation, baking, cooling, and frosting, expect to spend around 2 to 3 hours. Cooling time is essential for the best texture and appearance.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like biting into a slice of Strawberry Dream Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting—the perfect harmony of juicy strawberries, fluffy cake layers, and tangy frosting makes every bite a celebration. Whether you’re baking for a special event or to brighten your day, this recipe is sure to bring joy and smiles around the table. So roll up your sleeves, gather those fresh strawberries, and make your kitchen smell like sweet dreams today!

Strawberry Dream Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Print Recipe

Indulge in a moist and fluffy Strawberry Dream Layer Cake infused with fresh strawberries and topped with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting. This elegant yet simple cake is perfect for celebrations or satisfying everyday sweet cravings, combining juicy strawberry flavor with a creamy, luscious texture.

Author: Sarah
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 2 to 3 hours (including cooling and assembly)
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free flour substitution)

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, washed, hulled, and finely chopped
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free baking blend for gluten-free version)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs (or flaxseed meal equivalents for vegan version)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup milk or buttermilk
1 teaspoon lemon zest or 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese, softened (dairy-free alternative for vegan option)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
3–4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon juice or 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions

Prepare the Strawberries: Wash, hull, and finely chop the fresh strawberries. Lightly mash a few to release their juice and fold into the batter to infuse flavor.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy to create a soft cake texture and add volume.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, fully absorbing each before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for depth of flavor.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk (or buttermilk) to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Gently fold in chopped strawberries, being careful not to overmix to maintain lightness.
Bake the Cake Layers: Divide batter evenly between greased and lined cake pans. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let layers cool completely.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice or zest. Mix until fluffy and spreadable.
Assemble the Cake: Place first cake layer on a serving plate, spread an even layer of frosting, then repeat with remaining layers. Cover top and sides, smoothing for a polished finish.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs, butter, and cream cheese for easier mixing and better texture.
Gently fold batter ingredients to keep cake layers light and airy.
Choose high-quality fresh strawberries for authentic flavor.
If frosting is too soft, refrigerate briefly before spreading to prevent sliding.
Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to evenly divide batter for uniform layers.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 28 g
Sodium: 180 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 1.5 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 65 mg

Keywords: strawberry cake, cream cheese frosting, layer cake, gluten-free cake, berry dessert, celebration cake