Juicy Red Velvet Strawberry Cake

Name: Juicy Red Velvet Strawberry Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 12.0
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups sugar; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon cocoa powder; 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil; 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 2 tablespoons red food coloring; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon white vinegar; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Fresh strawberries, sliced; Chocolate shavings (optional)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Create a show-stopping dessert with this Juicy Red Velvet Strawberry Cake recipe. This moist and decadent cake features rich red velvet layers complemented by fresh strawberries and luxurious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations or as a delightful treat, this cake combines classic flavors with a modern twist that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Created by

Anna Johnson

Last updated on 2025-11-17T02:53:52.060Z

This cake is not just a treat; it's a celebration of flavors and textures. The combination of red velvet and strawberries creates a balance that is both indulgent and refreshing.

A Delicious Twist on Tradition

Red velvet cake is a classic favorite, often associated with special occasions and celebrations. This Juicy Red Velvet Strawberry Cake elevates that tradition by adding fresh, juicy strawberries, creating a delightful contrast with the rich, velvety cake layers. The combination of flavors makes this dessert not just a treat, but a memorable experience for your taste buds. The slight tang from the strawberries balances the sweetness of the cream cheese frosting perfectly, ensuring every bite is a delight.

Moreover, red velvet's distinctive color provides a stunning visual appeal that makes it a centerpiece for any gathering. Whether it's a birthday, wedding, or holiday celebration, this cake is sure to draw attention and have your guests talking long after the last slice is enjoyed. Its vibrant red hue, topped with the freshness of strawberries, creates an inviting and appetizing appearance that is truly hard to resist.

The Secret to Moist Cake

One of the standout features of this Juicy Red Velvet Strawberry Cake is its incredibly moist texture. The use of buttermilk in the batter not only enhances flavor but also adds to the cake's moisture, resulting in a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Pairing it with vegetable oil instead of butter contributes to the moisture as well, ensuring that your cake remains fresh and delicious for days. This is a key factor in making your cake a showstopper, as nobody wants a dry slice of cake at their party.

Additionally, letting the cake layers cool completely before frosting is essential. It might be tempting to frost a warm cake, but this can cause the frosting to melt and slide off, resulting in an unappealing presentation. Patience is key – let the layers cool on a wire rack to ensure that they hold their shape and the frosting remains pristine. This simple step will elevate your cake, giving it a professional look that is both inviting and impressive.

Ingredients

Gather all the necessary ingredients for a successful baking session.

Cake Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tablespoons red food coloring
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon white vinegar

Frosting Ingredients

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Decoration Ingredients

Fresh strawberries, sliced
Chocolate shavings (optional)

Make sure to prep your ingredients before starting the recipe.

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully for the best results.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until well combined.

Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just blended.

Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Prepare the Frosting

In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until fluffy.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are cooled, layer them with frosting in between and cover the entirety of the cake with cream cheese frosting.

Decorate

Top the cake with sliced strawberries and optional chocolate shavings.

Let the cake sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Tips for Perfect Assembly

Assembling a layer cake might seem daunting, but with a few simple tips, you can ensure your Juicy Red Velvet Strawberry Cake is both beautiful and stable. When stacking the layers, use a small amount of frosting on the plate to hold the first layer in place. Apply a generous amount of frosting between layers, but be careful not to add too much, as this can cause the layers to slide. Additionally, if your cake layers have domed tops, you can level them with a serrated knife for a clean and even stack.

Using a cake turntable can be incredibly helpful during the frosting process. It allows you to easily rotate the cake while applying frosting, ensuring an even coat all around. To achieve a smooth finish, you can use a spatula or an offset knife to spread the frosting, dipping it in warm water to help it glide effortlessly over the cake surface.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Once your Juicy Red Velvet Strawberry Cake is decorated, it's essential to store it correctly to maintain its freshness. Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap or store it in a cake dome to prevent it from drying out. This cake can typically be stored at room temperature for up to three days, but if your kitchen is warm, you may want to refrigerate it. The cream cheese frosting can become soft if left in a warm environment, so a cooler space is advisable for longer storage.

When it comes time to serve, consider pairing each slice with extra fresh strawberries or drizzle it with a strawberry sauce for an added touch. You could even serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, offering a creamy complement to the vibrant flavors of the cake. This dessert’s versatility makes it suitable for all sorts of occasions, from casual family dinners to fancy celebrations, ensuring it will be a hit wherever you serve it.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use another type of frosting?

Yes, you can use buttercream or a whipped cream frosting for a lighter option.

→ How do I store the cake?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.