Pink Strawberry Layer Cake Recipe – Sweet, Moist, and Stunning

This Pink Strawberry Layer Cake is a showstopper for birthdays, baby showers, or any special occasion. Moist, fluffy layers are filled and frosted with sweet strawberry cream, offering a vibrant pink hue and fresh strawberry flavor.

The combination of light sponge cake and creamy frosting makes it indulgent but not overly heavy. Perfect for cake lovers who want a dessert that’s both visually stunning and deliciously satisfying.

Ingredients

Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup pureed fresh strawberries

Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup pureed fresh strawberries
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pink food coloring, optional

Topping:

• Fresh strawberries, sliced for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Prepare Cake Batter:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   Alternately mix flour mixture and milk into the butter mixture. Fold in pureed strawberries until batter is smooth.
4. Bake Cake Layers:
   Divide batter evenly among prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool layers completely on wire racks.
5. Prepare Frosting:
   Beat butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and vanilla extract. Add pink food coloring if desired, mixing until fully combined.
6. Assemble Cake:
   Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread frosting evenly. Repeat with remaining layers. Frost top and sides with remaining frosting.
7. Garnish:
   Decorate with sliced fresh strawberries on top. Slice and serve.

Tips for Perfect Pink Strawberry Layer Cake

• Strawberry Puree: Blend fresh strawberries for a natural flavor; cook down if very watery.
• Layer Evenness: Use a serrated knife to level cake layers for uniform stacking.
• Chill for Stability: Chill cake 30 minutes before slicing to keep layers intact.
• Fresh Strawberries: Add just before serving to maintain color and freshness.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
• Pair with a cup of tea or sparkling lemonade for a festive treat.
• Perfect centerpiece for birthdays, showers, or celebrations.

Variations

• Chocolate Strawberry Cake: Add cocoa powder to the cake batter.
• Mini Cakes: Make cupcakes for individual servings.
• Whipped Cream Frosting: Substitute some butter for whipped cream for lighter frosting.

Fun Facts & Cultural Context

Strawberry layer cakes are popular worldwide and often symbolize celebration. Pink versions are especially favored for festive events like Valentine’s Day, baby showers, and birthdays. Using fresh strawberries not only adds flavor but also a natural pink tint, creating a visually striking dessert.

Nutritional Notes

This cake provides carbohydrates and fat from flour and butter, with natural sweetness from strawberries. For a lighter option, reduce sugar in the frosting or use low-fat milk.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist, fluffy, and naturally pink
• Vibrant strawberry flavor and fresh topping
• Perfect for birthdays and special occasions
• Easy to assemble with basic ingredients
• Stunning presentation with minimal effort

Pink Strawberry Layer Cake

A vibrant pink strawberry layer cake with moist sponge layers, creamy strawberry frosting, and fresh strawberry topping for birthdays or celebrations.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 12 slices

Course: Cake, Dessert

Cuisine: American, Celebration

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Cake Ingredients

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 2.5 tsp baking powder
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 eggs large
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk
• 0.5 cup pureed fresh strawberries

Frosting Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 0.5 cup pureed fresh strawberries
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• pink food coloring optional

Topping Ingredients

• fresh strawberries sliced for garnish

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Cake pans
• Wire racks
• Spatula

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans.
2. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
3. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
4. Alternately mix flour mixture and milk into butter mixture. Fold in strawberry puree until smooth.
5. Divide batter among pans and bake 25–30 minutes. Cool completely on wire racks.
6. Beat butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and vanilla. Add food coloring if desired.
7. Assemble cake with frosting between layers and on top. Garnish with sliced fresh strawberries.

Notes

Chill cake 30 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.