Are you dreaming of a wedding cake that’s as sweet, elegant, and unforgettable as your big day? Well, look no further than the perfect strawberry cake wedding cake! This delightful dessert combines the classic beauty of a wedding cake with the bright, refreshing taste of fresh strawberries and cream, making it a crowd-pleaser for any celebration.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create a strawberry cake wedding that’s both visually stunning and absolutely delicious.
From choosing the right recipe to perfecting the frosting and decoration, I’ll share practical tips, tricks, and pro recommendations to help you achieve the wedding cake of your dreams. Plus, I’ll cover how to properly refrigerate or even freeze your masterpiece to keep it fresh and beautiful for your big day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
A strawberry cake wedding is a wonderful way to bring a fresh and light flavor to your celebration. The natural sweetness of strawberries pairs beautifully with rich, fluffy cake layers and creamy frosting, making for a dessert that’s both decadent and delicious.
Whether you’re hosting a spring or summer wedding or simply want a dessert that’s a little different from the traditional white cake, a strawberry wedding cake is sure to delight your guests.
But it’s not just about taste; a strawberry cake can be stunning, too. With a few thoughtful touches, you can create a cake that fits your wedding theme perfectly—whether that’s rustic, vintage, or modern. And if you need to prepare it ahead of time, you can refrigerate or even freeze it to keep it looking and tasting its best for the big day.
Recipe Overview
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to make your perfect strawberry wedding cake, here’s a quick look at what you can expect from this recipe:
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 12-14
- Difficulty Level: Moderate (but definitely doable with the right guidance)
- Dietary Information: This recipe can be made gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed (strained if you don’t want seeds in your cake)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional for a little extra zing)
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup fresh strawberry puree (strained to remove seeds)
- 1-2 tbsp heavy cream (to adjust frosting consistency)
For Decoration:
- Fresh strawberries (whole and sliced)
- Edible flowers (optional, for a beautiful touch)
Equipment
- 9-inch round cake pans (or whatever size you prefer, but be sure to adjust the baking time if you use a different size)
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Cooling racks
- Piping bag (optional for more precise decoration)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your 9-inch round cake pans. You can also line them with parchment paper for easy cake removal.
2. Make the Cake Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon juice if using.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork the batter! Gently fold in the strawberry puree to create a beautifully flavored strawberry cake batter.
3. Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Make the Strawberry Filling
While the cakes are cooling, prepare the delicious strawberry filling. In a bowl, combine the diced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir well and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to draw out the juices.
Once it’s ready, strain the mixture to remove excess liquid. You want the filling to be thick, not watery, so that it doesn’t make your cake soggy.
5. Prepare the Frosting
To make the frosting, beat the softened butter with the powdered sugar in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and strawberry puree, then beat until combined. If the frosting is too thick, add heavy cream a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
6. Assemble the Cake
Once your cakes are completely cool, level the tops if necessary. Place one layer of cake on a serving platter or cake stand. Spread a layer of strawberry filling over the top, followed by a layer of frosting. Add the second cake layer and repeat the process.
Use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the strawberry cake. You can use a spatula for a smooth finish or a piping bag for a more decorative look.
7. Decorate Your Cake
This is where the fun begins! Decorate your strawberry wedding cake with fresh strawberries. You can arrange them artistically on top or around the base of the cake, depending on your style. For an elegant touch, consider adding edible flowers, a swirl of whipped cream, or even a few mint leaves.
If you need to make the cake ahead of time, you can safely refrigerate it to keep it fresh, or even freeze the unfrosted cake layers for later assembly.
Pro Tips
1. Use Fresh Strawberries
For the best flavor and texture, always use fresh strawberries. If you’re making the strawberry cake during strawberry season, this will be a breeze! If not, frozen strawberries will work, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before use.
2. Strain the Puree
When making the strawberry puree, strain it to remove any seeds or excess water. This will give you a smooth, rich flavor without compromising the texture of the cake or creamy frosting.
3. Don’t Overmix
Overmixing your strawberry cake batter can result in a dense, heavy cake. Mix the ingredients until they’re just combined to ensure a light and fluffy, delicious texture.
4. Chill the Cake Layers
Once your cakes are baked and cooled, refrigerating them for 20-30 minutes before frosting can make it easier to handle and frost the layers. You can also freeze the cake layers if you need to store them for a longer time before assembling.
5. Add a Touch of Lemon
A teaspoon of lemon juice in the batter adds a subtle freshness that complements the sweetness of the strawberries. It’s an optional touch, but it can elevate the flavor and make your strawberry cake even more delicious.
Variations You Can Try
Gluten-Free Strawberry Wedding Cake
To make this cake gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your baking powder is also gluten-free, and you’re good to go!
Vegan Strawberry Wedding Cake
To make this cake vegan, swap the eggs for flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg), use dairy-free butter and milk, and choose a vegan frosting recipe.
Chocolate Strawberry Cake
If you want to add a twist to your strawberry wedding cake, you can incorporate cocoa powder into the cake batter for a chocolate-strawberry flavor combination that’s irresistible!
Conclusion
Creating the perfect strawberry wedding cake for your big day doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right ingredients, a little patience, and some creative decorating, you can craft a cake that not only looks beautiful but also tastes delicious.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie in the kitchen, this step-by-step guide will help you bake a show-stopping strawberry cake wedding that’s sure to impress your guests and make your wedding day extra special.
Remember, the key to a fantastic strawberry wedding cake is using fresh, high-quality ingredients, like sweet strawberries and rich cream, and taking your time with the details.
If you need to prepare in advance, don’t hesitate to refrigerate or freeze your cake layers to keep them fresh until you’re ready to assemble. So go ahead—get baking, and enjoy the process of making a delicious, beautiful cake that will be the centerpiece of your celebration!
