If you’re looking to make a show-stopping birthday dessert, this Strawberry Birthday Cake recipe is exactly what you need. A strawberry birthday cake is the perfect way to celebrate any special occasion, and this recipe will blow you away with its rich, buttery vanilla cake, luscious rum-infused strawberry compote, and tangy cream cheese frosting. Whether it’s for a kid’s birthday, a family gathering, or just because you love strawberries, this strawberry birthday cake recipe is the ultimate treat. Packed with fresh strawberries, vanilla beans, and a rich cream cheese frosting, this cake will become your go-to birthday dessert recipe. Let’s dive into the best strawberry birthday cake recipe you’ll ever make!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Birthday Cake Recipe
- Bursting with Fresh Strawberry Flavor
- Rich and Moist Vanilla Cake
- Tangy Cream Cheese Frosting
- Perfect for Birthdays and Special Occasions
Ingredients for the Best Strawberry Birthday Cake
Vanilla Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose soft-wheat flour
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. table salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
- Shortening for greasing pans
Strawberry Compote:
- 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
- 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh strawberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp. rum (optional)
5-Cup Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 2 (8-oz.) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 (16-oz.) packages powdered sugar
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients:
- Fresh strawberries, halved, for garnish
Step-by-Step Directions for Strawberry Birthday Cake
Prepare the Vanilla Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans using shortening.
- Beat butter at medium speed until creamy. Gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add flour mixture to the butter mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Stir in vanilla bean seeds.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for 30 to 34 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Strawberry Compote:
- In a medium saucepan, combine vanilla bean seeds, chopped strawberries, and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes until strawberries are soft and the mixture is syrupy.
- Remove from heat and stir in rum. Cool completely before using.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract.
Assemble the Strawberry Birthday Cake:
- Slice each cake layer in half horizontally, creating four layers.
- Place one layer on a cake plate and spread half of the strawberry compote over it.
- Add the second layer and spread with about 3/4 cup of frosting.
- Repeat with the third layer and remaining compote. Top with the final layer.
- Apply a thin coat of frosting over the entire cake and chill for 30 minutes to set.
- Frost the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting. Garnish with halved fresh strawberries.
Chill and Serve:
- Chill the cake for at least one hour before serving to allow the frosting to set. Slice and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Perfect Strawberry Birthday Cake
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for the best texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so mix just until ingredients are combined.
- Let the Cake Cool Completely: Frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt and slide off.
- Customize the Frosting: Add a splash of lemon juice to the frosting for a tangy twist.
- Make Ahead and Store: The cake layers can be baked and frozen up to two months in advance. Thaw before assembling.
Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Birthday Cake
Can I Make the Cake Without Alcohol?
Yes! If you prefer, omit the rum in the strawberry compote or replace it with lemon juice for a non-alcoholic version.
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries?
Absolutely. Thaw the strawberries before using to prevent excess moisture in the compote.
How Do I Store Strawberry Birthday Cake?
Store the assembled cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap for up to two months.
What’s the Best Substitute for Vanilla Beans?
If you don’t have vanilla beans, use vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract for similar flavor.
Can I Add Other Fruits to the Compote?
Yes, you can mix in other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or even a touch of rhubarb for extra flavor.
Now that you have all the tips and steps, it’s time to get baking! This strawberry birthday cake is a sensational centerpiece that will wow your guests and make any celebration unforgettable.
