Strawberry Layer Cake

Nothing beats the joy of celebrating special moments with a homemade dessert like Strawberry Layer Cake. I still remember the first time I made this cake for my daughter’s birthday. As the sweet scent of fresh strawberries filled the kitchen, it was like a little piece of magic. This cake became an instant family favorite, with its fluffy layers and creamy frosting that danced on our taste buds. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or just a sunny spring afternoon, Strawberry Layer Cake brings a heartfelt touch to any occasion. The vibrant color and luscious flavor capture the essence of spring, making it the perfect treat to share with loved ones. Let me take you through this delightful and nostalgic recipe that will surely bring smiles around your table.

Recipe Ingredients for Strawberry Layer Cake

The ingredients for this delicious Strawberry Layer Cake create a wonderfully rich and flavorful experience. Each element plays a role in ensuring the cake is soft, moist, and filled with delightful strawberry essence. The key players are self-rising flour for the perfect cake texture, sugar for sweetness, and cream cheese for a rich frosting that complements the cake beautifully.

• Sugar: 2 cups – This is the backbone of the cake, providing sweetness and moisture.
• Self-rising flour: 3¼ cups – Ensures a fluffy texture without the need for additional leavening agents.
• Strawberry jello: 1 (3-oz) package – Adds flavor and a beautiful pink color to the cake.
• Frozen sliced strawberries: 1 cup – Thawed and juiced for a burst of fresh strawberry flavor in the cake.
• Vegetable oil: 1½ cups – Keeps the cake moist and adds richness.
• Eggs: 5 – Provides structure and stability to the cake.
• Ricotta cheese: 3 Tbs – Adds moisture and a slight tang to the cake mixture.
• Cream cheese: 12 oz – Essential for the frosting, creating a creamy and rich finish.
• Butter: ½ cup – Adds flavor and a tender crumb to the cake.
• Strawberry extract: 1 tsp – Amplifies the strawberry flavor in the cake.
• Powdered sugar: 1 (2-lb) bag – For making the creamy frosting.
• Frozen sliced strawberries: ⅓ cup – Adds texture and natural sweetness to the frosting.

Directions for Strawberry Layer Cake

Making a Strawberry Layer Cake is a delightful experience that’s sure to fill your kitchen with delicious aromas. Follow these steps, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a show-stopping dessert. Let’s get started!

1. Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Greasing and flouring two 9-inch cake pans is essential to ensure your cake layers release easily after baking. Set them aside while you prepare the batter.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine 2 cups of sugar, 3¼ cups of self-rising flour, and 1 (3-oz) package of strawberry jello. Mix together until well incorporated.
3. Add in the 1 cup of thawed strawberries along with their juice, 1½ cups of vegetable oil, 5 eggs, and 3 tablespoons of ricotta cheese. Mix until everything is thoroughly combined, and the batter is smooth.
4. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly to ensure a uniform bake.
5. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on the cakes; they are ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pans. This is crucial for the frosting application later.
7. For the frosting, in a separate mixing bowl, combine 12 oz of cream cheese and ½ cup of butter. Mix on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy, about 1 to 2 minutes.
8. Gradually add 2 cups of powdered sugar along with 1 teaspoon of strawberry extract and ⅓ cup of thawed strawberry slices. Mix until well combined and reaches your desired consistency.
9. Prep your cake layers by cutting each layer in half, resulting in four cake layers in total. Take your first layer and place it on a cake stand or plate.
10. Spread a layer of the strawberry frosting on top of the first cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top and repeat this process until all layers are stacked and frosted.
11. Frost the tops and sides of the cake generously with the remaining strawberry frosting. Ensure a smooth finish for a professional look.
12. Refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. This cake can be made ahead of time, which makes it perfect for parties!

Recipe Variations about Strawberry Layer Cake

Every baker loves a good variation! Here are some fun twists on the classic Strawberry Layer Cake that you might want to try:

• Chocolate Strawberry Layer Cake: Add cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolatey twist that pairs wonderfully with strawberries.
• Strawberry Shortcake: Instead of frosting, layer the cake with whipped cream and fresh strawberries for a lighter dessert.
• Lemon Strawberry Layer Cake: Add lemon zest to the batter for a refreshing citrus flavor that complements the strawberries.
• Nutty Crunch: Incorporate crushed nuts between the layers for added texture and flavor contrast.
• Vegan Option: Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce and use plant-based cream for the frosting.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap out the self-rising flour for a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.

What to Serve Alongside Strawberry Layer Cake

• Fresh Fruits: A side of mixed berries or sliced fresh strawberries complements the cake beautifully.
• Ice Cream: Vanilla or strawberry ice cream makes for a delightful pairing that balances the sweetness of the cake.
• Tea or Coffee: A warm cup of tea or coffee is perfect alongside a slice of cake, enhancing the dessert experience.
• Salads: A light summer salad with a citrus vinaigrette makes for a refreshing contrast to the rich cake.
• Picnic Treat: This cake is perfect for outdoor gatherings or picnics, bringing a touch of elegance to your spread.
• Spring Celebrations: Serve during birthdays, baby showers, or bridal showers to wow your guests.

FAQ

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Using fresh strawberries will enhance the flavor of your Strawberry Layer Cake. Just ensure they’re ripe and sweet. You can slice them and sprinkle them between cake layers for added freshness or incorporate them into the frosting for a burst of flavor. Just keep in mind that if they are too juicy, they might make your cake batter a little wetter, so adjust the oil accordingly.

How do I store leftover cake?

To store leftover Strawberry Layer Cake, it’s best to keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help maintain its freshness and moisture. If you prefer, you can also wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them for later enjoyment. It’s a wonderful treat for a snack or dessert throughout the week!

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Definitely! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. The frosting can also be made ahead of time and refrigerated. Just give it a good stir before using. When you’re ready to serve, simply layer and frost the cake. This makes it a convenient option for parties or gatherings!

What can I substitute for the ricotta cheese?

If you don’t have ricotta cheese on hand, you can use mascarpone or even Greek yogurt as a substitute in your Strawberry Layer Cake. Both options will provide a creamy texture, though the flavor may slightly differ. Mascarpone will add a richer taste, while Greek yogurt will introduce a bit of tanginess. Choose based on the flavor profile you prefer!

Conclusion

The Strawberry Layer Cake is truly a delightful dessert that brings joy and sweetness to any gathering. With its fluffy layers and creamy frosting, each slice is a celebration on its own. I encourage you to try this recipe and share it with your loved ones; it’s bound to become a favorite in your household too. So grab your ingredients, and let’s bake something wonderful together!

Strawberry Layer Cake

The ultimate dessert for any celebration! This Strawberry Layer Cake combines fluffy cake layers with creamy, strawberry-infused frosting. It's a treat that brings smiles and joy to the table, making it perfect for birthdays and special occasions. Indulge in a slice tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 12 servings

Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

• 9-inch Round Cake Pan
• Kitchen-Aid Mixer
• Cake Leveler
• Offset Spatula

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups Sugar
• 3.25 cups Self-rising flour
• 1 package Strawberry jello (3 oz)
• 1 cup Frozen sliced strawberries thawed with juices
• 1.5 cups Vegetable oil
• 5 eggs Eggs
• 3 tablespoons Ricotta cheese
• 12 oz Cream cheese room temperature
• 0.5 cup Butter room temperature
• 1 teaspoon Strawberry extract
• 1 bag Powdered sugar (2 lb)
• 0.33 cup Frozen sliced strawberries thawed and drained

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Greasing and flouring two 9-inch cake pans is essential to ensure your cake layers release easily after baking. Set them aside while you prepare the batter.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine 2 cups of sugar, 3¼ cups of self-rising flour, and 1 (3-oz) package of strawberry jello. Mix together until well incorporated.
• Add in the 1 cup of thawed strawberries along with their juice, 1½ cups of vegetable oil, 5 eggs, and 3 tablespoons of ricotta cheese. Mix until everything is thoroughly combined, and the batter is smooth.
• Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly to ensure a uniform bake.
• Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on the cakes; they are ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pans. This is crucial for the frosting application later.
• For the frosting, in a separate mixing bowl, combine 12 oz of cream cheese and ½ cup of butter. Mix on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy, about 1 to 2 minutes.
• Gradually add 2 cups of powdered sugar along with 1 teaspoon of strawberry extract and ⅓ cup of thawed strawberry slices. Mix until well combined and reaches your desired consistency.
• Prep your cake layers by cutting each layer in half, resulting in four cake layers in total. Take your first layer and place it on a cake stand or plate.
• Spread a layer of the strawberry frosting on top of the first cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top and repeat this process until all layers are stacked and frosted.
• Frost the tops and sides of the cake generously with the remaining strawberry frosting. Ensure a smooth finish for a professional look.
• Refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. This cake can be made ahead of time, which makes it perfect for parties!

Notes

• Tip 1: Make sure to use 9-inch cake pans, as the cake will overflow in 8-inch pans.
• Tip 2: You can make the frosting ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to frost.
• Tip 3: Serve the cake at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
• Tip 4: The cake will keep 2 to 3 days at room temperature and 5 to 6 days in the refrigerator.
• Tip 5: I recommend refrigerating the cake if your house temperature is warmer than 70ºF.

Keyword easy cake recipe, layer cake recipe, Strawberry Dessert, strawberry layer cake

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Meet Lydia James

I’m Lydia! I love the challenge of experimenting with new ingredients and finding creative, delicious ways to use up leftovers. My goal is to make your weeknight cooking feel stress-free, exciting, and full of flavor. I loved the creative process behind this dish, and I really hope it becomes a new favorite in your weekly rotation. I can't wait to hear what you think!