Red Velvet Cake with Strawberries Recipe

If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that’s equal parts gorgeous and delicious, look no further than this Red Velvet Cake with Strawberries. Imagine ultra-moist, vibrantly red layers with a creamy tang of classic cream cheese frosting, all crowned with juicy strawberries for a fresh, fruity finish. Whether it’s a birthday, Valentine’s Day, or just a Tuesday that needs a pop of color, this cake will make you the star baker among friends and family. With every bite, you’ll taste why Red Velvet Cake with Strawberries is a pure celebration on a plate!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything you need for this stunning cake is straightforward but essential. Each ingredient plays a key role in shaping the flavor, texture, and that signature bold hue of Red Velvet Cake with Strawberries.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure for tall, tender cake layers that hold up to all the glorious frosting.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a gentle chocolatey background without overpowering the cake’s classic red velvet profile.
• Baking soda: Gives the cake its soft, open crumb and just the right amount of lift.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and heightens all the other flavors.
• Granulated sugar: The base of sweetness and key for that perfect moist texture.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the crumb super moist and tender, even days later!
• Eggs (room temperature): Add richness and help bind everything together for a cohesive batter.
• Buttermilk (room temperature): Delivers signature tang and softness, contributing to that irresistible texture.
• Red food coloring (gel): Gel gives a bold red color without making your batter watery
• White vinegar: Works with baking soda to help the cake rise while imparting a subtle, lovely tang.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors with sweet warmth.
• Cream cheese (softened): The foundation of classic cream cheese frosting—smooth, tangy, and luscious.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Adds rich creaminess and helps the frosting whip up fluffy and smooth.
• Powdered sugar (sifted): Sweetens and thickens your frosting for that swoon-worthy finish.
• Fresh strawberries (halved and whole): The sparkling ruby-red crown, adding freshness and a burst of flavor.
• Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder (optional): For a hint of elegance and a subtle chocolate accent.

How to Make Red Velvet Cake with Strawberries

Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper—this step is crucial to make sure your beautiful Red Velvet Cake with Strawberries layers come out perfectly intact and ready for assembly.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together. This quick step ensures your ingredients are well-combined and helps give your cake that even, tender crumb we all adore.

Step 3: Make the Wet Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, and eggs until nice and smooth. Add the buttermilk, gel red food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract. Stir until you get a vibrantly colored, creamy liquid batter base—this is where that “red velvet magic” starts.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently and just until combined—overmixing can make the cake dense, so gentle folding is key for those soft, plush layers that make Red Velvet Cake with Strawberries so special. Divide the batter evenly between the pans.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Place your pans in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. The cakes are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are fine!). Let the cakes cool completely in their pans before moving to the next step.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth, creamy, and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Keep beating until your frosting is cloud-like and irresistible—this creamy frosting is absolutely divine with the Red Velvet Cake with Strawberries!

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

Once your cake layers have cooled, place one on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of frosting. Stack the next layer on top and repeat, finishing with the third cake layer. Frost the outside and top of the entire cake for that classic, swoon-worthy look.

Step 8: Decorate with Strawberries

This is where your Red Velvet Cake with Strawberries becomes a true masterpiece! Arrange fresh strawberries—both halved and whole—on top. For extra flair, add chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder. The result: a breathtaking dessert that’s ready for its close-up.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cake with Strawberries

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishing, go for gold! Pile fresh strawberries on top and around the base, mixing halved berries and whole ones for a naturally beautiful effect. A sprinkle of chocolate shavings or a light dusting of cocoa powder adds an elegant, bakery-style finish.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of fresh coffee, a dollop of vanilla bean ice cream, or even a splash of lightly whipped cream. The tangy richness of Red Velvet Cake with Strawberries stands out when served with something creamy and simple on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the cake into petite squares for a fun dessert tray, or serve individual portions in mason jars with a scoop of frosting and strawberries layered in. For holidays, you can alternate strawberry placement for a heart, flower, or flag design—imagination is your only limit when serving Red Velvet Cake with Strawberries!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (a big “if” with this showstopper!), cover the cake well and refrigerate. The frosting keeps the cake moist, and the strawberries hold their freshness for up to 3 days. Bring the cake to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

Red Velvet Cake with Strawberries freezes surprisingly well! Wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight bag for up to 2 months. For frosted cake, freeze the slices individually on a tray, then wrap and store. Defrost in the fridge overnight before enjoying.

Reheating

While this cake is best at room temperature, you can gently warm a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to take the chill off, especially if the cake comes straight from the fridge or freezer. Don’t microwave for too long, or the frosting may melt!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of food coloring for the cake?

While gel food coloring is preferred for its intense color without excess moisture, you can use liquid food coloring if that’s what you have on hand. Just note that you may need to use a little more to achieve the same bold red shade in your Red Velvet Cake with Strawberries.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No worries! You can quickly make your own by combining 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and it’s ready to use in your Red Velvet Cake with Strawberries recipe.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. The cake will still be utterly soft and flavorful, so everyone can enjoy Red Velvet Cake with Strawberries with no compromises.

Should I use salted or unsalted butter in the frosting?

Always go for unsalted butter in the frosting—this way, you can control the saltiness and ensure the sweetness and tangy cream cheese flavors shine through in every bite of Red Velvet Cake with Strawberries.

Is it possible to make the cake layers in advance?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day or two ahead and store them tightly wrapped at room temperature or frozen as needed. Just assemble and decorate with the strawberries and frosting when you’re ready to wow your guests with Red Velvet Cake with Strawberries!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to add a burst of color and joy to your dessert table, give this Red Velvet Cake with Strawberries a try. The combination of moist cake, dreamy frosting, and fresh berries truly delivers a slice of happiness. I can’t wait for you to experience the magic—happy baking!

Print