Strawberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Fresh Strawberry Garnish Recipe

Introduction

This delightful strawberry cake combines the sweet, fruity flavor of fresh strawberries with a creamy, smooth frosting. Perfect for spring celebrations or any time you want a light, refreshing dessert that’s easy to make and sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 1 box strawberry cake mix
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 tsp strawberry extract (optional)
• 1/2 cup thin strawberry slices, plus more for garnish
• 1/4 cup seedless strawberry jam
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp strawberry extract or vanilla extract
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the cake mix, milk, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth.
3. Step 3: Grease two 9-inch cake pans and divide the batter evenly between them.
4. Step 4: Bake the cakes for 28 to 31 minutes, then remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
5. Step 5: Once cooled, spread the strawberry jam evenly over the top of one cake layer.
6. Step 6: Arrange the thin strawberry slices in a single layer on top of the jam.
7. Step 7: Place the second cake layer on top to form the cake.
8. Step 8: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth.
9. Step 9: Add the strawberry or vanilla extract and heavy whipping cream to the cream cheese mixture.
10. Step 10: Beat on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, creating a fluffy frosting.
11. Step 11: Frost the assembled cake generously and decorate with extra strawberry slices on top.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and a natural sweetness inside and on top of the cake.
• You can substitute vanilla extract for strawberry extract if it’s hard to find; the frosting will still be delicious.
• For extra moisture, lightly brush each cake layer with a strawberry syrup before adding jam and filling.
• If desired, garnish with a few mint leaves to add a pop of color and freshness.

Storage

Store the strawberry cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh. Before serving, let the cake sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes for the best texture. Leftover cake can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to one month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries in the cake batter?

This recipe uses a boxed cake mix for convenience, but adding chopped fresh strawberries to the batter can add moisture and flavor. Fold them in gently before pouring the batter into the pans.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Avoid opening the oven too early to ensure even baking.

Strawberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Fresh Strawberry Garnish Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 92 reviews

• Author: Elara
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

This delightful Strawberry Cake features a moist and flavorful strawberry-flavored cake layered with fresh strawberry slices and seedless strawberry jam, topped with a luscious cream cheese and whipped cream frosting infused with strawberry extract. Perfect for celebrations or a sweet treat, this cake combines the vibrant taste of strawberries with a light, creamy finish.

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Ingredients

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For the Cake

• 1 box strawberry cake mix
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 tsp strawberry extract (optional)

For the Filling

• 1/2 cup thin strawberry slices, plus more to garnish
• 1/4 cup seedless strawberry jam

For the Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp strawberry extract (or vanilla if unavailable)
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the cakes.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the strawberry cake mix, milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and optional strawberry extract until completely combined and smooth.
3. Grease the Cake Pans: Lightly grease two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking, then evenly divide the batter between them.
4. Bake the Cake: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 28 to 31 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove and let cool completely.
5. Assemble the Filling: Once the cakes have cooled, spread the seedless strawberry jam evenly on top of one cake layer, then arrange the thin strawberry slices in a single layer over the jam.
6. Stack the Layers: Place the second cake layer on top of the jam and strawberry-topped layer, creating the cake structure.
7. Make the Frosting: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the strawberry extract and heavy whipping cream, then continue beating on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, creating a light and fluffy frosting.
8. Frost and Decorate: Spread the frosting evenly over the entire cake, then garnish with additional fresh strawberry slices for an inviting presentation.

Notes

• Make sure the cakes are completely cooled before adding the filling and frosting to prevent melting or sliding.
• If strawberry extract is unavailable, vanilla extract is a good substitute to maintain flavor balance.
• For a more intense strawberry taste, you can brush the cake layers with a simple strawberry syrup before applying the jam.
• The cake can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: strawberry cake, strawberry dessert, cream cheese frosting, easy cake recipe, berry cake, homemade strawberry cake