Few desserts capture the essence of summer like a Strawberry Cake with Fresh Strawberries. This cake is packed with the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries, creating a treat that’s light, fluffy, and bursting with fresh flavor. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a birthday, or just craving something sweet, this cake is the perfect choice.

If you love fruit-forward desserts, check out Strawberry Cheesecake for another creamy, berry-filled delight!

Why Fresh Strawberries Make This Cake Special

Fresh strawberries add more than just flavor—they bring moisture, color, and a vibrant natural sweetness. Unlike artificial flavors or frozen fruit, fresh strawberries enhance both texture and taste, making this cake soft, flavorful, and visually stunning.

If you enjoy fresh fruit-based desserts, you might also love Peach Cobbler with Cake Mix for another easy, delicious treat.

Ingredients for Strawberry Cake with Fresh Strawberries

For the Cake:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries – Washed, hulled, and sliced
• 2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder – Helps the cake rise
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar – Perfect sweetness balance
• 2 large eggs – Binds the ingredients together
• ¾ cup milk – Keeps the cake moist
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances strawberry flavor
• Pinch of salt – Balances sweetness

The Frosting (Optional):

• 1 cup cream cheese – Rich and tangy
• ½ cup powdered sugar – Sweetens the frosting
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – Complements the strawberries
• ½ cup fresh strawberries, mashed – Adds flavor and color

For another fruity dessert, try Peach Glazed Raspberry Cream Cheese Pie for a decadent summer treat.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Strawberry Cake with Fresh Strawberries

Step-1: Prepare the Strawberries

1. Wash, hull, and slice 2 cups of fresh strawberries.
2. Set aside half for the batter and use the rest for garnish.
3. Mash or puree ½ cup of strawberries to add moisture to the cake.

Step-2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

4. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step-3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

5. In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
6. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
7. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step-4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

8. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk.
9. Stir in the mashed strawberries to create a smooth batter.

Step-5: Fold in the Fresh Strawberries

10. Gently fold in the sliced strawberries, being careful not to overmix.

Step-6: Bake the Cake

11. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch cake pans.
12. Divide the batter evenly and bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step-7: Cool and Frost the Cake

13. Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
14. While cooling, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and mashed strawberries for the frosting.
15. Frost the cooled cake and top with fresh strawberry slices.

Variations of Strawberry Cake with Fresh Strawberries

Vegan Strawberry Cake

• Replace eggs with a flaxseed egg substitute.
• Use dairy-free butter and milk.

Gluten-Free Strawberry Cake

• Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend.
• Ensure your baking powder is gluten-free.

Strawberry Lemon Cake

• Add zest and juice of one lemon for a citrusy kick.

For more gluten-free or vegan options, try Guilt-Free Chocolate Walnut Cake for a healthy yet indulgent dessert.

Pro Tips for the Best Strawberry Cake

• Use ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
• Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and airy.
• Try different frostings – cream cheese, whipped cream, or a powdered sugar glaze.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

• Garnish with sliced strawberries for a fresh, elegant look.
• Pair with vanilla ice cream for a perfect summer dessert.
• Dust with powdered sugar for a bakery-style finish.

If you’re serving this cake as part of a dessert spread, consider adding Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings for a delicious mix of fruity flavors.

Storing & Freezing Strawberry Cake

• Room Temperature: Store unfrosted cake for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate: Frosted cake lasts up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Recipes to Try

If you loved this Strawberry Cake with Fresh Strawberries, here are more delicious desserts:

• Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta – A smooth, creamy Italian classic.
• Blueberry Lemon Muffins – A bright and zesty breakfast treat.
• Berry Swirl Cheesecake Bars – A creamy, fruit-filled delight.
• Double Chocolate Chunk Cookies – A rich, chocolate lover’s dream.
• Peach Cobbler Crisp – A warm, comforting dessert.

Final Thoughts

A Strawberry Cake with Fresh Strawberries is a perfect dessert for any occasion, bringing the sweet, fresh flavors of strawberries into a light and tender cake. Whether you’re serving it at a summer gathering or simply enjoying it at home, this cake is sure to be a hit. Pair it with a complementary dessert like our Old-Fashioned Egg Custard Pie for a nostalgic and delicious dessert spread!

For another classic dessert, try Old-Fashioned Egg Custard Pie.

Now, grab your ingredients and start baking! Save this recipe on Pinterest for later.

Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Cake with Fresh Strawberries, and if you give it a try and like it, we’d love to hear how it turned out—share your experience with us!

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