Name: Valentine Strawberry Cake
Prep time: PT-482838H52M21S
Cook time: PT-482838H52M21S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup fresh strawberry puree (from about 8-10 fresh strawberries); 1/4 cup sour cream (for extra moisture); 2-3 drops red food coloring (optional, for a deeper pink color); 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup fresh strawberry puree (strained to remove seeds); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp lemon juice (optional, to balance the sweetness); Pinch of salt; Fresh strawberries, sliced (optional); Sprinkles or edible glitter (optional, for a fun Valentine’s touch)

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Valentine’s Day just got a whole lot sweeter with this Valentine Strawberry Cake! Picture this: a soft, fluffy cake infused with sweet, ripe strawberries, layered with creamy frosting, and topped with fresh berries and a little love. This cake is perfect for celebrating with someone special, or even for treating yourself to something truly delightful. It’s not just a dessert—it’s an experience! The flavor is fresh, the texture is melt-in-your-mouth, and the colors are pure Valentine magic.

Trust me, if you’re looking to impress your sweetheart, friends, or family this Valentine’s Day, this cake is going to be your new go-to. Every bite is bursting with strawberry goodness, and the vibrant pink frosting just adds the perfect touch of romance. Grab your mixing bowl—let’s make this cake together!

Why You’ll Love Valentine Strawberry Cake

Here’s why this cake will steal your heart:

Sweet, Fruity Flavor

The cake itself is made with fresh strawberries, giving it a wonderfully natural, juicy sweetness. Paired with the luscious, creamy frosting, this cake is a flavor explosion!

Perfect for Valentine’s Day

The soft pink frosting, topped with fresh strawberries, makes this the ultimate Valentine’s Day treat. It’s a great way to show someone you care—whether it’s for your partner, your friends, or even yourself!

Light and Fluffy Texture

This cake is incredibly moist and light, making it the perfect balance of sweetness and softness. The texture is dreamy and perfect for a special occasion.

Beautiful Presentation

The fresh strawberries and pink frosting make this cake look as good as it tastes. It’s an eye-catching centerpiece for any Valentine’s celebration!

Easy to Make

No need for fancy baking skills! This cake is easy to assemble, and you don’t need any special tools or techniques. Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you’ll be able to pull this off with ease.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Valentine Strawberry Cake:

For the Strawberry Cake:

Fresh Strawberries: These provide the cake with a vibrant, fruity flavor. Fresh strawberries are key to making this cake truly special.
Flour: All-purpose flour will give the cake the right structure and texture.

Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Sugar: Sweetens the cake and complements the natural flavor of the strawberries.

Eggs: Provides structure and richness to the cake.
Milk: Adds moisture to the batter for a soft, tender crumb.
Butter: Makes the cake rich and buttery for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Vanilla Extract: Adds a hint of warmth to the flavor.

For the Strawberry Frosting:

Butter: The base of the frosting, giving it a smooth, creamy texture.

Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting to the perfect level.
Fresh Strawberries: Pureed to infuse the frosting with that fresh strawberry flavor.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and flavor of the frosting.

Heavy Cream or Milk: Helps smooth out the frosting and gives it a creamy consistency.

For the Garnish:

Fresh Strawberries: Sliced and placed on top to decorate the cake.

Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.

Instructions

Let’s get baking and create this beautiful, strawberry-packed cake!

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, or line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract together until well combined. Add the fresh strawberries (either finely chopped or pureed) and mix them into the wet ingredients.

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that could make the cake dense.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 4: Make the Strawberry Frosting

While the cakes are cooling, make the frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the pureed strawberries, vanilla extract, and heavy cream (or milk) to the mixture and continue to beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.

If the frosting is too thick, you can add a bit more milk to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.

Step 5: Frost the Cake

Once the cakes are fully cooled, place one layer on a serving platter or cake stand. Spread a generous amount of the strawberry frosting on top. Place the second layer on top of the first and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Smooth out the frosting with a spatula for a beautiful finish.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top the cake with sliced fresh strawberries for a decorative and delicious touch. Slice, serve, and watch as everyone enjoys this stunning Valentine’s Day treat!

How to Serve Valentine Strawberry Cake

This cake is perfect for any Valentine’s Day celebration, but it pairs wonderfully with:

A Cup of Coffee or Tea

Serve with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the perfect pairing. The sweetness of the cake goes beautifully with your favorite warm drink.

Fresh Fruit or Whipped Cream

For extra sweetness, serve the cake with a side of whipped cream or even more fresh strawberries on the side. It’s a great way to elevate the presentation and flavor.

A Glass of Champagne

If you’re celebrating with a little sparkle, serve a glass of champagne alongside this cake. The light bubbles complement the sweet, fruity flavor of the cake.

Additional Tips

Make it in advance: You can make the cake layers and frosting ahead of time. Just store the cake layers in an airtight container and refrigerate the frosting. Assemble the cake the day you plan to serve it.

Add a strawberry syrup: For extra strawberry flavor, drizzle a little strawberry syrup over each slice before serving.
For a fun twist, add a layer of strawberry jam or preserves between the cake layers for an extra burst of strawberry flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 12 servings)

Calories: 340
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g

Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 180mg
Total Carbohydrates: 46g

Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 35g
Protein: 2g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

FAQ

Q1: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. The frosting can also be made ahead and refrigerated. Just assemble the cake the day you plan to serve it.

Q2: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
A2: Yes, frozen strawberries work fine. Just thaw them and drain off any excess liquid before using them in the cake or frosting.

Q3: How can I make the frosting thicker?
A3: If the frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

Q4: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A4: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary slightly.

Q5: Can I use a different fruit for the frosting?
A5: Absolutely! You can substitute strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches for a different fruity twist.

Q6: How do I store leftover cake?
A6: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q7: Can I add more fruit to the cake?
A7: Yes, you can mix some diced strawberries into the cake batter for added fruit flavor.

Q8: How can I make the cake more moist?
A8: You can add a bit more milk or some sour cream to the batter to increase moisture. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the cake dense.

Q9: Can I use a store-bought frosting?
A9: Of course! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought frosting. Just make sure to add some fresh strawberry puree to give it that strawberry flavor.

Q10: Can I make this cake in a different pan?
A10: Yes! You can make this cake in a 9×13-inch baking pan or even in cupcake form. Just adjust the baking time as needed.

Conclusion

This Valentine Strawberry Cake is everything you need for a sweet and unforgettable Valentine’s Day treat. With its tender cake, creamy strawberry frosting, and fresh fruit topping, it’s the perfect dessert for anyone who loves strawberries (and who doesn’t?!). Whether you’re celebrating with a loved one or treating yourself, this cake is sure to make the occasion extra special. Enjoy the love and sweetness that comes with every bite!

Valentine Strawberry Cake