1. What is the secret to making Strawberry Dream Cake extra moist?

The secret is fresh strawberry puree and a little trick I swear by— the freezer method! Right after baking, wrap the cake layers in plastic wrap and pop them into the freezer for 30 minutes. This locks in moisture, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

2. Is frozen or fresh strawberries better for this cake?

Fresh is always best! But if strawberries aren’t in season, frozen strawberries work too. Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before using them in the batter or frosting.

3. Why does my Strawberry Dream Cake turn out dense instead of fluffy?

A dense cake usually means you overmixed the batter . Be gentle when folding the dry and wet ingredients together— a few lumps are okay! Also, double-check that you're using the right amount of flour (spoon and level, don’t scoop).

4. Is this cake healthy? What’s the nutritional breakdown?

While this cake is definitely a treat, you can make it healthier! Each slice has approximately 320 calories, with 15g of fat, 42g of carbs, and 3g of protein. Want a lighter version? Swap Greek yogurt for butter and use honey instead of sugar .

5. Can I make this cake without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! A hand mixer or even a whisk will do the job—just prepare for an arm workout. When making the frosting, use a hand mixer for a smooth, fluffy texture.

6. Is there a way to make this Strawberry Dream Cake dairy-free?

Butter → Coconut oil Milk → Almond or oat milk Cream cheese → Vegan cream cheese or blended cashews You won’t even miss the dairy!

7. How long does this cake last, and how should I store it?

If kept in an airtight container in the fridge , it will stay fresh for up to 3 days . For longer storage, wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months .

8. Can I use this recipe for cupcakes instead of a full cake?

Yes! Just reduce the baking time to 18-22 minutes and fill cupcake liners 3/4 full . They turn out just as dreamy!

9. What frosting pairs best with this cake?

This cake shines with strawberry cream cheese frosting . However, if you want a lighter touch, try whipped cream frosting —here’s an amazing frosting recipe collection for inspiration!

10. Can I add other flavors to this cake?

Yes! Try these fun variations: Lemon zest for a citrusy kick Chocolate chips for a choco-strawberry combo Almond extract for a nutty depth

Easy Strawberry Dream Cake

Name: Easy Strawberry Dream Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled); 1 tbsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; ½ cup buttermilk; ½ cup strawberry puree (from fresh or frozen strawberries); ½ cup freeze-dried strawberry powder (optional, for extra flavor); Few drops pink food coloring (optional); 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; ¼ cup strawberry puree; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1-2 tbsp heavy cream (if needed for consistency)

Description

This Strawberry Dream Cake is the ultimate strawberry lover’s dessert! Made with fresh strawberry puree, a light and fluffy cake base, and a luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting, every bite is bursting with real strawberry flavor. A secret freezer trick keeps the cake extra moist, making it the perfect treat for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or any special occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
1 tbsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract
½ cup buttermilk
½ cup strawberry puree (from fresh or frozen strawberries)
½ cup freeze-dried strawberry powder (optional, for extra flavor)
Few drops pink food coloring (optional)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
¼ cup strawberry puree
1 tsp vanilla extract
1–2 tbsp heavy cream (if needed for consistency)

Instructions

Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
Make the Strawberry Puree: In a blender, puree 1 cup of fresh strawberries until smooth. Then, cook the puree in a saucepan over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is reduced to about ½ cup. Let it cool completely before using.
Prepare the Cake Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and cooled strawberry puree.
Combine & Bake: Gradually add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined. Stir in the freeze-dried strawberry powder (if using) and pink food coloring (optional). Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
The Freezer Trick (Secret to Moist Cake!): Once the cake layers are slightly cooled, wrap each layer in plastic wrap and place them in the freezer for 30 minutes. This step helps lock in moisture, ensuring a super soft and tender cake.
Make the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting: In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy. Stir in the strawberry puree and vanilla extract, and if the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream to reach your desired consistency.
Assemble the Cake: Place one layer of cake on a serving plate, and spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides evenly with the remaining frosting.
Decorate & Serve: For a beautiful finish, decorate with fresh strawberry halves, white chocolate shavings, or edible flowers. Chill the cake for about 30 minutes before slicing to help the frosting set and make for cleaner slices.

Notes

Strawberries: Fresh is best, but frozen strawberries work if fully thawed and drained.
Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze slices for up to 2 months.
Make-Ahead: Cake layers can be baked a day in advance and stored wrapped at room temp or in the fridge.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Strawberry Dream Cake, strawberry cake, homemade strawberry cake, moist strawberry cake, strawberry cream cheese frosting, best strawberry cake recipe, fresh strawberry cake, easy strawberry cake