This Vintage Strawberry Cake is pure nostalgia in every bite—tender, moist, and packed with real strawberry flavor. It’s the kind of dessert that takes you back to sunny kitchens, handwritten recipe cards, and the smell of a cake baking that brings everyone to the table. Best of all? It’s surprisingly easy to make, using simple ingredients and just one bowl for the batter. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, brunch, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this cake never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unbelievable Flavor: This cake is bursting with natural strawberry goodness, thanks to fresh or frozen berries and a touch of strawberry gelatin for that old-school kick.
Moist and Tender Crumb: Buttermilk and oil create a super soft texture that stays moist for days—yes, days!
No Mixer Needed: It’s all mixed by hand—no stand mixer required, which means less mess and more time to enjoy.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re bringing dessert to a picnic or hosting afternoon tea, this cake is always a showstopper.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to whip up this sweet vintage treat:

All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the cake and gives it structure.
Strawberry gelatin powder: Adds a rich pink color and enhances the strawberry flavor in a nostalgic way.
Baking powder and baking soda: These work together to lift the cake and make it fluffy.
Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and brings out all the flavors.
Sugar: Regular granulated sugar sweetens the cake without overpowering the strawberries.
Oil: Keeps the cake ultra-moist. Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola.
Eggs: Bind the batter and give it richness.
Buttermilk: The secret to that tangy flavor and soft crumb. No buttermilk? Mix a little vinegar or lemon juice into regular milk.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cake.
Fresh or frozen strawberries: Finely chopped or puréed—they’re the heart of this recipe.
Butter and cream cheese: For the irresistible strawberry cream cheese frosting.
Powdered sugar: Used in the frosting for smooth, sweet finish.
Strawberry preserves or purée: Mixed into the frosting for an extra pop of berry flavor.

Variations

Strawberry-Lemon Twist: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter and a little lemon juice to the frosting for a bright citrusy spin.
Strawberry Sheet Cake: Skip the layers and bake this as a single-layer cake in a 9×13 pan for an easy-to-serve version.
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: Garnish the top with chocolate-covered strawberries for an elegant finish.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap the flour with a trusted gluten-free baking blend (make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure).

How to Make Vintage Strawberry Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8- or 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, strawberry gelatin, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla. Stir in the finely chopped or puréed strawberries.

Step 4: Make the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently mix until just combined. Don’t overmix—just until everything is incorporated and smooth.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely before frosting.

Step 6: Make the Frosting

In a bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese until fluffy. Add powdered sugar gradually, then fold in the strawberry preserves or purée. Chill the frosting if it seems too soft to spread.

Step 7: Frost and Decorate

Once the cakes are cool, spread a generous layer of frosting between the layers and over the top and sides. Garnish with fresh strawberries if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use ripe strawberries: The riper the berries, the better the flavor. If they’re not in season, frozen strawberries work great—just thaw and drain them well first.
Don’t skip the gelatin: It’s key to getting that vintage flavor and signature pink hue that makes this cake so charming.
Level the layers: Use a serrated knife to even out the tops of your cakes before frosting for a professional finish.
Chill the frosting: Cream cheese frosting can get soft quickly—chill it for 15–20 minutes if it starts to melt while decorating.

How to Serve

Serve this cake slightly chilled or at room temperature with a glass of cold milk, a cup of hot coffee, or a sparkling glass of rosé. For a festive touch, top with whole strawberries or a dusting of powdered sugar. It’s perfect as a birthday cake, baby shower centerpiece, or spring dessert table showpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake in the fridge, tightly covered or in an airtight container. It stays moist and flavorful for up to 4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers—wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting.

Reheating

This cake is best served cold or at room temperature, but if you prefer it warm, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave softens the crumb beautifully.

FAQs

Can I make this cake without the gelatin?
You can, but you’ll lose that signature pink color and the old-fashioned flavor that makes it special. To boost the strawberry flavor without gelatin, consider adding freeze-dried strawberry powder.

Can I use strawberry cake mix instead?
If you’re in a rush, yes! A boxed strawberry cake mix can be used as a base, then jazz it up with fresh berries and homemade frosting to keep that vintage charm.

What’s the best way to purée strawberries?
Just toss fresh or thawed frozen strawberries into a blender or food processor. For a smoother texture, strain the purée to remove seeds before adding it to the batter or frosting.

How do I keep the cake from sticking to the pan?
Grease your pans well, then line the bottom with parchment paper circles. This ensures easy release every time.

Final Thoughts

This Vintage Strawberry Cake is one of those timeless recipes that deserves a permanent spot in your baking rotation. It’s simple, stunning, and packed with homemade flavor that makes everyone feel special. So grab those berries, preheat that oven, and enjoy the sweet taste of tradition—made easy for today’s kitchen.

Vintage Strawberry Cake Recipe