Strawberry Dream Layer Cake Recipe

If you’re yearning for a slice of pure berry bliss, this Strawberry Dream Layer Cake delivers everything you crave—pillowy cake layers, lush strawberry flavor, and a silky cream cheese frosting. It’s the kind of dessert that makes a regular weekday feel just a little more like a celebration. Despite its bakery-worthy look, it’s absolutely achievable at home, even if you’re juggling a busy schedule. Think strawberry shortcake’s fancier cousin: fresh, fruity, creamy, and downright irresistible from the first forkful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these pantry and fridge staples, plus a couple of berry stars, and you’re set:

• Frozen Whole Strawberries: Use for both cake and frosting—the frozen berries make a syrupy reduction and add real strawberry flavor. Frozen work better than fresh here for maximum juice.
• Fresh Strawberries: Thinly sliced, these form a gorgeous, juicy layer inside the cake and finish things off on top. Choose ripe, fragrant berries.
• Whole Milk: Combines with the strawberry reduction to give the cake its lush texture and subtle fruitiness.
• Egg Whites: Whipped in for that dreamy softness—no heavy, dense cake here!
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and ties the strawberry and cream flavors together.
• Cake Flour: Don’t skip this—cake flour ensures your layers stay light and fluffy. All-purpose flour will work, but the texture won’t be quite as tender.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with browning.
• Baking Powder: The secret to a high rise and fine crumb.
• Salt: A must to enhance and balance out the sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter: Brings moisture and richness—use at room temperature for perfect blending.
• Confectioners’ Sugar: Makes the frosting ultra-smooth and easy to spread.
• Cream Cheese: Gives the frosting just the right tang and creamy finish.

Tip: Always let your dairy ingredients come to room temperature for best results. It makes everything blend so much more smoothly!

Variations

Looking to tweak the recipe for your preferences, season, or what’s in your fridge? Here are some fun twists:

• Berry Swap: Raspberries or blueberries can join or replace strawberries for a different but equally delightful layer cake.
• Lemon Zest: A touch of lemon in the cake batter or frosting adds a bright, citrusy kick.
• Chocolate Drizzle: For the chocolate lovers, a drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top goes surprisingly well.
• Gluten-Free: Use a cup-for-cup gluten-free cake flour blend if needed, and check all your ingredient labels.
• Single Layer Simplicity: Skip the layering and make one thick 9×13-inch cake for an even easier weeknight dessert.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute plant-based butter, milk, and cream cheese alternatives for a dairy-free treat.

How to Make Strawberry Dream Layer Cake

Prep Your Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease two 9-inch round pans, line them with parchment, then grease again and dust with flour. This step prevents any cake release drama!

Prepare the Strawberries

Microwave frozen whole strawberries until they’re soft and juicy, about 5 minutes. Pour the lot into a fine mesh strainer set over a saucepan, pressing out all that brilliant juice. You’ll reserve both the juice and solids: the juice goes into the cake, and the solids into the frosting.

Boil the strawberry juice until it reduces down to about 1/4 cup—a deeply flavored, vibrant syrup. Whisk in the milk until perfectly blended.

Make the Cake Batter

Whisk together strawberry-milk mixture, room temperature egg whites, and vanilla. In your mixer bowl, stir cake flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add softened butter a piece at a time, then pour in half the milk mixture and beat until the batter becomes pale and fluffy. Add the rest of the milk mixture, mixing just to combine. Finish with a gentle hand-stir—this keeps the cake airy.

Bake and Cool

Divide batter evenly among your pans, smooth the tops, and bake until a toothpick comes out clean—about 20-25 minutes. Cool the cakes for 10 minutes before turning out onto racks. Let cool fully (about 2 hours) before assembling. Level off domes with a serrated knife for a professional look.

Make the Frosting

In your stand mixer, beat butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy. Add softened cream cheese, one piece at a time, then fold in the reserved strawberry solids plus a pinch of salt. Pop the frosting in the fridge until ready to use—it firms up just enough for easy spreading.

Assemble the Cake

Place one cake round on your serving plate, spread with a thick layer of frosting, and top with a generous blanket of sliced fresh strawberries. Add another layer of frosting, then crown with the second cake round. Smooth the rest of the frosting over the top and sides, and garnish with more strawberries.

Chill and Serve

Cover and refrigerate the cake until you’re ready to serve (up to two days). For the best texture and flavor, let it come to room temperature before slicing.

How to Serve

This Strawberry Dream Layer Cake honestly needs little adornment—its look is as inviting as its flavor! For extra flair, pile on fresh berries, a sprig of mint, or a dusting of confectioners’ sugar.

Pair it with a hot mug of tea or a cold glass of milk for afternoon comfort, or serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you want to really turn dessert time into an event. It also plays beautifully as a celebration centerpiece—birthdays, showers, or any gathering that calls for something a little special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers (as if!) should be kept in an airtight container in the fridge. The cake stays moist and delicious for up to three days—just bring to room temperature before eating for the best texture.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze whole, unfrosted cake layers tightly wrapped in plastic and foil for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before frosting and assembling.

You can also freeze leftover frosted cake, though the texture is best when enjoyed fresh.

Reheating

No need to reheat—just let chilled cake come up to room temperature for about 20–30 minutes before serving to bring back the butter’s richness and the cake’s tender crumb.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Don’t wait for a special occasion—life deserves a little more strawberry magic! This Strawberry Dream Layer Cake is the ultimate way to treat yourself and those you love, with all the beauty and flavor of spring in every slice. Whether you follow the recipe to the letter or add your own twist, just enjoy the process—and don’t forget to save yourself the biggest piece. Happy baking!

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