There’s something about a strawberry birthday cake that just feels like a celebration in every bite. The perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of fluffy texture makes this cake a crowd-pleaser for any special occasion.
Whether it’s your birthday, an anniversary, or simply a reason to indulge, this cake is sure to steal the show.
I first made this cake for a friend’s birthday party, and it quickly became a tradition. The vibrant color of the strawberries paired with the light, airy frosting makes it not only delicious but beautiful too.
It’s my go-to cake when I want to make something special, and it’s a hit every time. Fresh strawberries layered into the cake add that irresistible burst of sweetness, while the whipped frosting perfectly complements the flavor.
What makes this strawberry birthday cake truly special is the way the freshness of the strawberries shines through in every bite.
And if you want to make the celebration even more special, pair it with a refreshing glass of Strawberry Basil Lemonade or some delicate macarons for a sophisticated touch.
Ready to bake? I’d love to hear how your cake turns out, and don’t hesitate to share any personal twists or variations!
Why I Love This Recipe?
- Fresh & Flavorful: The combination of fresh strawberries and light, airy frosting makes this cake irresistible.
- Perfect for Celebrations: Whether it’s a birthday or any special occasion, this cake never fails to impress and feels like a true treat.
- Simple yet Elegant: Despite its show-stopping look, this cake is surprisingly easy to make with simple ingredients.
- Light & Moist: The cake is light and moist, creating the perfect texture that everyone loves in a birthday cake.
Strawberry Birthday Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Electric mixer
- 2 (9-inch) round cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Wire Rack
- Toothpick
Ingredients
- 2 cups white sugar
- 1 cup butter softened
- 1 3 ounce package strawberry flavored Jell-O®
- 4 large eggs room temperature
- 2 ¾ cups sifted cake flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup whole milk room temperature
- ½ cup strawberry puree made from frozen sweetened strawberries
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Pans:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Make the Batter:
- Beat sugar, butter, and dry strawberry gelatin until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
- Stir together flour and baking powder in a separate bowl.
- Add to the butter mixture alternately with milk.
Add Flavors:
- Mix in the strawberry puree and vanilla extract.
Bake the Cake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool the Cake:
- Let the cakes cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
- Run a knife around the edges to loosen, then invert to cool completely.
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 393kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 59g |
| Fibre | 1g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Cholestrol | 90g |
Expert-Level Variations to Help You Out!
Here are some expert-level variations to elevate this strawberry cake recipe while avoiding the usual substitutions:
1. Berry Medley
Swap out some or all of the strawberry puree with other berry purees like raspberry, blueberry, or blackberry for a multi-fruit flavor profile. For an added twist, mix the purees to create a gradient effect in the cake.
2. Infused Butter
For a richer, more complex flavor, infuse the butter with fresh herbs such as basil or mint before creaming it with the sugar. Simply heat the butter until melted, add the herbs, and let it steep for about 10 minutes before straining out the herbs and cooling the butter.
3. Buttermilk Swap
Replace the whole milk with buttermilk for a slight tang and more moist crumb. The acidity will also help activate the baking powder for an extra rise.
4. Rose Water Accent
Incorporate a few drops of rose water into the batter along with the vanilla extract. The delicate floral note pairs beautifully with strawberries and adds a sophisticated twist.
5. Citrus Zest Kick
Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the batter for a fresh, citrusy contrast that complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
6. Toasted Almonds
Fold in 1/4 cup of finely chopped, toasted almonds into the batter just before baking. The nuts will provide a subtle crunch and a layer of nutty flavor.
7. Lemonade Version
Instead of the strawberry Jell-O® packet, use a lemon-flavored one and complement it with a tablespoon of lemon juice and lemon zest. This will create a tart, lemon-strawberry combination that’s refreshing.
8. Chocolate Chips Surprise
For a decadently unexpected twist, fold 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips or finely chopped white chocolate into the batter. The chocolate pairs wonderfully with the strawberry flavor and adds a lovely richness.
9. Prosecco Infusion
For an adult version, replace half of the milk with prosecco or another sparkling wine. The slight fizz and light, fruity notes from the wine elevate the cake’s flavor complexity.
10. Whipped Cream Filling
For an added dimension of flavor, layer the cake with a lightly sweetened whipped cream filling or mascarpone cream. You can even fold in some chopped strawberries into the whipped cream for extra texture.
Let me know if you want more specialized options or further refinements!
