Strawberry Dream Cake: Complete Recipe & Guide

There’s something magical about a perfectly made Strawberry Dream Cake. The sweet tart flavor of fresh strawberries paired with fluffy cake layers and creamy frosting creates an irresistible dessert that brightens any celebration. Whether you’re planning a Valentine’s Day treat, a Mother’s Day surprise, or just craving something sweet on a summer afternoon, this cake delivers both stunning looks and incredible taste. The delicate pink color and rich berry flavor make it a showstopper that’s surprisingly simple to create at home. If you prefer an even simpler strawberry dessert, you might enjoy our Fresh Strawberry Cake, which uses a similar flavor profile with fewer steps.

Ingredients Strawberry Dream Cake

For the Strawberry Dream Cake

• 1 box vanilla cake mix (15.25 oz)
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
• 1/2 cup strawberry puree (about 1 cup fresh strawberries, blended and strained)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional flavor boosters:
  • 3 tablespoons freeze-dried strawberry powder
  • 1 small box (3 oz) strawberry gelatin
  • 2-3 drops pink food coloring (if desired for deeper color)

For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberry powder (or 3 tablespoons strawberry puree)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream (if needed for consistency)

Frosting variations:

• For buttercream option: Replace cream cheese with another 1/2 cup butter
• For lighter option: Use 2 cups whipped topping folded with 1/2 cup pureed strawberries

Equipment Needed

• Two 8-inch or three 6-inch round cake pans
• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Electric mixer (stand or hand)
• Spatula and whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack
• Cake turntable (helpful but optional)
• Offset spatula for frosting

Preparation Instructions

Making the Strawberry Cake Batter

The key to a perfect strawberry Dream cake starts with how you blend the ingredients. Here’s my foolproof method:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pans, or line with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, eggs, oil, and buttermilk. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds to incorporate, then increase to medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
3. Fold in the strawberry puree and vanilla extract. If using freeze-dried strawberry powder or gelatin, add it now. Mix until just combined – overmixing can create a dense cake.
4. The batter should be smooth with a lovely pink hue. If the color seems too pale, add a tiny drop of pink food coloring.

Pro Tip: Creating Strawberry Puree

For the freshest flavor, blend hulled strawberries until smooth, then strain to remove seeds. One cup of fresh strawberries yields about 1/2 cup puree. Make extra to use in the frosting!

Baking Guide

Proper baking is crucial for a moist, evenly-risen cake:

1. Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans. Tap pans gently on the counter to remove air bubbles.
2. For 8-inch pans: Bake 25-30 minutes For 6-inch pans: Bake 22-25 minutes
3. Test for doneness: A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
4. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Troubleshooting Common Baking Issues

• Cake sinks in middle: Oven temperature too low or underbaked. Use an oven thermometer to verify temperature.
• Uneven rising: Rotate pans halfway through baking. Don’t open the oven door in the first 20 minutes.
• Dry texture: Don’t overbake! Watch closely after the 20-minute mark.

Frosting & Assembly

Making Perfect Strawberry Frosting

The frosting brings everything together with creamy, berry-filled goodness:

1. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until fluffy and completely smooth, about 3 minutes.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Add freeze-dried strawberry powder (or strained puree), vanilla, and salt. Beat until completely incorporated.
4. If frosting is too thick, add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until you reach spreading consistency.

Freeze-Dried Strawberry Secret

Freeze-dried strawberry powder creates intense flavor without adding moisture that can make frosting runny. Simply crush freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor or place in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin until powdered.

Cake Assembly Tutorial

Building your cake is where you can really shine:

1. Level cake layers if needed by slicing off domed tops with a serrated knife.
2. Place first layer on cake plate or stand. If desired, brush with simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, boiled then cooled) to lock in moisture.
3. Spread about 3/4 cup frosting evenly over the first layer. For a special surprise, add a thin layer of strawberry jam or fresh sliced strawberries.
4. Top with second layer, then frost the top and sides of the cake. For a “naked cake” look, use a thin coat of frosting to let the layers peek through.
5. Decorative touches: Fresh strawberries, white chocolate shavings, or edible flowers make gorgeous garnishes.

Short on time? Check out our Top Birthday Cake Easy Cake Delivery options if you need a beautiful strawberry Dream cake but don’t have time to bake from scratch.

Storage & Serving Strawberry Dream Cake

Storage Guidelines

Your cake will stay fresh and delicious with proper storage:

• Room temperature: Covered, good for up to 2 days
• Refrigerated: Up to 5 days in an airtight container
• Freezing: Wrap slices or whole unfrosted layers tightly in plastic wrap and foil; good for up to 3 months

If refrigerating, bring the cake to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions Strawberry Dream Cake

This cake really shines when served with complementary flavors:

• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream on the side. For an extra-special pairing, try our No-Churn Strawberries and Cream Ice Cream!
• Serve with extra fresh berries or a drizzle of strawberry sauce
• Pair with a glass of champagne for celebrations or afternoon tea for casual gatherings
• For the perfect slice, cut with a knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts

Recipe Variations

Dietary Adaptations

This recipe can easily accommodate different dietary needs:

• Gluten-free: Substitute a gluten-free vanilla cake mix,  For tips on successful gluten-free cake baking, check out America’s Test Kitchen’s guide to gluten-free baking.
• Dairy-free: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cream cheese
• Reduced sugar: Cut powdered sugar to 3 cups and use half the gelatin if including
• Egg alternative: Replace each egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

For more detailed information on substitutions in baking, America’s Test Kitchen provides science-backed recommendations for successful egg replacements in different types of baked goods.

Flavor Enhancements

Get creative with these tasty twists:

• Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the batter for a bright, citrusy note
• Layer with white chocolate mousse instead of frosting between cake layers
• Drizzle with chocolate ganache for a strawberries-and-chocolate flavor combo. Love this combination? You might also enjoy our Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes.
• Create a strawberry-lemonade version by adding 2 tablespoons lemon juice to the batter

Nutritional & Health Information

Nutritional Highlights

While this is definitely a treat, strawberries add beneficial nutrients:

• Strawberries are packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber.  You can find detailed nutritional information for strawberries from the USDA FoodData Central database.
• One slice (1/12 of cake) contains approximately 320-350 calories
• For a lighter version, use whipped topping instead of cream cheese frosting
• The fresh fruit adds natural sweetness, allowing you to reduce added sugar

FAQ

Expert Tips & Success Secrets: Strawberry Dream Cake

• Always bring refrigerated ingredients to room temperature before mixing for the smoothest batter
• For the moistest cake, don’t overmix the batter after adding dry ingredients
• If strawberries aren’t in season, good-quality frozen berries (thawed and drained) work well for the puree
• Make your cake layers a day ahead and refrigerate wrapped in plastic wrap – slightly chilled cakes are easier to frost
• For perfectly smooth frosting, sift powdered sugar before adding to remove any lumps

For more advanced cake decorating techniques to take your strawberry Dream cake to the next level, check out Wilton’s comprehensive cake decorating guide, which offers professional tips for home bakers.

A Sweet Finish

This Strawberry Dream Cake truly lives up to its name dreamy texture, bright flavor, and beautiful presentation make it perfect for special occasions or weekend baking projects. The combination of cake mix convenience with fresh strawberry additions creates a homemade taste everyone will love. I find this cake brings smiles at every gathering, from birthday celebrations to summer picnics.

Give this Strawberry Dream Cake a try next time strawberries are looking particularly tempting at the market you’ll create a memorable dessert that might just become your new signature sweet!