Strawberry Velvet Cake
A rich and moist strawberry cake with cream cheese frosting and fresh strawberries layered throughout, perfect for celebrations.
Ingredients
For the cake
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour The foundation for a soft and tender cake
- 2 cups granulated sugar Sweetens the cake beautifully
- 1 teaspoon baking soda Ensures the cake rises to perfection
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder Adds depth to the cake
- 1 teaspoon salt Enhances the sweetness
- 1.5 cups vegetable oil Keeps the cake moist
- 1 cup buttermilk At room temperature for best results
- 2 large eggs Bind everything together
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring Intensifies the vibrant color
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar Activates the baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Infuses a delightful warmth
For the frosting
- 16 oz cream cheese Softened for smooth frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter Softened for smooth frosting
- 5 cups powdered sugar Sweetens and thickens the frosting
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Enhances the overall flavor
For assembly and garnish
- 4 cups fresh strawberries Sliced for layering in the cake
- whipped cream For garnish
- whole strawberries For topping
Instructions
Preparation
- Prep your pans and ingredients by gathering everything first, ensuring the buttermilk is at room temperature and the cream cheese/butter are softened.
Mix dry ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt until evenly dispersed.
Combine wet ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, white vinegar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until uniform and glossy.
Make the batter
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until you no longer see dry flour.
Bake the cake layers
- Divide the batter between prepared pans and bake until the tops look set and gently spring back when pressed.
- Let the layers cool completely before frosting.
Make the cream cheese frosting
- Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and mix until thick and spreadable.
- Blend in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
Assemble the cake
- Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate, spread cream cheese frosting, and scatter sliced strawberries over it. Add the next layer and repeat.
- Finish with frosting on top and around the sides.
Finish and decorate
- Top the cake with whole strawberries and whipped cream before serving.
- Chill briefly for clean slices.
Notes
For best results, make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened. Chill the assembled cake briefly before slicing for clean layers. Store covered in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese frosting and fresh strawberries.