If you have a sweet tooth and a soft spot for fresh strawberries, you are going to absolutely adore this Delicious Strawberry Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Strawberry Jam Recipe. This cake is a celebration of everything strawberries can be — tender, flavorful layers infused with fresh strawberry puree, luscious cream cheese frosting that whispers tangy sweetness, and a rich homemade strawberry jam tucked between the layers. Each bite is a perfect harmony of moist cake, decadent frosting, and fruity brightness that will have you coming back for more. Trust me, it’s a recipe that’s as joyful to make as it is to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows three round metal bowls filled with smooth, light pink batter spread evenly inside each bowl. Next to them are a white bowl filled with fresh red strawberries, a glass jar with a wooden lid, and a clear glass of milk. A woman's hand is holding a fresh strawberry above a small white bowl filled with more strawberries. All items are placed on a white marbled surface, creating a fresh and clean look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What makes this cake truly shine is how simple but thoughtfully chosen the ingredients are. Every item plays a crucial role in developing the flavor, texture, and gorgeous pink hue of this delightful dessert.

Fresh strawberries (453 grams): The star ingredient, providing natural sweetness and vibrant color.
All-purpose flour (3 cups): The foundation for your tender cake layers.
Baking powder and baking soda: Essential leavening agents to make the cake light and fluffy.
Unsalted butter (1/2 cup + 1 cup): Adds richness and moisture for a soft crumb.
Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups + 1/2 cup): Sweetens the cake and strawberry jam perfectly.
Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Keeps the cake moist and tender.
Eggs (3 large): Bind everything together and add structure.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the overall flavor with warm sweetness.
Sour cream (1/2 cup): Contributes tanginess and tenderizes the crumb.
Strawberry puree (from fresh strawberries): Intensifies the fruit flavor in both cake and frosting.
Buttermilk (1/2 cup): Adds a slight tang and keeps the cake moist.
Lemon juice (2 tbsp): Balances the sweetness in the jam.
Cream cheese (1/2 cup): Gives the frosting a creamy, velvety texture.
Powdered sugar (5 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.
Strawberries sliced in half (for garnish): Adds a fresh, decorative touch.

How to Make Delicious Strawberry Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Strawberry Jam Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Puree

Start by blending fresh strawberries until smooth to create a vibrant puree. Gently simmer the puree in a saucepan, stirring frequently, until it reduces to a thickened 3/4 cup. This concentrated puree will infuse your cake batter and frosting with intense strawberry flavor. Be patient—taking the time to reduce the puree really makes the taste pop.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350ºF and prepare three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper and butter. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Then, beat butter, sugar, and oil together until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla, sour cream, and half of the strawberry puree. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to build a smooth, luscious batter. This combination ensures your cake layers bake up soft and full of strawberry goodness.

Step 3: Bake the Cake Layers

Evenly distribute the batter among your prepared pans and bake for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the layers to cool in the pans briefly before transferring onto a wire rack to cool completely. Wrapping and freezing layers immediately if not assembling right away is key to maintaining their moist, tender texture.

Step 4: Make the Strawberry Jam

Combine quartered strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan and cook slowly until the mixture thickens and turns a rich deep red. This homemade jam adds a luscious sweetness and fruity zing between your cake layers, transforming the cake from good to unforgettable.

Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat butter and cream cheese together until creamy, then progressively add powdered sugar and the remaining strawberry puree. The result is a smooth, fluffy frosting with just the right tang and sweetness, perfect for spreading and piping. If the frosting feels too soft, a little extra powdered sugar will thicken it up beautifully.

Step 6: Assemble Your Delicious Strawberry Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Strawberry Jam Recipe

Start with one cake layer on your serving plate, spread a thin frosting layer, then pipe a frosting ring around the edge. Fill the center with strawberry jam, then repeat with the next cake layers. After stacking, crumb coat the cake with a thin layer of frosting and chill it so crumbs stay locked in. Finish by applying a smooth final coat of frosting and decorating the top with halved strawberries for a stunning finish. This detailed assembly step fills the cake with flavor and makes every slice a luscious delight.

How to Serve Delicious Strawberry Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Strawberry Jam Recipe

A slice of three-layer pink cake sits on a white scalloped plate against a white marbled background; each cake layer is light pink and fluffy with a soft, spongy texture, separated by two thick layers of glossy, deep red strawberry jam; the entire slice is frosted with smooth pink icing, with a fresh halved strawberry placed on top as decoration. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh halved strawberries arranged artfully across the frosted cake top bring vibrant color and a juicy fresh element to each slice. Adding edible flower petals or a dusting of powdered sugar can elevate the presentation to special-occasion status. These simple touches make your cake feel even more inviting.

Side Dishes

Serve this glorious cake alongside a refreshing bowl of mixed berries or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. A light mint tea or a sparkling rosé complements the sweetness perfectly, balancing the dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, try serving individual mini versions in clear glass jars layered with frosting and jam, or turn the layers into a trifle with whipped cream and crushed cake pieces. Another fun idea is to make bite-sized cake pops using the same ingredients for a portable strawberry treat that pops with flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover slices fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting and strawberry elements stay deliciously moist and prevent the cake from drying out, ensuring every bite is as good as the first.

Freezing

This Delicious Strawberry Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Strawberry Jam Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap the whole cake or individual layers tightly in plastic wrap, then place in an airtight container to avoid freezer burn. Remove the fresh strawberry garnish before freezing for best texture on thawed cake.

Reheating

Because this cake is best served chilled or at room temperature, avoid reheating. Simply thaw frozen layers in the fridge overnight and assemble or serve as is. Leftover slices may be left out for 30 minutes to soften slightly before eating for best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

While fresh strawberries give the brightest flavor, you can use frozen ones if needed. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before pureeing or cooking to avoid excess moisture that might affect the cake texture.

How do I prevent the cake from drying out?

Careful not to overmix your batter and make sure to bake the layers until just done. Wrapping layers tightly and storing them cold or frozen also preserves moisture perfectly until assembly.

Can this recipe be made vegan or dairy-free?

Substitutions can be made, but they require adjustments. Using vegan butter, plant-based cream cheese, and flax eggs can work, but the flavor and texture may vary from the original rich, creamy profile.

Why does the frosting sometimes become too runny?

Strawberry puree adds moisture, so if the frosting softens too much, simply add extra powdered sugar a little at a time until it firms up to your preferred consistency.

How long will this cake stay fresh?

When properly stored in the fridge, this cake stays fresh for up to 4 days. After that, cake quality begins to decline, but freezing extends its life up to 2 months.

Final Thoughts

There is something undeniably magical about this Delicious Strawberry Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Strawberry Jam Recipe. Its layers of tender cake, tangy frosting, and luscious strawberry jam come together to create a dessert experience that is both comforting and celebratory. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself, I highly encourage giving this recipe a try. It will become one of those treasured classics you’ll want to share again and again.