Strawberry & Cream Layer Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that bursts with freshness and indulgence, this Strawberry & Cream Layer Cake Recipe is going to become your new best friend. Imagine soft, moist cake layers infused with subtle vanilla and applesauce, layered generously with fluffy whipped cream and juicy, vibrant strawberries. Each bite is a celebration of texture and flavor that’s both light and satisfying—perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or whenever you need a sweet escape. This recipe delivers a dreamy, crowd-pleasing treat that’s both approachable and show-stopping.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a perfectly balanced cake. Each component plays a vital role, from the fluffy texture to the fresh strawberry flavor that makes this recipe unforgettable.

• All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The foundation for a tender cake crumb that holds everything together beautifully.
• Baking powder (1 tablespoon): Ensures the cake rises just right, giving it a light, airy texture.
• Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the acidity and aids in the cake’s rise.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet flavors without making the cake salty.
• Unsweetened applesauce (1 cup): Adds moisture and a natural sweetness without heaviness.
• Granulated sugar or unrefined sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens the cake, with unrefined adding a subtle depth of flavor.
• Melted coconut oil or vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Keeps the cake moist and tender while adding a hint of richness.
• Pure vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Infuses warmth and aromatic depth to the batter.
• Plant-based milk (1 cup): Almond, soy, or oat milk works perfectly, balancing the wet ingredients.
• Vinegar or lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Reacts with leaveners for better rise and adds subtle tanginess.
• Cold heavy whipping cream or coconut cream (2 cups): Whipped to fluffy perfection for that luscious creamy layer.
• Powdered sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the cream without graininess.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Elevates the whipped cream with lovely vanilla notes.
• Fresh strawberries (2 cups, sliced): The star ingredient adding juicy bursts of flavor and stunning color.
• Extra whole strawberries (optional): Ideal for decorating and making the cake visually irresistible.

How to Make Strawberry & Cream Layer Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pans

Start by heating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans, then line them with parchment paper to ensure your cake layers come out effortlessly. This simple step sets the stage for perfectly baked layers.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry mixture provides the structure and the perfect lift your cake needs.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, stir together applesauce, sugar, melted coconut or vegetable oil, vanilla extract, plant-based milk, and vinegar until smooth and harmonious. This blend brings moisture, sweetness, and subtle tang to the final cake.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Gently pour your wet ingredients into the dry bowl and stir just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cake tender and light rather than dense and gummy.

Step 5: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide batter evenly between your prepared pans, smoothing the tops. Bake for around 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean, telling you the cake is perfectly baked and ready to cool.

Step 6: Let the Cakes Cool

Allow the cakes to rest in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool fully. Cooling completely ensures your whipped cream won’t melt when assembled.

Step 7: Whip the Cream

Beat your cold heavy cream or coconut cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until it forms stiff, fluffy peaks. Then, chill the cream until you’re ready to assemble your masterpiece.

Step 8: Assemble the First Layer

Place one cake layer on your serving plate, spread a generous amount of whipped cream on top, and crown it with plenty of freshly sliced strawberries. This combination offers delicious contrast from the very first layer.

Step 9: Add the Second Layer and Finish

Gently place your second cake layer over the strawberries, cover it with more whipped cream, and decorate with whole or sliced strawberries to create a stunning visual appeal.

Step 10: Chill and Set

Refrigerate your assembled Strawberry & Cream Layer Cake Recipe for at least one hour. This resting time allows flavors to marry and gives the cream time to firm up just enough to slice cleanly and beautifully.

How to Serve Strawberry & Cream Layer Cake Recipe

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a few mint leaves can elevate the presentation. Fresh strawberries on top add that fresh pop of color and a hint of tartness that balances the sweet cream.

Side Dishes

Pair this cake with a light citrus sorbet or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to complement its fruity, creamy nature and create a refreshing dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn slices into mini parfaits layered with extra whipped cream and strawberry slices in clear glasses, or serve individual portions with a drizzle of strawberry coulis for an elegant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator to preserve freshness and prevent the whipped cream from drying out.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze this cake, best to freeze the individual cake layers before assembly. Wrap them well and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before assembling to maintain texture and flavor.

Reheating

This cake is best served chilled, so reheating is not recommended. Instead, let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before slicing if it has been refrigerated for a while.

FAQs

Can I make this cake vegan?

Yes! Swap heavy cream for coconut cream and use plant-based milk to keep the Strawberry & Cream Layer Cake Recipe vegan-friendly without compromising flavor or texture.

What can I substitute for applesauce?

You can use mashed banana or Greek yogurt as a substitute, but applesauce helps keep the cake moist with a neutral flavor that won’t overpower the strawberries.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum to mimic the texture of regular flour for the best results.

How do I know when the cake is done?

A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter. This signals a perfectly baked cake ready to cool.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

While fresh strawberries are best for flavor and texture, you can use frozen if you thaw and drain them well to avoid excess liquid that could make the cake soggy.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Strawberry & Cream Layer Cake Recipe that makes it a timeless favorite. With its simple and fresh ingredients transforming into layers of fluffy cake, velvety cream, and juicy strawberries, it’s a dessert that brings people together and lights up any celebration. Go ahead, bake it for your next get-together or treat yourself just because—you won’t regret it!

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