If you’re looking for a cake that is both visually stunning and delightfully flavorful, look no further than this Strawberry Velvet Cake Recipe. Combining the moist, tender crumb of a classic velvet cake with the fresh, fruity brightness of ripe strawberries, this cake truly sings in every bite. The strawberry puree and jam infuse the batter with natural sweetness and a gorgeous pink hue that pairs perfectly with the smooth, creamy frosting. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a luscious dessert, this Strawberry Velvet Cake Recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Strawberry Velvet Cake Recipe plays a crucial role, from creating the perfect texture to delivering that wonderful balance of flavor and color. The mix is straightforward yet carefully crafted to bring out the best in every slice.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure needed for a tender, yet sturdy cake.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake without overpowering the strawberry notes.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds depth and a subtle chocolate undertone that complements the strawberries beautifully.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda: Helps the cake rise and keeps it airy.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Works alongside baking soda to give the perfect lift.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and enhances sweetness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Adds moistness with a slight tang that brightens the cake.
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil: Keeps the crumb soft and tender.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lends warmth and a lovely aroma.
- 1 cup boiling water: Ensures a smooth, thin batter for even baking.
- 2 cups strawberries, pureed: The star ingredient, giving fresh berry flavor and natural pink color.
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam: Intensifies the strawberry flavor and adds moistness.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Essential for a rich, creamy frosting base.
- 4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect consistency.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: Adds silkiness and helps with frosting spreadability.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the frosting’s flavor.
- Pink food coloring (optional): For an extra pop of classic pink velvet color.
- Fresh strawberries, for garnish: Adds freshness and a beautiful finishing touch.
- Edible gold and pink sprinkles, for garnish: Elevates the presentation with a touch of sparkle.
How to Make Strawberry Velvet Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming, grease and lightly flour three 9-inch round cake pans. This prep step ensures your layers will pop out cleanly once baked.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This not only blends the ingredients evenly but also aerates the mixture to keep the cake light.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, add the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mix. Beat everything on medium speed until the batter becomes smooth and uniform. This step creates a silky base packed with moisture.
Step 4: Incorporate Boiling Water
Gradually pour in the boiling water while mixing gently. This technique thins the batter, helping it bake into a wonderfully tender crumb without drying out.
Step 5: Fold in the Strawberry Goodness
Gently fold the pureed strawberries and strawberry jam into the batter. Be careful not to overmix – you want a beautifully pink batter with luscious streaks of fruit flavor.
Step 6: Bake the Layers
Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes in the pans before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Prepare the Strawberry Velvet Frosting
For this dreamy frosting, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until fluffy. If you want that classic pink velvet cake color, mix in a few drops of pink food coloring here.
Step 8: Assemble and Decorate
Frost the cooled cake layers generously, stacking them to create a tall, impressive cake. Finish by garnishing with fresh strawberries and shimmering edible gold and pink sprinkles for that extra wow factor.
How to Serve Strawberry Velvet Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh strawberries on top add a burst of juicy freshness while edible gold and pink sprinkles elevate the look with festive sparkle. These little details turn a beautiful cake into a showstopper perfect for any celebration.
Side Dishes
Serve your Strawberry Velvet Cake Recipe alongside light accompaniments like fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. These cool, creamy sides complement the cake’s moist richness and fruity notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual mini versions by layering cake and frosting in pretty glass jars for a charming twist. Or, create a trifle by cutting the cake into cubes and layering it with whipped cream and strawberry slices to wow your guests with stunning visuals and layers of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and moist for up to 3 days, giving you time to savor every slice.
Freezing
You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw them completely before frosting and assembling for a freshly baked taste any time you want.
Reheating
Because this cake is best served chilled or at room temperature, simply let refrigerated slices sit out for 20 minutes to soften before enjoying. Avoid microwaving as it can affect the texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for the puree?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before pureeing. This keeps your batter from becoming too watery and ensures bright strawberry flavor.
Is the strawberry jam necessary in this recipe?
The jam boosts the strawberry flavor and adds extra moisture, but you can reduce it or substitute with more puree if you prefer a fresher, less sweet profile.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum, you can enjoy a delicious gluten-free version of this Strawberry Velvet Cake Recipe.
How do I achieve the perfect pink color?
Natural color comes from the strawberries, but adding a few drops of pink food coloring to the frosting and batter can give that classic bright velvet cake look.
What’s the best way to decorate this cake for special occasions?
Fresh strawberries and edible sprinkles are perfect for birthdays or celebrations. You can also add piped rosettes of frosting or chocolate curls for an elegant touch.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Velvet Cake Recipe has a special way of making any day feel a bit more festive and full of joy. With its tender crumb, vibrant strawberry flavor, and luscious frosting, it’s the kind of cake that brings smiles all around. Go ahead, give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a cherished favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Strawberry Velvet Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This vibrant Strawberry Velvet Cake is a delightful twist on the classic red velvet, featuring a rich cocoa-infused batter enhanced with fresh strawberry puree and jam. The moist layers are perfectly complemented by a creamy strawberry buttercream frosting, adorned with fresh strawberries and edible gold and pink sprinkles for an elegant finish. Ideal for celebrations or any special occasion, this cake combines the luscious flavors of chocolate and strawberries into a stunning dessert.
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 2 cups strawberries, pureed
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam
Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pink food coloring (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh strawberries, for garnish
- Edible gold and pink sprinkles, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans to ensure the cakes release easily after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to combine evenly and remove lumps.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Incorporate Boiling Water: Gradually pour in the boiling water while mixing slowly until the batter becomes smooth and slightly thin.
- Fold in Strawberries: Gently fold the pureed strawberries and strawberry jam into the batter to infuse it with fresh strawberry flavor without deflating the batter.
- Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly between the three prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter until creamy and light. Gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and fluffy. Add pink food coloring if desired to enhance the strawberry theme.
- Assemble and Garnish: Once the cake layers are completely cooled, frost the layers evenly with the strawberry buttercream. Decorate the top with fresh strawberries and edible gold and pink sprinkles to add a festive and elegant touch.
Notes
- Ensure the cake layers are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
- For a stronger strawberry flavor, use ripe, fresh strawberries for the puree.
- Adjust the pink food coloring to your preferred shade or omit for a natural tone.
- Store the cake refrigerated if not consuming immediately and bring to room temperature before serving.
- This cake can be made a day ahead to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
