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Strawberry Dream Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Strawberry Dream Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
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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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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

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

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/strawberry-dream-layer-cake-with-cream-cheese-frosting/