Triple Layer Strawberry Cake Recipe

Triple Layer Strawberry Cake Recipe: Sweet Summer Magic!

Delectable layers of sweetness start dancing in this triple layer strawberry cake that promises pure indulgence.

Every slice whispers summer memories with its vibrant crimson hues.

Soft, pillowy cake rounds embrace luscious strawberry cream between each delicate tier.

Delightful textures merge in a symphony of fresh berry essence.

Home bakers can craft this stunning dessert with simple ingredients and minimal fuss.

Gentle mixing and patient baking create a centerpiece that sparks conversation.

Grab a fork and let magical strawberry magic unfold on your plate.

Why Triple Layer Strawberry Cake Always Impresses

Why Triple Layer Strawberry Cake Always Impresses
  • Create Stunning Layers: This triple-layer strawberry cake offers a visually impressive dessert that looks professionally made, perfect for wowing guests without requiring advanced baking skills.
  • Burst with Fresh Flavor: The combination of fresh strawberry puree and strawberry powder ensures an authentic, intense fruity taste that elevates the cake beyond typical vanilla or chocolate options.
  • Quick Weekend Baking Project: With straightforward steps and just over an hour of total preparation and baking time, this recipe becomes an excellent weekend baking activity for families or baking enthusiasts.
  • Versatile Celebration Centerpiece: Whether it’s a birthday, bridal shower, or summer gathering, this vibrant pink cake serves as a delightful centerpiece that captures everyone’s attention and taste buds.

What Goes In Triple Layer Strawberry Cake

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The main structure of the cake, providing essential texture and stability.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake crumb.
  • Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and moisture to the cake.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and create a smooth, light cake texture.
  • Sour Cream: Adds moisture and creates a tender, soft cake.
Leavening Agents:
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Help the cake rise and create a light, airy texture.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Moisture and Flavor Ingredients:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and classic bakery flavor to the cake.
  • Milk: Provides additional moisture and helps blend ingredients smoothly.
  • Strawberry Puree: Introduces natural strawberry flavor and beautiful color.
  • Food Coloring (Optional): Intensifies the strawberry-pink color of the cake.
Frosting Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, spreadable frosting with perfect sweetness.
  • Freeze-Dried Strawberry Powder: Concentrates strawberry flavor in the buttercream.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps achieve creamy frosting consistency.
Decoration Ingredients:
  • Fresh Strawberries: Provides beautiful, fresh topping for the cake.
  • White Chocolate Shavings: Adds elegant decoration and subtle sweet flavor.

Steps To Make Triple Layer Strawberry Cake

Steps To Make Triple Layer Strawberry Cake

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Warm your oven to a cozy 350F. Grab three cake pans and give them some love:
  • Butter the sides
  • Line the bottom with parchment paper
  • Make sure everything is smooth and ready to go

Step 2: Create Cake Magic

Grab two mixing bowls and let’s dance:

First Bowl Ingredients:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Pinch of salt
Second Bowl Ingredients:
  • Softened butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract
  • Sour cream
  • Whole milk
  • Fresh strawberry puree
  • Optional: Pink food coloring

Whisk dry ingredients together. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until they look cloud-like. Add eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly. Fold in remaining wet ingredients gently until everything looks perfectly combined.

Step 3: Bake With Love

Pour cake batter evenly into prepared pans. Slide into preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean. Let cakes rest for 10 minutes, then transfer to cooling rack.

Step 4: Whip Up Dreamy Frosting

Grab your mixer and blend:
  • Softened butter
  • Powdered sugar
  • Freeze-dried strawberry powder
  • Vanilla extract
  • Heavy cream

Whip until frosting looks cloud-like and irresistible.

Step 5: Build Your Cake Masterpiece

Stack cake layers with generous frosting between each. Cover entire cake in remaining frosting. Get creative with decorations:
  • Fresh strawberry slices
  • White chocolate curls
  • Crumbled freeze-dried strawberries

Step 6: Chill And Serve

Pop cake in refrigerator for 30 minutes. This helps everything set perfectly. Slice, serve, and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Pro Tips For Triple Layer Strawberry Cake Success

  • Boost Strawberry Flavor: Enhance the cake’s fruity taste by using high-quality freeze-dried strawberry powder in both the batter and frosting for an intense, concentrated strawberry essence.
  • Perfect Moisture Trick: Ensure a tender crumb by not overmixing the batter and using room temperature ingredients, which helps create a more uniform and moist cake texture.
  • Smooth Frosting Technique: Chill the buttercream for 10-15 minutes before spreading to achieve a smoother, more spreadable consistency that creates clean cake layers.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, adding 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum to help maintain the cake’s structure and prevent crumbling.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Bake cake layers in advance and wrap tightly in plastic wrap, storing them in the freezer for up to a week to simplify cake assembly and enhance moisture retention.

How To Store Triple Layer Strawberry Cake

  • Refrigerate the cake in an airtight container for up to 4 days to maintain its freshness.
  • Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap or place it in a cake carrier to prevent drying out.
  • Keep the cake away from strong-smelling foods in the refrigerator to preserve its delicate strawberry flavor.
  • Freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months if you want to save some for later enjoyment.
  • Thaw frozen cake slices in the refrigerator overnight before serving, ensuring the texture remains moist and delicious.
  • Always let the cake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the frosting and enhance its flavors.

What Goes Great With Triple Layer Strawberry Cake

  • Sip Sparkling Strawberry Prosecco: Pair this delightful cake with a chilled glass of strawberry-infused prosecco, enhancing the fruity notes and creating a luxurious dessert experience that complements the cake’s sweet strawberry flavor.
  • Brew Creamy Vanilla Latte: Serve alongside a smooth vanilla latte, where the rich, creamy coffee balances the cake’s sweetness and provides a warm, comforting contrast to the light, fruity dessert.
  • Match with Champagne Sorbet: Accompany the cake with a small scoop of champagne sorbet, offering a refreshing and elegant palate cleanser that elevates the dessert’s delicate strawberry essence and adds a sophisticated touch.
  • Enjoy with White Chocolate Mousse: Add a small side of white chocolate mousse, creating a decadent pairing that echoes the cake’s creamy frosting and provides an additional layer of indulgent flavor complexity.

Fun Spins On Triple Layer Strawberry Cake

  • Berry Bliss Cake: Swap strawberry puree with raspberry or mixed berry puree for a vibrant, tangy flavor profile that adds a fruity punch to the classic cake.
  • Lemon Strawberry Sensation: Incorporate lemon zest and juice into the batter and frosting for a bright, citrusy undertone that complements the sweet strawberry notes.
  • Chocolate Strawberry Dream: Add cocoa powder to the cake batter and create a chocolate ganache layer between cake tiers for a rich, decadent chocolate-strawberry combination.
  • Nutty Strawberry Crunch: Fold chopped almonds or pistachios into the batter and sprinkle toasted nuts between layers for added texture and nutty complexity.

Triple Layer Strawberry Cake Questions Answered

  • Why use sour cream in this strawberry cake recipe?

Sour cream adds moisture and creates a tender, rich texture to the cake. It helps keep the cake soft and prevents it from becoming dry, ensuring a delicious and velvety crumb.

  • Can I use fresh strawberries instead of strawberry puree?

While fresh strawberries can be used, puree provides a more concentrated flavor and smoother texture. If using fresh strawberries, puree them first and strain to remove seeds for the best results.

  • What’s the purpose of adding food coloring?

Food coloring is optional and helps enhance the cake’s visual appeal by creating a more vibrant pink or red hue. The natural strawberry puree might not give the intense color some bakers desire.

  • How do I know if the freeze-dried strawberry powder is good for the frosting?

Look for high-quality, pure freeze-dried strawberry powder without added sugars. It should have an intense strawberry flavor and fine, powdery texture that blends smoothly into the buttercream frosting.

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Triple Layer Strawberry Cake Recipe

Triple Layer Strawberry Cake Recipe


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4.6 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet summer memories bloom in this triple layer strawberry cake, where delicate pink layers whisper of garden freshness. Rich cream cheese frosting and ripe strawberry preserves create a delightful dessert you cannot resist savoring slice by slice.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base Ingredients:

  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2.5 teaspoons baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Liquid and Moisture Ingredients:

  • 0.5 cup whole milk (room temperature)
  • 0.5 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
  • 1 cup strawberry puree (blended fresh or frozen strawberries)
  • 23 drops pink food coloring (optional, for a vibrant color)

Frosting and Decoration Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 0.5 cup freeze-dried strawberries (blended into a powder)
  • 0.25 cup heavy cream (as needed for consistency)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • Fresh strawberries (halved)
  • White chocolate shavings
  • Extra freeze-dried strawberry crumbs

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C). Thoroughly coat three 8-inch circular baking molds with butter and line with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Create the cake foundation by thoroughly combining flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a mixing vessel. In a separate larger mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and airy.
  3. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, ensuring complete integration after each addition. Blend vanilla extract smoothly into the batter.
  4. Alternate adding sour cream, milk, and the prepared dry ingredient mixture into the base, stirring gently to maintain a light texture. Gently fold strawberry puree into the batter, introducing a soft pink hue if desired.
  5. Distribute the batter evenly across the prepared baking molds, ensuring uniform thickness. Position in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes until a testing skewer emerges clean when inserted.
  6. Allow cake layers to rest in their molds for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a cooling rack. Permit complete temperature reduction before further processing.
  7. Prepare the frosting by whipping butter until creamy. Gradually introduce powdered sugar and strawberry powder, creating a smooth consistency. Enhance with vanilla extract and heavy cream, whipping until the mixture becomes luxuriously fluffy.
  8. Construct the cake by placing the first layer on a serving platform. Spread a generous layer of strawberry buttercream across the surface. Repeat with the second layer, applying additional frosting.
  9. Position the final layer atop the previous layers. Carefully frost the entire cake’s exterior, ensuring smooth and even coverage.
  10. Embellish with fresh strawberries, delicate white chocolate shavings, or crushed freeze-dried strawberry crumbs for visual appeal.
  11. Refrigerate the assembled cake for 30 minutes to set the frosting and enhance flavor melding. Slice and serve chilled for optimal taste and texture.

Notes

  • Ensure strawberry puree is well-strained to prevent excess moisture affecting cake texture.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for smoother, more even cake batter and better rise.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough, dense cake layers.
  • Freeze-dried strawberry powder intensifies flavor without adding extra liquid to frosting.
  • Opt for gel food coloring for vibrant pink color without watering down the batter.
  • Dairy-free alternative: Replace butter with coconut oil and milk with almond milk.
  • Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
  • Make ahead tip: Cake layers can be wrapped and frozen for up to 2 weeks before assembling.
  • For extra moisture, brush cake layers with simple syrup before frosting.
  • Want a lighter version? Replace some butter with Greek yogurt in the batter.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 35 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg

James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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