Southern Strawberry Cream Cheese Butter Cake

Southern Strawberry Cream Cheese Butter Cake is a rich, tender dessert filled with buttery flavor, creamy richness, and fresh strawberries in every bite. The combination of butter and cream cheese creates a beautifully moist cake with a soft, velvety crumb, while ripe strawberries add natural sweetness and a fresh fruity flavor. Finished with a smooth strawberry cream cheese frosting and fresh berries, this cake makes a beautiful centerpiece for birthdays, family gatherings, holidays, or summer celebrations.

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Butter Cake

1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk
1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, finely chopped
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, for coating the strawberries

For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup strawberry puree
Pinch of salt

For Decorating

Fresh whole and halved strawberries
Extra strawberry puree or sauce, optional

Preparation

1. Prepare the Cake Pans

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.

Lightly flour the sides of the pans to make removing the finished cakes easier.

2. Prepare the Strawberries

Wash the strawberries and dry them thoroughly. Remove the stems and finely chop enough strawberries to measure about 1 1/2 cups.

Toss the chopped strawberries with 2 tablespoons of flour. This light coating helps prevent the berries from sinking completely to the bottom of the cake while baking.

3. Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until completely smooth and creamy.

Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue beating for about 3–4 minutes. The mixture should become noticeably lighter and fluffier.

This step is important because it helps create the soft texture of the finished cake.

4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Stir in the vanilla extract and continue mixing until everything is smooth and evenly combined.

5. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and finish with the flour mixture.

Mix only until combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cake heavier.

6. Fold in the Strawberries

Gently fold the flour-coated strawberries into the cake batter using a spatula.

Mix carefully so the strawberries remain in small pieces throughout the batter without being crushed.

7. Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.

Bake for approximately 28–35 minutes, or until the cakes are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.

Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks.

Let them cool completely before frosting.

Making the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy.

Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed at first and then increasing the speed until the frosting becomes creamy.

Add the vanilla, strawberry puree, and a small pinch of salt.

Beat until the frosting is smooth, fluffy, and pale pink. If it becomes too soft, refrigerate it for 20–30 minutes before decorating the cake.

Assembling the Cake

Place the first cooled cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.

Spread a generous layer of strawberry cream cheese frosting over the top. For additional strawberry flavor, you can add a thin layer of chopped strawberries between the cake layers.

Place the second cake layer on top and gently press it into position.

Cover the top and sides of the cake with the remaining strawberry cream cheese frosting. Smooth the frosting or create decorative swirls for a more homemade appearance.

Finish the cake with fresh whole and halved strawberries arranged beautifully across the top. A little strawberry sauce can also be drizzled around the edges for an extra-special presentation.

Serving Suggestions

For the best texture, refrigerate the finished cake for about 30 minutes before slicing. Remove it from the refrigerator approximately 15–20 minutes before serving so the butter cake and frosting can soften slightly.

Serve generous slices with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Conclusion

Southern Strawberry Cream Cheese Butter Cake combines the richness of an old-fashioned butter cake with the fresh sweetness of strawberries and the irresistible creaminess of cream cheese. The tender strawberry-filled layers and silky frosting create a dessert that feels both comforting and elegant.

Whether it’s prepared for a summer gathering, birthday celebration, Sunday dinner, or simply as a special homemade treat, this beautiful strawberry cake is made for sharing. Serve it slightly chilled, garnish it generously with fresh berries, and enjoy every rich, creamy, strawberry-filled bite.