Strawberry Buttercream Cake: A Dreamy, Berry-Licious Delight!

If you’re looking for a cake that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, this Strawberry Buttercream Cake is the one! With its soft, fluffy layers, filled and frosted with a sweet, creamy strawberry buttercream, and topped with fresh strawberries, this cake is a showstopper for any occasion.

Perfect for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, baby showers, or summer celebrations, this cake combines real strawberries and rich buttercream for an irresistible homemade dessert. Each bite is packed with fruity, buttery goodness—you’ll want to make this again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Cake

✔ Super Moist & Fluffy – The cake layers are soft, buttery, and tender.
✔ Real Strawberry Flavor – No artificial flavors—just real strawberries!
✔ Creamy & Smooth Buttercream – Perfectly whipped, light, and rich.
✔ A Stunning Dessert – The beautiful pink frosting makes it an eye-catching centerpiece.
✔ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, but tastes like it’s from a bakery!

The Best Strawberry Buttercream Cake Recipe

This cake is light, fruity, and buttery, with a delicate strawberry flavor in every bite.

Ingredients (Serves 10-12)

For the Strawberry Cake:

2 ½ cups cake flour (or all-purpose flour, sifted)
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large egg whites
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
½ cup strawberry puree (blend fresh strawberries)
¾ cup buttermilk
½ cup sour cream (for extra moisture)
1-2 drops pink food coloring (optional, for a more vibrant pink color)

For the Strawberry Buttercream:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 ½ cups powdered sugar
¼ cup strawberry puree, strained to remove seeds
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional, for smoother frosting)
½ teaspoon salt (balances the sweetness)

For Garnish:

Fresh strawberries, halved or whole
Whipped cream (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare the Cake Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.

2. Make the Cake Batter

In a bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
Add egg whites one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in vanilla extract.

3. Incorporate Wet & Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture, alternating with buttermilk, strawberry puree, and sour cream.
Mix just until combined—do not overmix!
Add a couple of drops of pink food coloring if you want a deeper pink hue.

4. Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between the three cake pans.
Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Make the Strawberry Buttercream Frosting

In a large bowl, beat butter until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes).
Add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed.
Pour in the strawberry puree, vanilla extract, and salt.
Beat on high for 2-3 minutes until fluffy.
If needed, add 1 tablespoon heavy cream for a smoother consistency.

6. Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on a cake stand or plate.
Spread a generous layer of strawberry buttercream on top.
Repeat with the second and third cake layers.
Frost the entire cake with the remaining buttercream.

7. Garnish & Serve

Decorate with fresh strawberries on top.
Chill for 30 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Serve and enjoy this delicate, fruity, and creamy dessert!

Tips for the Best Strawberry Buttercream Cake

✅ Use fresh strawberries – They add natural sweetness and vibrant flavor to the buttercream.
✅ Room temperature ingredients – Ensures a smooth batter and even baking.
✅ Sift the flour – Helps keep the cake light and fluffy.
✅ Strain the strawberry puree – This keeps the frosting silky smooth.
✅ Chill before slicing – Helps the layers set for neater slices.

Variations & Customizations

Want to switch it up? Try these delicious variations!

1. Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cake

🍫 Add ½ cup cocoa powder to the cake batter for a rich chocolate flavor.
🍫 Drizzle with melted chocolate for a decadent finish.

2. Lemon Strawberry Cake

🍋 Add zest of 1 lemon to the cake batter for a bright citrus twist.
🍋 Swap vanilla extract for lemon extract in the frosting.

3. Strawberry Cream Cheese Buttercream

🧀 Replace half the butter in the frosting with cream cheese for a tangy, rich flavor.
🧀 Pair with graham cracker crumbs for a cheesecake-inspired twist.

4. Gluten-Free Strawberry Cake

🌱 Use gluten-free 1:1 baking flour in place of all-purpose flour.
🌱 Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

What to Serve with Strawberry Buttercream Cake

This cake pairs beautifully with light, refreshing flavors:

☕ Iced Coffee or Latte – Balances the sweetness with a hint of bitterness.
🍨 Vanilla Bean Ice Cream – Adds a creamy contrast to the fruity cake.
🍓 Fresh Berry Salad – A refreshing, tangy side.
🥂 Sparkling Rosé or Champagne – Elevates the cake for a special occasion.

How to Store & Freeze

Storing:

Keep the cake covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing:

Wrap individual cake layers in plastic wrap, then foil.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge and frost before serving.

Final Thoughts: A Stunning Cake for Any Celebration

This Strawberry Buttercream Cake is sweet, light, and bursting with fresh berry flavor—a true showstopper for any special event. Whether you’re making it for a birthday, holiday, or summer celebration, this cake is guaranteed to impress.

🔥 Try it today and enjoy a slice of strawberry perfection! 🔥

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