Pink Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
If you are craving a dessert that is as delightful to look at as it is to eat, the Pink Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing is exactly what you need. This charming cake is bursting with the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries, baked into a moist, fluffy pink cake that feels like a celebration with every bite. The luscious strawberry cream cheese icing adds the perfect tangy-smooth finish that complements the fruity cake layers beautifully. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because you want to brighten your day with something sweet and gorgeous, this cake will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Pink Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing lies in its simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in giving you that tender crumb, the vibrant pink color, and the irresistibly creamy frosting. Fresh strawberries bring sweet brightness, while the combination of butter and oil keeps the cake perfectly moist.
- All-purpose flour (2¾ cups): The foundation for the cake’s soft yet sturdy structure.
- Baking powder (1 tablespoon): Helps the cake rise to fluffy perfection.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances flavors and enhances sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup total, softened): Adds richness and moisture to both cake and frosting.
- Vegetable oil (½ cup): Keeps the cake incredibly tender and moist.
- Granulated sugar (1¾ cups): Sweetens the cake while contributing to its light texture.
- Egg whites (4 large): Provide structure and lift without heaviness.
- Buttermilk (½ cup): Adds tanginess and tender crumb.
- Pureed fresh strawberries (¾ cup total): Infuses natural strawberry flavor and moisture.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the overall sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Strawberry extract (1 teaspoon, optional): Boosts the strawberry taste for an extra fruity punch.
- Pink or strawberry gel food coloring (2–3 drops): Creates that unmistakable Barbie pink hue.
- Powdered sugar (3½ cups): Provides the perfect sweet creaminess for the frosting.
- Cream cheese (8 oz): The creamy base of the decadent strawberry cream cheese icing.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness in the icing.
- Garnishes – fresh strawberries and edible glitter (optional): Add sparkle and a fresh fruity finish.
How to Make Pink Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing two round cake pans either 8 or 9 inches wide. Greasing and lining them with parchment paper ensures your cake layers come out clean and intact, making assembly a breeze.
Step 2: Puree the Strawberries
Fresh strawberries are the heart of this cake, and pureeing them until smooth lets their flavor shine through. Measure out ½ cup for the cake batter and set aside another ¼ cup for the creamy strawberry cream cheese icing. This fresh puree is what gives the cake its unmistakable strawberry taste.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This blend ensures even distribution of leavening agents so your Pink Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing rises just right.
Step 4: Cream Butter, Oil, and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step traps air, helping the cake achieve that perfectly tender texture. Then, gradually add egg whites one by one, beating thoroughly after each addition for maximum fluffiness.
Step 5: Add Wet Ingredients and Color
To the creamed mixture, stir in the vanilla extract, optional strawberry extract for an extra fruity boost, buttermilk, and strawberry puree. Once everything is fully combined, add the gel food coloring drop by drop until you achieve the vibrant Barbie pink color that makes this cake so much fun and visually stunning.
Step 6: Mix Dry into Wet and Bake
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until everything is combined. Overmixing can make the cake tough, so stop as soon as the flour disappears. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know the Pink Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Prepare the Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing
While the cakes cool, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in the reserved strawberry puree, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until the icing is silky and perfectly spreadable.
Step 8: Assemble and Decorate
Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate, generously spread strawberry cream cheese icing over the top, then add the second layer. Use the remaining frosting to cover the cake evenly. For a dazzling finish, garnish with halved fresh strawberries, pretty swirls of frosting, and if you’re feeling playful, a sprinkle of edible glitter or pink sprinkles to complete the Barbie-style look.
How to Serve Pink Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing
Garnishes
Fresh strawberries are the star garnish, adding bursts of juicy freshness that contrast beautifully with the creamy icing. For a bit of whimsy, edible glitter or pink sprinkles bring a magical sparkle that turns this cake into a centerpiece. These touches not only elevate appearance but also enhance every bite with texture and fun.
Side Dishes
If you want to pair your Pink Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing, consider a light fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the cake’s richness. Fresh mint or a drizzle of raspberry sauce also add refreshing accents that balance out the creamy sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, slice the cake into neat layers and serve with individual dollops of frosting and fresh strawberry halves on each plate. Or use small cake stands or pretty dessert plates to showcase the cake’s Barbie pink beauty. Even draping a delicate pink ribbon around the cake board adds a charming, festive touch that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your cake, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The strawberry cream cheese icing needs to stay cool to maintain its creamy texture, and properly covered, the cake should stay fresh for up to 3 days without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze the Pink Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing if you want to prepare it ahead of time or save some for later. Wrap the cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge and then frost and assemble just before serving for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature to preserve the delicate texture and flavor. If preferred, slice individual pieces and let them sit out for 30 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can affect the cream cheese icing and overall moistness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work just fine. Thaw them completely and puree as you would fresh ones. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid to keep the batter from becoming too watery.
Is it necessary to add food coloring?
No, the cake will taste amazing without it, but the small amount of gel food coloring gives the Pink Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing its iconic bright pink look that makes it so fun and eye-catching.
Can I substitute the vegetable oil with more butter?
You can, but using both butter and oil creates a perfect balance of flavor and moisture. If you swap all the oil for butter, the cake might turn out a bit denser and less tender.
How long does the cake take to bake?
It usually takes between 30 to 35 minutes at 350°F. Keep an eye on it, and use a toothpick to test doneness—it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
What if I don’t have strawberry extract?
No worries! The fresh strawberries and vanilla extract alone create plenty of strawberry flavor. The extract just intensifies that classic strawberry taste, but the cake will still be delicious without it.
Final Thoughts
Making the Pink Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing is a wonderful way to bring joy and sweetness into your day. It’s one of those recipes that feels special yet approachable, perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or just treating yourself. Once you try this cake, with its lovely pink hue, luscious strawberry flavor, and creamy icing, I’m confident it will become a beloved favorite to bake again and again.
