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Fluffy Strawberry Birthday Cake That Makes Every Summer Celebration Sweeter

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If you are searching for a dessert that feels joyful, fresh, and unforgettable, Fluffy Strawberry Birthday Cake is exactly what you need. This cake captures everything people love about summer baking. It is light, tender, naturally pink, and packed with real strawberry flavor from the first bite to the last. Even better, Fluffy Strawberry Birthday Cake feels special without being complicated, which makes it perfect for birthdays and celebrations of all kinds.

Because this cake relies on real strawberries instead of artificial flavors, it tastes bright and fresh. The soft crumb, the gentle sweetness, and the creamy strawberry frosting work together beautifully. Whether you are baking for a child’s birthday, a backyard party, or a simple family gathering, this cake delivers a dessert moment people remember.

I still remember baking this cake on a hot summer afternoon when strawberries were overflowing at the market. The kitchen smelled like berries and vanilla, and the cake layers came out perfectly soft and pale pink. When I frosted it and added fresh strawberries on top, it looked like a celebration before anyone even took a bite. By the time candles were blown out, every slice was gone, and the recipe request followed immediately. Since then, this cake has become my go-to whenever summer birthdays roll around.

A light, tender strawberry cake made with real fruit and layered with creamy strawberry frosting, perfect for summer celebrations.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 390

Ingredients
  

  • 2 1/2 cups cake flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 5 large egg whites, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup chopped strawberries
  • 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2/3 cup diced strawberries

Equipment

  • mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • 8-inch round cake pans
  • offset spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
  2. Whisk cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
  3. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in lemon juice and vanilla.
  4. Whip egg whites to soft peaks and gently fold into the batter.
  5. Alternate adding dry ingredients with yogurt and milk. Fold in strawberries.
  6. Divide batter into pans and bake 25–30 minutes. Cool completely.
  7. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, lemon juice, and strawberries.
  8. Frost cooled cake layers and decorate as desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 390kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 6gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 210mgPotassium: 170mgFiber: 1gSugar: 32gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 8mg

Notes

Cool cake layers completely before frosting for best results.

Tried this recipe?

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What Makes Fluffy Strawberry Birthday Cake So Special

Light Texture With Real Strawberry Flavor

Fluffy Strawberry Birthday Cake stands out because of its texture. Whipped egg whites create a delicate crumb that feels airy yet satisfying. At the same time, Greek yogurt and milk keep the cake moist for days. Every bite feels soft without being fragile.

Real strawberries bring natural sweetness and gentle acidity. Instead of overpowering the cake, the berries blend smoothly into the batter. As a result, the flavor feels balanced and clean.

A Cake That Feels Made for Celebrations

This cake looks festive without heavy decorations. The soft pink layers and creamy frosting create instant charm. Because the cake slices cleanly and holds its shape, it works well for parties and gatherings.

Additionally, Fluffy Strawberry Birthday Cake pairs beautifully with summer weather. It feels lighter than chocolate cakes, making it perfect after outdoor meals or warm evenings.

Ingredients That Make This Strawberry Cake Work

Simple Ingredients With Big Impact

The ingredient list may look long, but every item plays an important role. Cake flour gives the crumb a tender texture. Butter adds richness, while lemon juice brightens the strawberry flavor without making the cake taste lemony.

Greek yogurt adds moisture and a subtle tang that balances sweetness. Meanwhile, fresh strawberries bring real fruit flavor you can taste in every bite.

Frosting That Complements the Cake

The frosting combines cream cheese and butter for a smooth, creamy finish. Powdered sugar sweetens it gently, while lemon juice keeps it from feeling heavy. Diced strawberries add freshness and texture, making the frosting feel light and summery.

Because the frosting is not overly sweet, it pairs perfectly with the soft cake layers.

How to Make Fluffy Strawberry Birthday Cake Step by Step

Preparing the Cake Batter

Start by preheating the oven and preparing two round cake pans. Whisk together the dry ingredients to ensure even distribution. Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cake.

Whip the egg whites separately until soft peaks form. This step is key for achieving that fluffy texture. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter to keep as much air as possible.

Once the batter is smooth, fold in the chopped strawberries carefully. This ensures even distribution without crushing the fruit.

Baking and Cooling

Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake until the tops spring back lightly when touched. Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting. Cooling is essential for clean layers and smooth frosting.

While the cakes cool, prepare the frosting by beating the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually, then lemon juice and strawberries. Mix gently until combined.

Tips for Decorating and Serving This Cake

Frosting Like a Pro

Use an offset spatula to spread frosting evenly. Start with a thin crumb coat, then chill the cake briefly. After that, add the final layer of frosting for a smooth finish.

For decoration, fresh strawberries, sprinkles, or a simple piped border work beautifully. Keep decorations light so the cake remains the star.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Fluffy Strawberry Birthday Cake stays moist in the refrigerator for up to three days. Cover it well to prevent drying out. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes for the best texture.

You can also bake the cake layers a day ahead and frost them the next day to save time.

FAQ

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the batter.

Can I make this cake as cupcakes?
Yes, divide the batter into lined cupcake pans and reduce baking time.

Why whip the egg whites separately?
This step creates a lighter, fluffier cake texture.

Can I substitute sour cream for Greek yogurt?
Yes, sour cream works just as well and keeps the cake moist.

Does this cake need refrigeration?
Yes, because of the cream cheese frosting, store it in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

Fluffy Strawberry Birthday Cake is everything a summer celebration dessert should be. It is light, fresh, beautiful, and full of real strawberry flavor. With simple steps and reliable results, this cake brings joy to birthdays and gatherings without stress. Once you make it, you will find yourself returning to this recipe every summer.

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