If you are searching for a delightful dessert that combines a luscious texture with a burst of fresh fruit flavor, the Strawberry Velvet Cake Recipe will be your new favorite. This cake balances the rich velvet crumb with the natural sweetness of strawberries, resulting in a visually stunning and mouthwatering treat that feels just as luxurious as it tastes. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or craving something sweet to brighten your day, this recipe offers a perfect blend of classic charm and fruity freshness that truly brings the best of both worlds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Strawberry Velvet Cake Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtful ingredients. Each element plays a key role in achieving that tender crumb, vibrant flavor, and silky frosting that make this cake unforgettable.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): The base that gives structure without weighing down the cake.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness that complements the strawberries.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/2 cup): Provides subtle depth and richness, enhancing the velvet texture.
- Baking soda (1 1/2 teaspoons) and baking powder (1 teaspoon): Work together to give the cake its perfect rise and lightness.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Highlights sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Eggs (2 large): Bind the ingredients and add moisture for a tender crumb.
- Buttermilk (1 cup): Brings a gentle tang and tenderizes the cake for softness.
- Vegetable oil (1 1/2 cups): Keeps the cake moist and rich without heaviness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and amplifies the overall flavor.
- Boiling water (1 cup): Ensures a silky batter and helps evenly blend ingredients.
- Pureed strawberries (2 cups): Inject real fruit flavor and a lovely pink hue.
- Strawberry jam (1/2 cup): Adds extra sweetness and layers of strawberry intensity.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1 cup): The base for the frosting, creating creamy smoothness.
- Powdered sugar (4 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect consistency.
- Heavy cream (1/4 cup): Lightens the frosting and makes it fluffy and spreadable.
- Optional: Pink food coloring: For that eye-catching, classic strawberry cake look.
- Fresh strawberries and edible gold and pink sprinkles: For beautiful garnishes that add charm and texture.
How to Make Strawberry Velvet Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans carefully—this helps ensure your cakes come out perfectly smooth and won’t stick to the pan edges as they bake.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and prevents lumps, which will give your cake an airy texture.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Beat everything together on medium speed until the batter comes together smoothly. This develops a velvety consistency that’s essential for the cake’s signature softness.
Step 4: Incorporate Boiling Water
Slowly pour in the boiling water while continuing to mix gently. The hot water helps dissolve the cocoa and meld flavors, giving the batter a silky finish. Be cautious not to overmix here to maintain lightness.
Step 5: Fold In Strawberry Elements
Carefully fold in the pureed strawberries and strawberry jam. These natural fruit ingredients add freshness, moisture, and that irresistible strawberry tang that makes this velvet cake truly special.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Divide the batter evenly among your prepared pans and place them in the oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or 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: Make the Strawberry Velvet Frosting
To create that luscious strawberry frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy. Slowly add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until you achieve a fluffy, spreadable texture. If you want that classic pink shade, mix in a few drops of pink food coloring evenly.
Step 8: Assemble and Frost the Cake
Once your cake layers are completely cool, spread generous amounts of frosting between each layer and on top. Garnish with fresh strawberries and sprinkle edible gold and pink decorations to make the cake as beautiful as it is delicious.
How to Serve Strawberry Velvet Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh strawberries on top add a burst of freshness and a lovely contrast to the creamy frosting, making every bite feel indulgent yet vibrant. The edible gold and pink sprinkles not only add sparkle but a playful texture that delights the senses.
Side Dishes
Pair your strawberry velvet cake with fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to enhance its creamy notes. A light fruit salad or a crisp glass of sparkling rosé can beautifully complement the cake without overpowering its fruity charm.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual cake slices on pastel-colored plates garnished with a strawberry fan or a drizzle of strawberry sauce for an elegant touch. Layering the cake in a trifle bowl with whipped cream and fresh berries is a fun, casual twist that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover strawberry velvet cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh and the cake moist. It’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days when wrapped well.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake layers (without frosting) by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge, then frost as usual. This makes the Strawberry Velvet Cake Recipe perfect for preparing ahead of time.
Reheating
Because this cake is best enjoyed chilled due to the strawberry frosting, avoid microwaving. Allow it to come to room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving to bring out the flavors fully.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh for this recipe?
Yes, frozen strawberries work well but be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before pureeing them. This prevents the batter from becoming too runny and ensures a nice texture.
What if I don’t have buttermilk? Can I substitute it?
You can make a simple substitute by adding one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to one cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. This provides the acidity needed to tenderize the cake crumb.
Is it possible to make this cake vegan?
While this recipe is not vegan-friendly in its original form, you can experiment with plant-based milk, egg replacers, and vegan butter alternatives. Keep in mind the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
How do I prevent the cake layers from drying out?
Make sure to measure flour correctly and avoid overbaking. Cooling the layers completely before frosting and storing leftovers wrapped tightly will also keep your cake moist.
Can I add other fruits besides strawberries to this recipe?
Absolutely! Raspberries or cherries can be incorporated for a fun variation, but strawberries remain the star of the Strawberry Velvet Cake Recipe and bring a unique, signature sweetness that’s hard to replicate.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you dive into making this Strawberry Velvet Cake Recipe as soon as you can. Its perfect balance of moisture, flavor, and that gorgeous pink hue make it an absolute showstopper for any gathering or cozy afternoon treat. Enjoy the process and, most importantly, savor every bite surrounded by those you love!
Print
Strawberry Velvet Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Strawberry Velvet Cake is a moist, tender chocolate cake with a delightful twist of fresh strawberry puree and jam for a unique fruity flavor. Topped with a creamy, pink-hued buttercream frosting and decorated with fresh strawberries and edible sprinkles, this cake is perfect for celebrations and dessert lovers looking for a beautiful, delicious treat.
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 prevent the cake from sticking and ensure even 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. Sifting helps to combine these ingredients evenly and aerate the flour for a lighter cake.
- Add wet ingredients: Add the large eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Incorporate boiling water: Gradually pour in the boiling water while mixing. This step helps to melt the cocoa powder and make the batter smooth and thin for a moist cake.
- Fold in strawberry elements: Gently fold in the pureed strawberries and strawberry jam to infuse the batter with fresh berry flavor and sweetness.
- Bake the cake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. After baking, allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the frosting: Using a mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract while continuing to beat until you achieve a smooth and fluffy frosting. If desired, mix in pink food coloring to add a visual pop.
- Assemble and decorate: Once the cake layers are completely cooled, frost each layer evenly with the buttercream. Finish by garnishing the top with fresh strawberries and edible gold and pink sprinkles for an elegant and festive look.
Notes
- Ensure the cakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
- For best results, use fresh ripe strawberries for pureeing to maximize flavor.
- You can substitute buttermilk with plain yogurt or milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice if needed.
- Pink food coloring is optional but adds a beautiful color contrast to the frosting.
- Store the cake in the refrigerator if not serving immediately, and bring it to room temperature before serving for optimal taste and texture.
