Strawberry Butter Cake with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe

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There is something incredibly delightful about the Strawberry Butter Cake with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe that makes it an instant favorite for any occasion. This cake combines the rich, buttery softness of a classic butter cake infused with the vibrant, fruity essence of freeze-dried strawberries, then beautifully crowned with a luscious cream cheese filling dotted with strawberry preserves. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or craving a sweet treat, this recipe delivers luscious layers of flavor and texture that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create something truly extraordinary. Each component plays a crucial role in building the perfect cake texture, that fresh strawberry punch, and the creamy filling that complements it all so well.

• All-purpose flour: The base of the cake providing structure and softness when perfectly balanced with other ingredients.
• Baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully for a light, fluffy crumb.
• Kosher salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps keep it moist and tender.
• Salted butter (melted): Adds richness and that irresistible buttery flavor and texture.
• Large egg and egg yolk: Provide moisture and help bind the cake ingredients perfectly.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, fragrant background flavor to the cake.
• Freeze-dried strawberries: Infuse concentrated strawberry flavor and pretty flecks of color without adding extra moisture.
• Cream cheese (softened): The star of the filling, lending creaminess and a subtle tang that pairs wonderfully with the strawberry sweetness.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the cream cheese filling for a luscious texture.
• Strawberry preserves: Brings bursts of fresh strawberry flavor inside the filling for extra fruitiness.

How to Make Strawberry Butter Cake with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe

Step 1: Preparing Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9-inch round cake pan. This step ensures your cake won’t stick and will have an even bake, setting the stage for a flawless cake layer.

Step 2: Combining the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. Whisking these ingredients now helps distribute the leavening evenly and prevents lumps, ensuring your cake rises uniformly.

Step 3: Mixing the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine 1 1/4 cups of sugar with 14 tablespoons of melted salted butter and whisk gently until smooth. Then, beat in 1 large egg, 1 egg yolk, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until well combined. This mixture will give your cake its rich, velvety texture.

Step 4: Bringing Wet and Dry Together

Slowly add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can lead to a tough cake. This step balances mixing enough to combine everything while leaving the batter tender.

Step 5: Infusing Strawberry Flavor Into the Batter

Take 2 ounces of freeze-dried strawberries and crush them finely with your hands or in a food processor. Fold these crushed strawberries into the batter gently to distribute bursts of strawberry flavor and pretty speckles of red without adding moisture that could affect texture.

Step 6: Baking Your Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know the cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow it to cool fully on a wire rack — this is important for the filling to spread without melting.

Step 7: Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling

Beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in 2 1/2 cups of powdered sugar and continue beating until fluffy and light. This creates a luscious base that perfectly balances the cake’s buttery softness.

Step 8: Enhancing the Filling

Add 1 large egg and 2 tablespoons of strawberry preserves to the cream cheese mixture, beating until everything is combined. The egg helps achieve a smooth consistency while the preserves add fresh sweetness and strawberry bursts.

Step 9: Adding the Final Strawberry Touch

Crush or grind 1/2 cup of freeze-dried strawberries and fold them gently into the cream cheese filling. This step adds delightful texture and a concentrated strawberry flavor that’s the perfect counterpoint to the creamy filling.

Step 10: Assembling the Cake

Once your cake has cooled completely, evenly spread the cream cheese strawberry filling over the top. The contrast between the moist buttery cake and the cool, fruity filling is absolutely heavenly and is what seals the magic of this Strawberry Butter Cake with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe.

How to Serve Strawberry Butter Cake with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe

Garnishes

Carefully garnish your cake with fresh strawberries or additional crushed freeze-dried strawberries for extra color and texture. If you want a little sparkle, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a beautiful finishing touch that makes the cake irresistible.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement its creamy filling. For a brunch or afternoon tea, add a cup of fresh brewed tea or a light, fruity white wine to elevate the experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a unique presentation, slice the cake into smaller squares and serve them in petite glass jars or on dessert plates with a drizzle of strawberry syrup. Layering the cake pieces with fresh berries in a trifle bowl is another impressive way to showcase this recipe’s luscious flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cake covered in the refrigerator. Because of the cream cheese filling, it’s important to store it chilled to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. Stored properly, it will stay delicious for up to 3 days.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. This cake freezes nicely for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight to keep the cream cheese filling fresh and creamy.

Reheating

For an indulgent treat, warm slices gently in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. This softens the cake and enhances the butteriness but avoid overheating to keep the cream cheese filling intact without melting too much.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?

Fresh strawberries add a lovely fresh flavor but also add moisture that can change the cake’s texture. Freeze-dried strawberries are preferred here because they maintain the strawberry punch without making the batter watery.

Is the cream cheese filling safe to eat with raw egg?

This recipe uses a whole egg in the filling, which is gently mixed in and then chilled. If you are concerned about raw eggs, consider using pasteurized eggs or an egg substitute for safety.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend substituting the all-purpose flour. Just be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to maintain cake structure.

How long does the cake take to bake?

Baking time ranges between 25 and 30 minutes—always check with a toothpick inserted in the center, which should come out clean when done.

Can this cake be doubled for a larger group?

Absolutely! You can double the ingredients and bake in two pans or a larger pan, but be sure to adjust baking time accordingly and monitor closely to avoid overbaking.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Butter Cake with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe is one of those special desserts that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly unique. Its delightful layers of buttery cake and creamy, strawberry-filled goodness will win over anyone lucky enough to take a bite. I encourage you to make this cake soon—it’s bound to become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for your family and friends!

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