A photorealistic three-tiered strawberry layer cake with pink cream cheese frosting, fresh strawberries, and edible flowers, showcased on a white marble pedestal in a softly blurred professional kitchen setting.

Strawberry Birthday Cake: The Ultimate Celebration Showstopper

Quick & Delightful Strawberry Layer Cake

Key Info:

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 2-3 hours

Servings: 8-12

Difficulty: Intermediate

Dietary: Vegetarian

Equipment Needed:
  • Stand mixer
  • Round cake pans (9″)
  • Cooling rack
  • Measuring tools
  • Offset spatula (optional)
Ingredients:

Cake Batter:

  • 2½ cups cake flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1¾ cups granulated sugar
  • 5 large egg whites
  • ⅓ cup sour cream
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 1 lb fresh strawberries (for reduction)

Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup butter
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries
  • 1-2 tbsp milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
Method:

Strawberry Preparation:

  1. Wash and hull strawberries.
  2. Purée and reduce strawberries until jam-like consistency.
  3. Cool reduction completely.

Close-up of vibrant red strawberries in a copper pot, bubbling and transforming into a glossy reduction as steam rises. Natural light illuminates the jam-like consistency on a marble countertop in a professional kitchen.

Cake Baking:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Grease and line cake pans.
  3. Whisk dry ingredients.
  4. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2-5 minutes).
  5. Add egg whites one at a time.
  6. Mix in vanilla and sour cream.
  7. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk, starting and ending with flour.
  8. Gently fold in strawberry reduction.
  9. Bake 25-35 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.
  10. Cool in pans 10 minutes, then on wire rack.

Professional overhead view of a three-layer strawberry cake being assembled, featuring pink cream cheese frosting swirls, fresh strawberries, and edible flowers, set on a marble countertop with freeze-dried strawberry crumbs.

Frosting:

  1. Beat cream cheese and butter.
  2. Add powdered sugar gradually.
  3. Mix in freeze-dried strawberry powder.
  4. Adjust consistency with milk.

Assembly:

  1. Level cake layers if needed.
  2. Spread frosting between layers.
  3. Frost entire cake.
  4. Decorate with fresh strawberries.
Crucial Tips:
  • Room temperature ingredients are key
  • Don’t overmix batter
  • Cool cakes completely before frosting
  • Use freeze-dried strawberries for intense flavor
Storage:

Refrigerate up to 3 days

Bring to room temperature before serving

Variations:
  • Gluten-free: Use 1:1 GF flour blend
  • Vegan: Substitute dairy and eggs
  • Cupcake version: Adjust baking time
Common Mistakes:
  • Skipping strawberry reduction
  • Over-mixing batter
  • Using cold ingredients
Pro Decorator Tips:
  • Create ombré frosting
  • Use edible flowers
  • Add chocolate drizzle
  • Sprinkle freeze-dried strawberry crumbs

This strawberry birthday cake isn’t just a dessert—it’s a celebration on a plate. Each bite promises a burst of fresh strawberry flavor, creamy frosting, and pure joy. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe guarantees a showstopping centerpiece that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Pin This Now to Remember It Later
Pin This

Similar Posts