Short Description
Triple Layer Strawberry Cake is a stunning and delicious dessert featuring three moist, fluffy layers of strawberry-flavored cake, filled and frosted with a luscious strawberry buttercream. Made with real strawberries for an authentic fruity taste, this cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Beautiful triple-layer presentation for a show-stopping dessert
- Bursting with real strawberry flavor in both the cake and frosting
- Moist and tender cake texture with a creamy, dreamy buttercream
- A perfect balance of sweetness and fresh fruitiness
- Great for celebrations or as a special treat for strawberry lovers
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Strawberry Cake:
- Fresh or frozen strawberries, pureed
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Buttermilk
For the Strawberry Buttercream Frosting:
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Powdered sugar
- Strawberry puree or strawberry jam
- Heavy cream or milk
- Vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- White chocolate shavings
- Whipped cream
Directions

Prepare the Strawberry Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a blender or food processor, puree the strawberries until smooth. Set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Mix in the strawberry puree and buttermilk, alternating with the dry ingredients, until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the three prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Strawberry Buttercream Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth.
- Mix in strawberry puree, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
- Add heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of strawberry buttercream on top.
- Repeat with the second and third layers.
- Frost the entire cake with the remaining buttercream, smoothing it with a spatula.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries, white chocolate shavings, or whipped cream if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12–14 slices
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes (plus cooling time)
Variations
- Chocolate Strawberry Cake: Add a thin layer of chocolate ganache between the layers.
- Lemon Strawberry Twist: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for a fresh citrus flavor.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
- Extra Moist Cake: Fold in sour cream or Greek yogurt for added moisture.
- Lighter Frosting: Use whipped cream frosting instead of buttercream for a lighter texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap cake layers separately in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before frosting.
- Reheating: Serve chilled or at room temperature—no reheating needed.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh strawberries work great! Just puree them and use as directed.
Why is my cake too dense?
Overmixing the batter can make the cake dense. Mix just until combined for a light texture.
Can I use strawberry extract instead of fresh strawberries?
Yes, but fresh strawberries provide the best flavor. If using extract, reduce the liquid slightly.
How do I make the cake more pink?
Add a few drops of red or pink food coloring for a more vibrant hue.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them in the fridge before assembling.
What other frostings go well with this cake?
Cream cheese frosting, white chocolate ganache, or vanilla buttercream pair well.
Can I use a cake mix?
Yes, start with a strawberry cake mix and add fresh strawberry puree for a homemade touch.
How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
Grease the pans well and line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
Can I make this into cupcakes?
Yes! Bake in a muffin tin at 350°F for 18–20 minutes.
How do I get smooth buttercream frosting?
Beat the butter well before adding sugar, and sift the powdered sugar to prevent lumps.
Conclusion
Triple Layer Strawberry Cake is a stunning, delicious dessert bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. Whether for a birthday, special celebration, or simply to indulge in a fruity treat, this moist cake with creamy strawberry buttercream will impress every time. Enjoy a slice and taste the perfect blend of sweetness and freshness!
PrintTriple Layer Strawberry Cake
This Triple Layer Strawberry Cake is a moist, fluffy cake packed with real strawberry flavor, layered with a creamy strawberry buttercream frosting. It’s the perfect dessert for birthdays, special occasions, or anytime you crave a fresh and fruity treat!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk (room temperature)
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 cup strawberry purée (blended fresh or frozen strawberries)
- 2–3 drops pink food coloring (optional, for a vibrant color)
For the Strawberry Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries (blended into a powder)
- ¼ cup heavy cream (as needed for consistency)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh strawberries (halved)
- White chocolate shavings
- Extra freeze-dried strawberry crumbs
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Make the Cake Batter:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Mix in sour cream and milk, alternating with the dry ingredients.
- Gently fold in the strawberry purée and food coloring (if using).
3. Bake the Cakes:
- Divide the batter evenly among the three cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Make the Frosting:
- In a bowl, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and strawberry powder.
- Add vanilla extract and heavy cream, whipping until smooth and fluffy.
5. Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of strawberry buttercream on top.
- Repeat with the second layer and more frosting. Add the third layer and frost the entire cake.
- Decorate with fresh strawberries, white chocolate shavings, or extra freeze-dried strawberry crumbs.
6. Chill & Serve:
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes before slicing for the best texture.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra strawberry flavor, brush the cake layers with strawberry syrup before frosting.
- Make it ahead: The cake layers can be baked a day in advance and stored wrapped in plastic.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.