Name: Strawberry Drip Cake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups (310 g) all-purpose flour; 2 ½ tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups (400 g) sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup (240 ml) milk; ½ cup (120 ml) strawberry puree (fresh strawberries blended smooth); 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups (500 g) powdered sugar; ¼ cup (60 ml) strawberry puree (well strained); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1–2 tbsp heavy cream (as needed); 1 cup (180 g) white chocolate chips; ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream; Pink food coloring (optional); Fresh strawberries; Extra whipped cream (optional, for piping)

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted to level up your classic strawberry cake game, this Strawberry Drip Cake Recipe is here to help you celebrate in style. This dessert isn’t just gorgeous to look at: each bite blends fluffy strawberry-infused sponge with dreamy pink buttercream and a luscious white chocolate-strawberry ganache drip. Topped with fresh strawberries and swirls of whipped cream, it’s the kind of cake you’ll want to showcase at every summer party, birthday, or special occasion. Bring on the wow-factor and the swoons!

Strawberry Drip Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about this recipe? It uses simple, reliable ingredients that truly shine when combined with care. Each item pulls its weight, contributing to the Strawberry Drip Cake Recipe’s signature flavor, dreamy color, and irresistible texture.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of your sponge, ensuring structure without heaviness.
Baking powder: Gives your cakes a lofty, fluffy rise—don’t skip this one!
Salt: A pinch brings balance and deepens all those sweet, fruity flavors.
Unsalted butter (for both cake and frosting): Richness and tenderness in the cake, plus a creamy, plush base for the frosting.
Sugar: Sweetness plus a hint of moisture, essential for both the sponge and the buttercream.
Eggs: These contribute structure and moisture, creating that coveted, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the flavor profile beautifully.
Milk: Keeps the sponge tender and lush—whole milk is best, but any will do in a pinch.
Strawberry puree: Fresh, vibrant, and packed with summery brightness—this is where the real strawberry magic happens!
Powdered sugar: For that ultra-smooth buttercream that pipes and spreads like a dream.
Heavy cream (for both frosting and ganache): Adds body to the buttercream and creates a silky white chocolate ganache for the famous drip.
White chocolate chips: The base of your stunning strawberry drip—sweet, creamy, and super easy to work with.
Pink food coloring (optional): A tiny touch for a vibrant, photogenic drip, if you’re so inclined.
Fresh strawberries: The crowning jewels. Go for the firmest, ripest berries you can find.
Extra whipped cream (optional): For that bakery-style finish when you’re feeling a little extra!

How to Make Strawberry Drip Cake Recipe

Step 1: Bake the Cake Layers

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment and a good grease. In a medium bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together; this makes sure each bite will be even, tender, and light. Gently cream the softened butter and sugar in a large bowl until they’re pale and fluffy, then beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla. Alternate adding your dry ingredients and the milk, mixing on low just until everything comes together—over-mixing is the enemy of a soft crumb! Finally, fold in that gorgeous strawberry puree. Divide the lovely pink batter between your pans and bake for 25–30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely before you even think about assembling.

Step 2: Whip Up the Strawberry Buttercream

While the cakes are cooling, make your buttercream by beating the butter until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar gradually (one cup at a time), which will keep your kitchen from turning into a snow globe and allow for a delicately sweet, spreadable frosting. Mix in your strained strawberry puree (for both color and zing) and vanilla extract, then splash in some heavy cream if you need to reach that dreamy, fluffy consistency. Keep beating until soft peaks form—it should hold its shape without being stiff.

Step 3: Create the Strawberry Ganache Drip

This is the secret to making your Strawberry Drip Cake Recipe extra stunning. Heat your heavy cream until just about to boil, then pour it over a bowl of white chocolate chips. Let it sit for a couple minutes so the chocolate melts, then stir until smooth and glossy. If you adore a dramatic look, add a hint of pink food coloring for that eye-catching drip effect. Allow the ganache to cool to a consistency that will drip slowly but not run—test it on the inside rim of your mixing bowl for practice.

Step 4: Assemble and Decorate

Once your cakes are fully cooled, level them if needed for a perfectly flat stack. Place one layer on a cake board, generously spread it with strawberry buttercream, then sandwich on the second layer. Use the rest of the buttercream to frost the cake smoothly. For best results, chill the frosted cake for 15–20 minutes before adding the drip—this helps everything set up and look spectacular. Once chilled, gently spoon or pipe the ganache around the edges so it cascades in perfect drips, then spread the remainder over the top. Finish with swirls of whipped cream or buttercream and pile on those luscious fresh strawberries for a show-stopping finish.

How to Serve Strawberry Drip Cake Recipe

Garnishes

A little extra attention here goes a long way. Decorate the top with halved or whole fresh strawberries, nestle in a few mint leaves for color contrast, and add generous swirls of whipped cream or buttercream for a bakeshop-worthy crown. You can even sprinkle on edible glitter or gold dust for maximum sparkle!

Side Dishes

Because the Strawberry Drip Cake Recipe shines brightest when served simply, consider pairing each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a handful of fresh berries, or a light fruit salad. For a truly delightful brunch or tea party, offer a pot of black tea or a flute of sparkling rosé on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing your cake into tall wedges and serving on vintage floral plates for a romantic garden vibe, or cut small squares for a dessert buffet. For birthdays, top each slice with a single strawberry and a candle—the perfect way to personalize. If it’s a casual get-together, let guests build their own plates by adding extra berries, ganache, or a scoop of whipped cream on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Strawberry Drip Cake Recipe will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Simply cover the cake well with plastic wrap or store slices in an airtight container; the buttercream and ganache keep the cake moist and delicious.

Freezing

If you want to plan ahead, you can freeze unfrosted cake layers tightly wrapped in plastic and foil for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before assembling. While you can freeze the whole decorated cake, the fresh strawberries on top are best added just before serving for maximum freshness and beauty.

Reheating

Cake is best enjoyed at room temperature, so take any leftovers out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving. If you need to refresh a slice in a hurry, a quick 5–10 seconds in the microwave (unadorned, without the fresh fruit) will soften up the texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for the puree?

Absolutely! Just thaw them fully and blend until smooth. Strain out seeds and extra liquid for the purest flavor and best cake texture.

How do I get those perfect ganache drips?

Chill your frosted cake so the ganache doesn’t run, and make sure your ganache is cool but still pourable. Use a spoon or squeeze bottle to control the drip placement—practicing on a bowl helps build confidence.

Can I make this cake gluten free?

Yes, you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Just make sure your baking powder and other ingredients are certified gluten free as well. The texture will remain wonderfully fluffy!

What’s the best way to transport this cake?

Keep it chilled and stable in a cake box or snug container. If it’s warm out, pack ice packs underneath (but not directly next to the cake) to keep the frosting and drip looking pristine. Add decorative toppings after travel for best results.

Can I make the Strawberry Drip Cake Recipe ahead of time?

You sure can! Bake the sponges and make the buttercream a day in advance. Assemble and frost when you’re ready, and add the fresh strawberries and drip just before serving for the freshest finish.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Strawberry Drip Cake Recipe enough—it’s festive, fun to make, and tastes like a summer day in cake form. Don’t be intimidated by the pretty drip; with a little bit of care, you’ll wow every guest at your next celebration. Grab those strawberries, get mixing, and let your creativity shine!