If you’re looking to impress your guests—or just treat yourself—to something sweet, fresh, and beautiful, look no further. This guide will show you how to make the perfect strawberry buttercream cake, from scratch. With fluffy layers of vanilla cake, a rich strawberry filling, and silky strawberry buttercream frosting, this dessert is a showstopper.
Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a summer picnic, or just because, this strawberry cake recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.
Image by Freepik
🧁 Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Buttercream Cake
Made with real strawberries—no artificial flavoring
Light, moist vanilla cake layers that hold up beautifully
Sweet, creamy strawberry buttercream frosting that spreads like a dream
Perfect for any occasion (or no occasion at all!)
Image by Freepik
🍓 Ingredients You’ll Need
Vanilla Cake:
2½ cups all-purpose flour
2½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
¾ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
1¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk
The Strawberry Filling:
2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Strawberry Buttercream:
1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
3–4 cups powdered sugar
½ cup strawberry purée (from the filling)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Strawberry Filling
Cook strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat until thick and jammy. Let it cool, then blend into a purée. This will be used in both the buttercream and as a layer in the cake.
2. Bake the Cake Layers
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch cake pans.
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla. Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk. Divide evenly into pans and bake for 22–25 minutes. Cool completely before assembling.
3. Make the Strawberry Buttercream
Beat butter until creamy. Add 3 cups powdered sugar gradually. Mix in the strawberry purée, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Adjust with more sugar for desired consistency.
4. Assemble the Cake
Layer cake, spread a thin layer of strawberry filling, then frosting. Repeat with remaining layers. Cover the cake in strawberry buttercream and decorate with fresh strawberries if desired.
💡 Pro Tips for the Perfect Finish
Use fresh strawberries: Frozen works in a pinch, but fresh gives a brighter flavor.
Chill before frosting: A cold cake is easier to frost cleanly.
Smooth frosting: Use an offset spatula or bench scraper for pro-level edges.
🎉 Final Thoughts
With fresh ingredients and a little patience, you’ll have a homemade dessert that looks bakery-worthy and tastes even better.
Looking for more buttercream cake recipes or strawberry dessert ideas? Bookmark this page and check out our other crowd-pleasing treats.
