INTRODUCTION
Strawberry Cream Cheese Layer Cake is a beautifully soft and moist dessert that combines fluffy vanilla cake layers with rich cream cheese frosting and a delicate strawberry filling. This cake is a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess, with a light fruity touch that makes it refreshing and indulgent at the same time.
Each layer is tender and buttery, while the cream cheese frosting adds a smooth, slightly tangy contrast that enhances the strawberry flavor. The result is a cake that looks elegant, tastes amazing, and feels like something straight from a bakery.
Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions, this cake is easy to make yet impressive enough to serve guests. Its soft texture and creamy layers make every bite melt in your mouth.
If you love classic layered cakes with a fruity twist, this Strawberry Cream Cheese Layer Cake will quickly become one of your favorite recipes.
INGREDIENTS
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam or preserves
For Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Decoration:
- Pink frosting or whipped cream
- Fresh strawberries
PREPARATION
Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pans
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two round cake pans.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Alternate adding flour mixture and milk into the batter, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until smooth.
Step 6: Bake
Divide batter evenly into pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool Completely
Let cakes cool fully before assembling.
Step 8: Prepare Frosting
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy.
Step 9: Assemble Cake
Spread strawberry jam over one cake layer, add a layer of cream cheese frosting, then place the second cake layer on top. Frost the entire cake smoothly.
VARIATION
- Add fresh sliced strawberries between layers
- Use strawberry extract for stronger flavor
- Make cupcakes instead
- Add lemon zest for brightness
- Use whipped cream frosting for a lighter version
COOKING NOTE
Avoid overmixing the batter, as it can make the cake dense instead of light and fluffy.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Serve chilled for cleaner slices
- Pair with tea or coffee
- Garnish with fresh strawberries
- Add extra strawberry drizzle
TIPS
- Use room temperature ingredients
- Level cake layers before stacking
- Chill before slicing
- Use high-quality cream cheese
- Don’t overbake
PREP TIME
20 minutes
COOKING TIME
30 minutes
TOTAL TIME
50 minutes
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (per slice)
Calories: 430 kcal
Protein: 5 g
Sodium: 180 mg
Carbohydrates: 52 g
Fat: 22 g
FAQS
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of jam?
Yes, but jam gives a more consistent texture.
How do I store the cake?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, freeze unfrosted layers for up to 2 months.
Why is my cake dry?
Overbaking or too much flour can cause dryness.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day.
CONCLUSION
Strawberry Cream Cheese Layer Cake is a soft, creamy, and flavorful dessert that’s perfect for any celebration. With its tender cake layers, rich frosting, and fruity filling, it delivers a perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Easy to prepare yet elegant to serve, this cake is sure to impress family and guests. Once you try it, it will become a staple in your baking collection.
Print
Strawberry Cream Cheese Layer Cake – Soft, Moist & Bakery-Style Dessert
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Description
Strawberry Cream Cheese Layer Cake is a beautifully soft and moist dessert that combines fluffy vanilla cake layers with rich cream cheese frosting and a delicate strawberry filling. This cake is a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess, with a light fruity touch that makes it refreshing and indulgent at the same time.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam or preserves
For Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Decoration:
- Pink frosting or whipped cream
- Fresh strawberries
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two round cake pans.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Alternate adding flour mixture and milk into the batter, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until smooth.
Divide batter evenly into pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Let cakes cool fully before assembling.
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy.
Spread strawberry jam over one cake layer, add a layer of cream cheese frosting, then place the second cake layer on top. Frost the entire cake smoothly.
Notes
Avoid overmixing the batter, as it can make the cake dense instead of light and fluffy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Protein: 5 g