If you love classic red velvet cake and can’t resist fruity desserts, this Red Velvet Strawberry Cake is the perfect combination. It’s moist, tender, and lightly chocolatey like traditional red velvet, but layered with sweet strawberry flavor that makes every slice feel fresh and extra special.
Perfect for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, holidays, or anytime you want a show-stopping dessert, this cake is surprisingly easy to make at home—and it looks as beautiful as it tastes.
Ingredients
Serves 12
For the Red Velvet Cake
- 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups (360ml) buttermilk, room temperature
- 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1–2 tablespoons red food coloring (gel preferred)
Strawberry Filling (Optional but Recommended)
- 2 cups (300g) chopped fresh strawberries
- 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional garnish:
- Fresh strawberries
- White chocolate shavings
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 25 minutes
- Bake time: 25–30 minutes
- Cooling time: 45–60 minutes
- Assembly time: 15 minutes
- Total time: About 2 hours
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Pans
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch pans (or three 8-inch pans) with parchment.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, oil, eggs, vanilla, vinegar, and red food coloring until smooth.
Step 4: Make the Batter
Add wet ingredients to dry and whisk until just combined. Don’t overmix.
Step 5: Bake
Divide batter evenly into pans. Bake 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool in pans 10 minutes, then move to a rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Make the Strawberry Filling
In a saucepan, cook strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat until juicy.
Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook 1–2 minutes until thickened. Cool completely before using.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually, then vanilla and salt. Beat until fluffy.
Step 8: Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread a layer of frosting, then add strawberry filling (keep it away from the edges).
Top with the next layer and frost the top and sides. Garnish with strawberries.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve chilled for the cleanest slices and best texture.
- Pair with whipped cream and extra berries on the side.
- Add a drizzle of strawberry sauce for extra flavor.
- Serve with coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk.
- Make cupcakes using the same batter for parties.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 slice, 1/12 cake) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein | 5 grams |
| Total Fat | 22 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 7 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 52 grams |
| Sugars | 38 grams |
| Fiber | 2 grams |
| Sodium | 320 milligrams |
Nutritional Notes:
- Strawberries add vitamin C and a fresh, fruity contrast to the rich cake.
- Buttermilk helps create a tender crumb and classic red velvet tang.
- Cream cheese frosting adds richness—reduce the amount for a lighter slice.
Tips for a Perfect Cake
- Use room-temperature ingredients for smooth batter and even baking.
- Don’t overmix—red velvet should stay soft and tender.
- Cool layers completely before frosting to avoid melting.
- If the frosting is soft, chill it for 15 minutes before decorating.
- For cleaner slices, chill the cake 30 minutes before cutting.
Variations to Try
- Strawberry Buttercream: Replace cream cheese frosting with strawberry buttercream.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add melted white or dark chocolate over the top.
- Sheet Cake Version: Bake in a 9×13 pan for easier serving.
- Berry Mix: Use strawberries + raspberries for a mixed berry filling.
- No-Filling Option: Skip filling and fold chopped strawberries into frosting instead.
This Red Velvet Strawberry Cake is the ultimate celebration dessert—soft, velvety layers paired with sweet strawberry flavor and creamy frosting. It’s beautiful, delicious, and guaranteed to impress at any occasion.
Whether you go all out with filling and decoration or keep it simple, this cake delivers a rich, fruity, melt-in-your-mouth bite every time.
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