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Perfect Red Velvet Strawberry Layer Cake

red velvet strawberry layer cake - featured image
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A moist and indulgent red velvet cake layered with fresh strawberry filling and topped with fluffy cream cheese frosting. This easy homemade dessert balances rich flavors with juicy brightness, perfect for celebrations or cozy moments.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring (gel-based)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 2 cups (about 300g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar (for strawberry filling)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thicker filling)
  • 16 ounces (450g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • Pinch of salt (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Strawberry Filling (15 minutes + chilling): In a medium bowl, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir gently and let sit for at least 15 minutes to macerate. If thicker filling is desired, stir in cornstarch mixture and cook gently over low heat until thickened, then cool completely in the fridge.
  2. Preheat the Oven & Prepare Pans (10 minutes): Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients (5 minutes): In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Mix Wet Ingredients (5 minutes): In another bowl, whisk sugar and oil until combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in buttermilk, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar.
  5. Combine Wet & Dry (5 minutes): Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Bake the Cake Layers (25-30 minutes): Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Rotate pans halfway through baking.
  7. Cool Completely (at least 1 hour): Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto cooling racks. Cool fully before assembling.
  8. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting (10 minutes): Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla and salt. Beat until light and creamy.
  9. Assemble the Cake (15 minutes): Place one cake layer on serving plate. Spread a thick layer of strawberry filling, then a generous layer of cream cheese frosting. Add second cake layer, press gently, and frost top and sides evenly. Decorate with fresh strawberries if desired.
  10. Chill Before Serving (1 hour recommended): Refrigerate cake for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld and frosting to set.

Notes

Use gel-based red food coloring for vibrant color. Let strawberries macerate to create a natural syrupy filling. Chill frosting if too soft or add a teaspoon of milk if too stiff. Level cake layers if domed for even stacking. Use room temperature ingredients for best results. For dairy-free or vegan versions, substitute cream cheese, butter, and buttermilk with plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet cake, strawberry layer cake, cream cheese frosting, homemade dessert, easy cake recipe, fresh strawberries, celebration cake

Find it online: https://shimmersnack.com/perfect-red-velvet-strawberry-layer-cake-recipe-easy-homemade-dessert/