9×13 Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re looking to dazzle your friends and family with a vibrant, moist, and utterly delicious dessert, this 9×13 Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine a fluffy strawberry-infused cake bursting with fresh fruit flavor, perfectly complemented by a luscious cream cheese frosting that carries just the right hint of strawberry undertones. It’s a showstopper that brings warmth, freshness, and a touch of elegance to any gathering. You’ll love how the natural sweetness of strawberries shines through in every bite, making this recipe a happily repeated favorite in no time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this 9×13 Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe plays a special role, whether it’s creating the cake’s tender crumb, infusing the layers with strawberry goodness, or balancing that rich frosting perfectly. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this delightful dessert to life.

• Fresh strawberries (1 pound): The heart of the cake, reduced to an intense, sweet strawberry puree that permeates every bite.
• Freeze-dried strawberries (1 oz + 1 oz): Ground into a fine powder to boost strawberry flavor without extra moisture.
• All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): Provides structure, working together with cornstarch for a delicate crumb.
• Cornstarch (¼ cup): Helps soften the texture, ensuring the cake stays tender and light.
• Baking powder (2 tsp) and baking soda (½ tsp): Leavening agents that give the cake a perfect rise.
• Salt (1 tsp + ½ tsp): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the strawberry essence.
• Unsalted butter (¾ cup + ½ cup): Adds richness both in the cake and the frosting; room temperature is key for smooth mixing.
• Granulated sugar (1 ¾ cups): Sweetens the cake and balances the tart strawberries.
• Vegetable oil (½ cup): Keeps the cake moist and tender.
• Large egg whites (5): Provide structure and lift without heaviness.
• Sour cream (½ cup): Gives the batter a subtle tang and extra moistness.
• Milk (½ cup, whole preferred): Helps create a smooth batter and tender crumb.
• Full fat cream cheese (8 oz): The frosting base, bringing creamy texture and tangy richness.
• Vanilla bean paste (2 tsp): Adds depth and warmth to the frosting’s flavor.
• Powdered sugar (2–3 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to just the right consistency.

How to Make 9×13 Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Reduction Sauce

Start by washing and hulling a full pound of fresh strawberries. Blend or puree these berries until completely smooth, giving you about 2 cups of vibrant strawberry puree. Next, gently simmer this puree over medium-low heat while stirring occasionally. This slow simmer reduces the liquid, concentrating the flavors by thickening the puree down to roughly 1 ⅓ cups. The sauce should be rich enough to coat the back of a spoon. Allow it to cool completely before using, and measure out exactly ⅔ cup for your batter. This step is the secret to that authentic strawberry flavor throughout the cake.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

While your strawberry reduction cools, preheat your oven to 350ºF and prepare a 9×13 inch pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper. Next, pulse your freeze-dried strawberries in a blender or food processor until they form a fine powder. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and that all-important freeze-dried strawberry powder. This mixture will add subtle bursts of strawberry taste and also keep your cake light and fluffy.

Step 3: Make the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil using an electric mixer until fluffy and light, about 1 to 2 minutes. Then add the egg whites, sour cream, and milk, beating gently. The batter may look curdled at this point, but don’t worry—once you stir in the strawberry reduction sauce and the dry ingredients, it all comes together beautifully. Gradually add the ⅔ cup of your reduced strawberry sauce, then carefully mix in the flour mixture just until incorporated. Overmixing will toughen your cake, so be gentle.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 40-45 minutes if using a metal pan, or 44-47 minutes in a glass pan. Insert a toothpick into the center near the end of baking to check doneness—it should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs. Once baked, let the cake cool completely to room temperature before frosting. This patience really pays off for that smooth, creamy finish.

Step 5: Prepare the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

For the frosting, blitz another 1 ounce of freeze-dried strawberries into an ultra-fine powder using your blender or food processor. In a mixing bowl, whip the room temperature cream cheese and butter together until light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes on medium speed. Add the vanilla bean paste, salt, and 2 cups of powdered sugar, mixing on low to combine thoroughly. Taste the frosting—if you prefer it sweeter, add up to a third cup more powdered sugar until it suits your palate. Finally, mix in the strawberry powder and beat on medium until it’s fully incorporated and smooth. Spread this luscious frosting evenly over your cooled cake and, if you like, drizzle extra strawberry puree on top for an elegant finish.

How to Serve 9×13 Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

To make your strawberry cake look even more irresistible, consider a few simple garnishes. Fresh sliced strawberries placed artfully on top add a lovely pop of color and freshness. For an extra touch, sprinkle crushed freeze-dried strawberry powder or a few edible flowers on the frosting. These small details not only elevate presentation but also enhance every bite with fresh and tangy notes.

Side Dishes

This strawberry cake pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing sides to keep the dessert experience balanced. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream works beautifully. If you want to complement the fruit flavors, serve with a crisp green salad tossed with citrus vinaigrette or a simple cup of herbal tea like mint or chamomile to cleanse the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not make your 9×13 Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe the centerpiece of a themed party? Serve it on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh berries and sprigs of mint. You can also cut the cake into neat squares, layer them into clear glass jars with extra strawberry puree, and top with a swirl of frosting for an elegant parfait twist. Whether traditional or inventive, the presentation adds to the magic of serving this dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover strawberry cake should be covered tightly with plastic wrap or kept in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and freshness. Store refrigerated for up to 4 days. The strawberry cream cheese frosting stays creamy and flavorful, making every bite as delightful as the first.

Freezing

This 9×13 Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe freezes beautifully if you want to save a portion for later. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture and taste.

Reheating

Since this is a delicate strawberry cake, it’s best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature rather than heated. If you prefer serving pieces slightly warmer, allow the thawed cake to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. Reheating in the microwave may affect the frosting’s texture, so it’s best avoided.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries are ideal for the freshest flavor and texture, but you can use frozen strawberries if needed. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before making the puree to avoid a watery reduction.

What if I don’t have freeze-dried strawberries?

Freeze-dried strawberries are key for concentrated flavor without adding moisture. If you can’t find them, you can substitute with a tiny bit of strawberry extract or finely chopped dried strawberries, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

To adapt this recipe to gluten-free, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum. Keep in mind the texture may vary slightly, but the strawberry flavor will still shine through beautifully.

How thick should the frosting be?

The frosting should be thick enough to spread easily without sliding off the cake. Adjust the powdered sugar to achieve a consistency that holds its shape but remains smooth and creamy.

Is it okay to use less sugar in the frosting?

Absolutely! The frosting sweetness can be tailored to your preference, so feel free to use only 2 cups of powdered sugar if you prefer a less sweet topping. Just remember that cream cheese adds tang, so balance it according to your taste.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about creating a homemade cake that feels both indulgent and fresh, and this 9×13 Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe hits all the right notes. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just treating yourself, this strawberry cake’s vibrant flavor and creamy frosting will make every moment sweeter. Don’t hesitate to dive in and enjoy this delightful recipe yourself—it’s sure to become a beloved classic in your dessert repertoire!

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