Moist Spring Strawberry Layer Cake

Name: Moist Spring Strawberry Layer Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup cream cheese, softened; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup fresh strawberries, puréed; 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Highlighted under: Homemade Dessert Favorites

I always look forward to spring because it brings an abundance of fresh strawberries, and there’s no better way to celebrate them than in a Moist Spring Strawberry Layer Cake. This cake combines the lightness of fluffy vanilla layers with the juicy sweetness of strawberries, making every bite a delight. I love how the combination of flavors dances on my palate, creating a joyous experience that’s perfect for any spring gathering or celebration. Trust me; this cake will be the star of your dessert table!

Created by

Morgan Reeves

Last updated on 2026-02-23T23:46:37.220Z

When I first decided to make a strawberry layer cake, I knew I needed a recipe that would showcase the berries without overwhelming their natural beauty. I experimented with different techniques and finally decided on layering soft, moist vanilla cake with rich strawberry cream cheese frosting. It was imperative to use fresh strawberries for the filling to achieve that burst of flavor!

Discovering the right balance of sweetness and acidity was fascinating. The cake needed just enough sugar to enhance the strawberries, but not mask their flavor. I found that slicing the strawberries thinly and macerating them brought out the best taste. Each bite is a slice of spring!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Light and fluffy layers packed with fresh strawberries
Rich cream cheese frosting that complements the cake perfectly
A stunning centerpiece for any spring celebration

Perfecting the Cake Layers

Creating the light, fluffy texture of the cake layers is crucial for this Moist Spring Strawberry Layer Cake. When creaming the butter and sugar, aim for a pale, fluffy mixture before incorporating the eggs. This step creates tiny air pockets, resulting in a light cake. Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the butter and eggs, which aids in better emulsification and a smoother batter.

As you combine the dry and wet ingredients, remember not to overmix. Overmixing can develop gluten in the flour, leading to a dense cake rather than a light one. Mix until you see no dry flour and the batter is just combined; a few small lumps are okay as they will bake out.

Strawberry Filling Tips

The strawberry filling not only adds flavor but also moisture to the cake. For an intensified strawberry flavor, let the sliced strawberries macerate for at least 10 minutes with sugar; this process releases their juices. If you find the strawberries aren't juicy enough, you can add a splash of lemon juice or a spoonful of strawberry jam to enhance the filling.

For those who prefer less sweetness or a tart contrast, consider adding a little balsamic vinegar or lemon zest to the filling. This can elevate the flavors dramatically and bring a beautiful balance to the cake's sweetness.

Ingredients

Ingredients for the Cake

Cake Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt

Frosting Ingredients

1 cup cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup fresh strawberries, puréed

Strawberry Filling

2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Instructions

Steps to Prepare

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Prepare the Strawberry Filling

In a small bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and granulated sugar. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to macerate.

Make the Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then mix in the vanilla extract and strawberry purée until well combined.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of strawberry filling followed by a layer of frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Decorate with fresh strawberries on top if desired.

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

To achieve a moist texture, be careful not to overmix the batter. Also, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before starting.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you're planning to make the cake ahead of time, it stores well in the fridge. Just make sure to tightly wrap the layers in plastic wrap after they've completely cooled to prevent them from drying out. The cake can be assembled a day in advance; this actually allows the flavors to meld wonderfully.

For longer storage, this cake freezes beautifully. Wrap the layers tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight. Avoid frosting before freezing, as the texture can change after thawing.

Variations to Elevate Your Cake

To add an extra dimension to your cake, consider adding a layer of lemon curd alongside the strawberry filling. The tartness of lemon curd complements the sweetness of strawberries beautifully, creating a vibrant flavor experience.

For a more indulgent option, you might fold finely chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds into the frosting. This not only adds flavor but also a delightful crunch. If you're looking for a richer chocolate version, replace a cup of flour with cocoa powder and add chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent twist.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries instead?

Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best flavor and texture, but if frozen are all you have, thaw and drain them first.

→ How do I store the cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the layers a day in advance and frost them the day you plan to serve.

→ What kind of frosting goes well with this cake?

The cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully, but you could also use whipped cream for a lighter option.