Best Strawberry Cake from Scratch

This homemade strawberry cake is soft, moist, and packed with sweet strawberry flavor. Made with strawberry purée and strawberry-flavored gelatin, it delivers a rich fruity taste that feels straight from a professional bakery. Despite its impressive appearance and flavor, it's surprisingly simple to prepare using everyday baking ingredients.

As a caterer, this recipe has become one of my most trusted desserts. I once served it at a children's birthday celebration, and it quickly became the star of the dessert table. Pair it with cream cheese frosting, strawberry buttercream, or chocolate ganache for an extra special finish.

Why You'll Love This Strawberry Cake

This cake combines real strawberry purée with strawberry gelatin to create a vibrant flavor and beautiful pink color. The texture is light, fluffy, and incredibly moist, making it perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or anytime you're craving a homemade dessert.

Ingredients

Cake Ingredients

2 cups granulated sugar

1 cup softened butter

1 package (3 ounces) strawberry-flavored gelatin

4 large eggs, room temperature

2¾ cups sifted cake flour

2½ teaspoons baking powder

1 cup whole milk, room temperature

½ cup strawberry purée

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Ingredient Overview

Sugar

Granulated sugar provides sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.

Butter

Softened butter creates richness and contributes to the cake's soft crumb.

Strawberry Gelatin

Strawberry gelatin adds concentrated strawberry flavor and enhances the cake's color.

Eggs

Eggs provide structure, moisture, and richness while helping the cake rise properly.

Cake Flour

Cake flour produces a lighter and softer texture than standard all-purpose flour.

Baking Powder

This leavening ingredient helps the cake become fluffy and airy during baking.

Milk

Whole milk adds moisture and contributes to a tender crumb.

Strawberry Purée

Strawberry purée delivers natural fruit flavor throughout the cake.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla enhances the overall flavor and complements the strawberries.

Frosting Ideas

This strawberry cake pairs beautifully with a variety of frostings.

Real Strawberry Frosting

Strawberry Buttercream Frosting

Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

Chocolate Ganache

Each option adds a unique flavor combination while complementing the fruity cake base.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease and lightly flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the sugar, softened butter, and dry strawberry gelatin until the mixture becomes pale, smooth, and fluffy.

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour and baking powder.

Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Continue mixing until everything is incorporated.

Step 4: Add Strawberry Purée and Vanilla

Pour in the strawberry purée and vanilla extract.

Mix until the batter becomes smooth and evenly colored.

Step 5: Fill the Cake Pans

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.

Use a spatula to smooth the tops if necessary.

Step 6: Bake

Place the pans in the preheated oven.

Bake for approximately 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool the Cakes

Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes.

Carefully run a knife around the edges to loosen them.

Turn the cakes out onto a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before frosting.

Step 8: Decorate and Serve

Once completely cooled, frost the cake with your favorite frosting.

Slice and enjoy this delicious homemade strawberry cake.

Storage Instructions

Store the finished cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

For the best flavor and texture, allow each slice to sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Freezing Instructions

If you'd like to store the cake longer, freeze the unfrosted layers.

Allow the layers to cool completely.

Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap.

Cover with a layer of aluminum foil and label with the date.

Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before decorating.

Baker Reviews

"This recipe turned out fantastic. I brushed the warm cake layers with a simple strawberry glaze and finished it with strawberry buttercream."

"I used fresh strawberries for the purée and folded whipped egg whites into the batter. The cake was incredibly moist and flavorful."

"This has been our family birthday cake tradition for years. My daughter requests it every birthday and now enjoys baking it herself."

Final Thoughts

This strawberry cake is a reliable, crowd-pleasing dessert that combines homemade charm with bakery-quality results. The combination of strawberry purée, strawberry gelatin, and a soft cake crumb creates a dessert that's perfect for birthdays, celebrations, and family gatherings. Whether topped with cream cheese frosting, buttercream, or ganache, it's a recipe you'll want to make again and again.