Strawberry Red Velvet Dream Cake Recipe

If you are looking for a cake that combines classic elegance with a fruity twist, the Strawberry Red Velvet Dream Cake is exactly what you need. This beautiful dessert layers moist, vibrantly red velvet cake with luscious strawberry filling and silky cream cheese frosting, creating a flavor combination that’s both rich and refreshing. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a show-stopping treat, this cake promises to delight with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in bringing the Strawberry Red Velvet Dream Cake to life. From the tender crumb of the cake to the tangy sweetness of the strawberry filling, these components work in harmony to create an unforgettable dessert experience.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the fluffy cake layers.
• Granulated sugar: Adds the perfect level of sweetness, balancing flavors.
• Baking soda: Helps the cake rise beautifully and remain light.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors subtly without overpowering them.
• Cocoa powder: Gives the red velvet its classic subtle chocolate undertone.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender crumbly.
• Buttermilk: Adds a slight tang and activates the baking soda for fluffiness.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the rich texture.
• Red food coloring: Creates that iconic, bold red hue.
• White vinegar: Reacts with baking soda to create lift and adds a delicate tang.
• Vanilla extract: Deepens the cake’s aroma and flavor.
• Fresh strawberries: The star of the filling, bringing natural sweetness and brightness.
• Lemon juice: Balances the sweetness in the strawberry filling with a touch of citrus.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the strawberry filling to a perfect consistency.
• Cream cheese: Key to the rich and creamy frosting that complements the cake.
• Unsalted butter: Adds smoothness and richness to the frosting.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese frosting to dreamy perfection.

How to Make Strawberry Red Velvet Dream Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pans

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This warm, steady temperature ensures your cake layers bake evenly, resulting in that perfect moist texture. Grease and flour two 9-inch round pans or line them with parchment paper to guarantee your cake layers come out effortlessly.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Whisking together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder in a large bowl ensures these essentials mix evenly, creating a consistent base for your luscious cake batter. This step is key for achieving an even crumb and uniform flavor throughout your Strawberry Red Velvet Dream Cake.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract until smooth. This vibrant red batter is a beautiful sight, packed with moisture and flavor that’s essential to making your cake tender and delicious.

Step 4: Combine and Bake the Cake Layers

Gently add your dry ingredients to the wet, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cake. Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans, then bake for 25–30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, promising a perfectly baked base for your cake.

Step 5: Prepare the Strawberry Filling

Cook fresh chopped strawberries with sugar and lemon juice until they release their natural juices. Stir in the cornstarch mixture to thicken the filling, then let it cool completely. This filling adds juicy bursts of sweet-tart strawberry goodness that elevate the entire cake.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar for sweetness and thickening. A splash of vanilla extracts rounds out the flavor, creating a frosting that’s velvety and tangy—the perfect partner to the rich cake and fruity filling.

Step 7: Assemble Your Strawberry Red Velvet Dream Cake

Start with one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a thick layer of cream cheese frosting followed by a generous layer of strawberry filling, keeping it slightly away from the edges to prevent oozing. Top with the second cake layer, then frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting for a luscious finish.

Step 8: Garnish and Chill

Decorate with halved fresh strawberries and sprinkle on some red velvet crumbs for that dreamy, inviting look. Place your cake in the fridge for at least an hour so the layers set, making slicing neat and easy while letting the flavors meld beautifully.

How to Serve Strawberry Red Velvet Dream Cake

Garnishes

Fresh strawberry halves and crumbs from leftover cake layers create a visually stunning topping that enhances flavor and texture. These simple garnishes transform the cake into a piece of edible art that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.

Side Dishes

Serve your Strawberry Red Velvet Dream Cake alongside a cup of rich, dark coffee or a glass of sparkling rosé to complement the cake’s sweetness and cut through the creaminess of the frosting. A light scoop of vanilla bean ice cream can also make for an indulgent finish.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the cake into individual mini trifle jars layered with extra strawberry filling and frosting for a fun, portable twist. Alternatively, use the strawberry filling as a drizzle on top along with edible flowers for an elegant, party-ready presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Strawberry Red Velvet Dream Cake refrigerated to maintain freshness. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out and to preserve the vibrant strawberries and creamy frosting.

Freezing

You can freeze this cake by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and then foil to protect it from freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, and your cake will be nearly as fresh as on the day it was made—perfect for prepping in advance!

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so skip reheating. Allow it to sit outside the fridge for about 20 minutes before slicing to bring out the cream cheese frosting’s creamy texture without melting it.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?

Yes, frozen strawberries can be used. Just thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking to avoid a watery filling, ensuring your Strawberry Red Velvet Dream Cake remains perfectly textured.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the frosting?

You can substitute cream cheese and butter with plant-based versions to make a dairy-free frosting. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious and suitable for those with dairy restrictions.

How long does the cake stay fresh?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, the cake stays fresh for up to 4 days. Beyond that, the strawberries may start to release moisture and affect the texture.

Can I make the cake layers ahead of time?

Absolutely! Bake the layers a day or two in advance, wrap them tightly, and refrigerate. Just bring them to room temperature before assembling the cake for the best results.

What’s the best way to get those vibrant red layers?

The combination of red food coloring and a touch of cocoa powder creates the signature red velvet color. Using gel or paste food coloring will give you a more intense color without thinning your batter.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about the Strawberry Red Velvet Dream Cake that makes every celebration sweeter and every bite a moment to savor. With its stunning color, luscious layers, and perfectly balanced flavors, it’s a dessert everyone will love. Give it a try and watch it become your new favorite indulgence!

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