Indulge in the perfect combination of rich, buttery cake and the sweet, tart flavor of strawberries with this Strawberry Butter Cake. This delightful dessert brings together a moist and flavorful cake base, filled with creamy strawberry goodness and complemented by a hint of vanilla. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion, a family gathering, or just because you crave something sweet, this strawberry butter cake is sure to become a favorite.

The buttery, tender cake is enriched with freeze-dried strawberries, which add a vibrant strawberry flavor without the moisture that fresh fruit might bring. Topped with a luscious strawberry cream cheese filling and a bit of strawberry preserves, this cake is both decadent and refreshing. It has the perfect balance of sweetness and tang from the strawberries, with a rich, buttery crumb that melts in your mouth. With the combination of flavors and textures, it’s the perfect treat for strawberry lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Buttery and Moist Cake

The base of the cake is soft, tender, and buttery, giving it the perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.

2. Rich Strawberry Flavor

Freeze-dried strawberries and strawberry preserves infuse the cake with a vibrant strawberry flavor, making each bite sweet and refreshing.

3. Creamy Filling

The strawberry cream cheese filling is rich and creamy with just the right amount of sweetness, creating a decadent contrast to the cake.

4. Versatile Dessert

This cake is perfect for birthdays, holiday gatherings, or even just a cozy afternoon treat. It works wonderfully as a dessert for any occasion.

5. Easy to Make

Despite the impressive flavor and texture, this cake is relatively easy to prepare, using simple ingredients that come together quickly.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Kosher salt
Sugar
Salted butter (melted)
Large egg
Egg yolk
Vanilla extract
Freeze-dried strawberries

For the Strawberry Filling:

Cream cheese (softened)
Powdered sugar
Large egg
Strawberry preserves
Freeze-dried strawberries

Variations

Different Fruit Filling: You can substitute freeze-dried strawberries with other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a different flavor profile.
Add Lemon Zest: For a citrusy twist, add lemon zest to the cake batter or the filling to complement the strawberries.
Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Whipped Cream Topping: Top the cake with freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra richness.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the top for a luxurious chocolate-strawberry combination.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a round cake pan (9-inch) or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. In another bowl, combine the sugar and melted butter, mixing until smooth. Add in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Finally, fold in the freeze-dried strawberries until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack.

Step 4: Prepare the Strawberry Filling

While the cake is cooling, make the strawberry filling. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and continue to beat until the mixture is fluffy and light. Add the egg and strawberry preserves and beat until fully incorporated. Finally, fold in the freeze-dried strawberries until evenly mixed.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

Once the cake has cooled, slice it in half horizontally. Spread a generous amount of the strawberry cream cheese filling on the bottom half of the cake. Place the top half of the cake over the filling.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the cake as is, or drizzle with additional strawberry preserves for extra flavor. Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee for the perfect treat.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, cream cheese, and egg are at room temperature to avoid lumps and ensure smooth mixing.
Freeze-Dried Strawberries: You can find freeze-dried strawberries at most grocery stores or specialty stores. If you don’t have access to them, you can substitute with fresh strawberries, but be sure to dry them out well to avoid adding too much moisture to the cake.
Cool the Cake: Be patient and allow the cake to cool completely before assembling. This helps the filling stay in place and prevents it from melting into the cake.
Keep the Filling Thick: Ensure that the strawberry filling has a thick consistency so that it doesn’t run out when the cake is cut.

How to Serve

This Strawberry Butter Cake is perfect on its own, but you can elevate it even further by serving it with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or extra fresh strawberries on the side. It pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or even a glass of sparkling water for a light, refreshing dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you live in a warmer climate or your room temperature is particularly hot, refrigerate the cake to keep the filling fresh.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfilled cake layers for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw before adding the filling and serving.

Reheating

Reheat the cake slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at a low temperature to restore its soft, moist texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried ones?

Yes, fresh strawberries can be used, but make sure to dry them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the cake and filling.

2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake layers ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for 2-3 days or freeze them for longer storage. Add the filling just before serving.

3. Is there a substitute for freeze-dried strawberries?

If you can’t find freeze-dried strawberries, you can use fresh strawberries, but be sure to dry them out by placing them in the oven on low heat for several hours.

4. Can I use a different type of filling?

Yes! You can use other fruit preserves or even a chocolate ganache if you prefer a different flavor combination.

5. How do I prevent the cake from being too sweet?

If you find the cake to be too sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the cake batter or filling slightly.

6. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

You can substitute margarine for butter, but the flavor and texture may be slightly different. Butter provides a richer flavor and a better texture in cakes.

7. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this cake gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

8. Can I freeze the filled cake?

It’s not recommended to freeze the filled cake, as the filling may not maintain its texture. However, you can freeze the cake layers and assemble them later.

9. Can I use whipped cream cheese instead of regular cream cheese?

Yes, you can use whipped cream cheese, but the consistency of the filling may be a little different—less thick and airy.

10. How do I know when the cake is done baking?

To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, the cake is ready to be removed from the oven.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Butter Cake is a delightful treat that perfectly balances a rich, buttery cake with a creamy, tangy strawberry filling. It’s easy to make and perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just want to enjoy a delicious homemade dessert, this cake is sure to impress everyone at the table. Sweet, tangy, and oh-so-satisfying, it’s a dessert that will have you coming back for more!