Strawberry Cake With Whipped Cream Recipe

The Perfect Strawberry Cake With Whipped Cream Recipe for Summer

Sweet aromas of summer dance through my kitchen whenever I bake this delightful strawberry cake with whipped cream.

Fresh berries burst with vibrant color against soft, pillowy layers.

Creamy frosting adds a luxurious touch that makes every slice irresistible.

I discovered this recipe during a lazy weekend experiment, blending classic techniques with playful twists.

My family can’t resist the delicate balance between tender cake and luscious fruit.

Seasonal strawberries provide natural sweetness that transforms an ordinary dessert into something magical.

Strawberry Cake Covered in Whipped Cream Delight

Whip Up a Strawberry Sensation: Reasons to Love This Cake

  • Impress with Elegance: Stunning layer cake that looks professionally made, perfect for special occasions and guaranteed to wow guests with its beautiful presentation.
  • Burst with Fresh Flavors: Packed with real strawberry goodness through macerating technique, extract, and fresh fruit, delivering an authentic and vibrant fruity taste experience.
  • Master Baking Skills: Beginner-friendly recipe with clear steps, allowing home bakers to create a sophisticated dessert without advanced pastry training, boosting kitchen confidence.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for birthdays, bridal showers, summer gatherings, or simply treating family to a delightful homemade dessert that appeals to all ages.

Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Fine base for creating a soft cake texture.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
  • Baking Soda: Assists in providing lightness to the cake.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor balance.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cake structure.
  • Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture to the cake.
  • Melted Butter: Contributes rich flavor.
  • Egg Whites: Creates a light and airy cake texture.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds richness and smoothness.
  • Sour Cream: Provides tanginess and moisture.
  • Milk: Helps blend ingredients.
  • Strawberry Extract: Intensifies strawberry flavor.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth.
Frosting and Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a creamy and tangy frosting base.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes frosting.
  • Whipped Cream: Adds lightness and volume to frosting.
  • Strawberry Jelly: Provides additional fruity flavor.
  • Fresh Strawberries: Adds fresh fruit element and decoration.
  • Lemon Juice: Helps macerate strawberries and add brightness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances frosting flavor.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness in frosting.

Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Topping – Steps

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Generously coat three round cake pans with butter and dust with flour, ensuring smooth cake release.

Step 2: Create Dry Foundation

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda until perfectly blended.

Step 3: Build Wet Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk sugar, vegetable oil, and melted butter until silky smooth. Gently incorporate egg whites one at a time, blending thoroughly after each addition.

Step 4: Enhance Liquid Components

Add the following to your wet mixture:
  • Heavy cream
  • Sour cream
  • Milk
  • Strawberry extract
  • Vanilla extract

Stir until ingredients dance together harmoniously.

Step 5: Merge Mixtures

Slowly fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain cake’s delicate texture.

Step 6: Bake Cake Layers

Distribute batter evenly across prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick emerges clean. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to cooling rack.

Step 7: Create Strawberry Marinade

Combine in a bowl:
  • Sliced strawberries
  • Sugar
  • Lemon juice

Let mixture sit for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop rich flavors.

Step 8: Whip Up Dreamy Frosting

Beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually incorporate:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Salt

In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture.

Step 9: Assemble Spectacular Cake

Place first cake layer on serving plate. Spread thin strawberry jelly, top with macerated strawberries, then generously apply frosting. Repeat with second layer. Crown with final layer and frost entire cake. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices for stunning presentation.

Strawberry Cake Serving Ideas

  • Prevent Cake Sinking: Always check oven temperature with a separate thermometer to ensure accurate baking and avoid sunken centers.
  • Boost Strawberry Flavor: Mix a tablespoon of strawberry preserves into the cake batter for an extra intense fruity taste that enhances the overall strawberry profile.
  • Control Moisture Balance: Pat strawberries dry before adding to cake layers to prevent excess liquid from making the cake soggy and compromising texture.
  • Whip Cream Cheese Technique: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature and beat thoroughly to eliminate lumps, creating a smoother, more consistent frosting.
  • Slice Cake Evenly: Use a serrated knife and rotate the cake slowly while cutting to achieve clean, professional-looking cake layers without crumbling.

Strawberry Cake With Whipped Cream: Store Without Droop

  • Store the cake in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the cake away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
  • Wrap the entire unfrosted cake layers individually in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving.
  • Place individual cake slices in sealed containers or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Keep separated to maintain frosting integrity.
  • Bring refrigerated cake to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. For a slightly warm slice, microwave individual pieces for 10-15 seconds on low power, checking to prevent overheating.

Strawberry Cake and Whipped Cream Matches

  • Delightful Beverage Pairing: Sip on a crisp, chilled rosé wine that complements the cake's sweet strawberry flavor and light, airy texture.
  • Refreshing Non-Alcoholic Option: Enjoy a sparkling strawberry mocktail with fresh mint leaves, creating a vibrant and zesty companion to the dessert.
  • Creamy Contrast Companion: Pair with a cold glass of vanilla bean milkshake, which echoes the cake's creamy frosting and adds a rich, smooth counterpoint.
  • Elegant Coffee Match: Serve alongside a smooth, light cappuccino with a hint of vanilla, balancing the cake's sweetness and providing a sophisticated finishing touch.

Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream: Layer Swap Tips

  • Gluten-Free Strawberry Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same light texture while catering to gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegan Strawberry Cake: Substitute egg whites with aquafaba, use coconut oil instead of butter, and replace dairy cream with coconut cream for a plant-based version that maintains the cake's rich flavor profile.
  • Low-Sugar Strawberry Cake: Utilize natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit, reduce sugar content in macerated strawberries, and incorporate fresh berries to enhance natural sweetness without compromising taste.
  • Dairy-Free Strawberry Cake: Swap dairy ingredients with alternatives like almond milk, coconut cream, and dairy-free cream cheese, creating a delicious option for those with lactose intolerance.

FAQs

  • How do I ensure my cake layers are moist and fluffy?

The key is not to overmix the batter. Stir the dry and wet ingredients just until combined to prevent developing too much gluten, which can make the cake tough. Also, be careful not to overbake – remove the cake from the oven when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

  • Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries are best for this recipe, but if you must use frozen, thaw them completely and drain excess liquid. Pat them dry with paper towels to prevent making the cake soggy. Fresh strawberries will give the best flavor and texture to the cake.

  • What if I don't have strawberry extract?

You can substitute with 1/4 cup of strawberry puree or increase the vanilla extract slightly. Alternatively, add a few drops of strawberry-flavored liqueur for depth of flavor. The goal is to enhance the strawberry taste throughout the cake.

  • How can I prevent my whipped cream frosting from becoming runny?

Make sure your cream cheese and heavy cream are very cold before whipping. Use full-fat cream cheese and whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks before folding into the cream cheese mixture.

Print
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Strawberry Cake With Whipped Cream Recipe

Strawberry Cake With Whipped Cream Recipe


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4.7 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Heavenly strawberry cake elevates summer desserts with its lush layers of sweet berries and cloud-like whipped cream. Delicate crumb and fresh fruit create a perfect balance that delights taste buds and brings pure joy to any gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients:

  • 2.5 cups flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1.5 teaspoons salt
  • 0.5 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1.5 cups sugar
  • 4 egg whites
  • 0.75 cups heavy cream
  • 0.5 cups sour cream
  • 0.33 cups vegetable oil
  • 3 tablespoons melted butter
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1.5 teaspoons strawberry extract
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting Ingredients:

  • 1.5 cups powdered sugar
  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 1.67 cups heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.25 teaspoons salt

Fruit and Additional Filling:

  • 4 cups sliced strawberries
  • 0.33 cups sugar
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1 cup slightly warmed strawberry jelly

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F (175°C) and preparing three 8-inch round cake pans with grease and flour coating.
  2. Create a dry ingredient blend by whisking flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda together in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Craft a smooth wet mixture by beating sugar, vegetable oil, and melted butter until well integrated. Incorporate egg whites individually, ensuring thorough mixing after each addition.
  4. Enhance the wet mixture by introducing heavy cream, sour cream, milk, strawberry extract, and vanilla extract. Stir until ingredients are harmoniously combined.
  5. Merge dry and wet ingredients gradually, stirring until just incorporated to maintain a light cake texture.
  6. Distribute batter evenly across prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. Validate doneness with a toothpick test. Rest cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
  7. Prepare strawberry maceration by combining sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Allow mixture to develop flavor for minimum 30 minutes, occasionally stirring to distribute ingredients.
  8. Develop a luxurious frosting by smoothing cream cheese, then gradually integrating powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. In a separate vessel, whip heavy cream to stiff peak consistency. Delicately fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture until achieving a smooth, airy texture.
  9. Construct the cake by positioning first layer on serving plate. Apply thin strawberry jelly layer, top with macerated strawberries, and spread generous frosting. Repeat layering process with second cake layer. Crown with final layer, frost entire cake exterior, and optionally garnish with additional fresh strawberry slices.

Notes

  • Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
  • Sift dry ingredients to prevent lumps and create a lighter, more even cake crumb.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a tough, dense cake – stop mixing as soon as ingredients are just combined.
  • Macerate strawberries in advance to intensify their natural sweetness and create a juicier filling.
  • Line cake pans with parchment paper for easier removal and prevent sticking.
  • Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the most vibrant flavor and color in the cake and decoration.
  • Cool cakes completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure a clean, professional finish.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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