This is the easiest Strawberry Cake with a soft and moist crumb, bursting with fresh strawberry flavor and you will love the strawberry sauce. Watch the video tutorial and see why this is one of our all-time favorite strawberry recipes.

Fresh strawberries add incredible flavor to desserts like our popular No-Bake Cheesecake, Strawberry Pretzel Salad, or Mini Strawberry Cheesecakes. I hope this Easy Strawberry Cake becomes a new favorite for you.

Easy strawberry cake dusted with powdered sugar with strawberry sauce in a pitcher on the side and surrounded by fresh strawberries

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Strawberry Cake Recipe

This strawberry cake is winning in every way: simple ingredients, easy to make, perfect for entertaining, and completely yummy. Everything about this cake is good. This is a crowd-pleasing dessert, but (so you can’t say I didn’t warn you) it disappears fast!

This recipe is based on our wildly popular Blueberry Cake which was an instant hit and continues to be one of the top cakes on our site. Just like with blueberries, fresh strawberries are wonderful on their own but when you bake them into a cake, their flavor is amplified and every bite is loaded with satisfying strawberry flavor.

Fresh Strawberry Cake Video

Part of what makes this such an easy cake is that there’s no frosting or layering required, but the flavor is definitely there, especially when you drizzle every slice with the super simple 2-ingredient strawberry sauce. It will make you want to lick your plate – it’s just THAT good and super versatile. Try it over Dutch Baby Pancakes, Waffles, and Crepes. It’s also delicious over French Toast.

Slice of easy strawberry cake drizzled with strawberry sauce

Ingredients

The ingredients here are pantry staples. This cake is loaded with fresh strawberries inside and out. Between the cake and sauce, you will need almost 2 pounds of strawberries.

The easy strawberry sauce has only 2 ingredients (strawberries and sugar) and comes together quickly in a food processor or blender. Here’s what you will need to make this simple strawberry cake:

  • Eggs – make sure they are at room temperature
  • Granulated sugar – sugar is used for both the cake and the strawberry sauce and you can add sugar to taste if you have very sweet or very tart strawberries
  • Sour cream – adds flavor and richness to the cake
  • Oil – creates a soft and moist crumb. You can use either extra light olive oil or vegetable oil
  • Vanilla extract – we love using Homemade Vanilla Extract for the best quality and flavor
  • All-purpose flour – forms a soft crumb without being too dense or heavy
  • Baking powder – leavening that gives rise to the cake
  • Salt – balances the flavor. We almost always use fine sea salt in our cooking
  • Fresh strawberries – you will need 12 oz for the cake and 16 oz for the strawberry sauce. You can use frozen strawberries for the sauce but fresh strawberries are preferred for the cake.
Ingredients for cake with fresh strawberries

How to Buy Strawberries

Here are some tips when shopping for strawberries. The last one is my favorite. I always smell the strawberries!

  • Color – look for strawberries that are a bright and vibrant red. If they are dull or have a lot of white or green patches, they are either underripe or no longer fresh.
  • Stems – check the stems which should look fresh and green (not brown or dry)
  • Firmness – fresh strawberries should be firm to the touch. If the package is clear, inspect the bottom of the container. Strawberries should not look soft, mushy, or squished/ leaking.
  • Aroma – I always sniff the package of strawberries – it’s the best way to tell if the strawberries will actually be tasty. Good strawberries will smell sweet and fragrant.

Tools for Baking

This recipe comes together fast with simple ingredients and basic cooking tools. For best results, be sure to use an electric mixer to whip the eggs and sugar.

Fresh strawberry cake served with strawberry sauce

Pro Tip: Rinse your strawberries just before using them. Wash under running water and avoid soap or commercial produce wash (these can be absorbed by strawberries and are not recommended according to the FDA). Once rinsed, set on cloth or paper towels and pat dry.

Tips for the Best Strawberry Cake

  • To bring eggs to room temperature – place cold eggs into a bowl of warm water (not hot) for 5-7 minutes, then dry them with paper towels and use them in the recipe.
  • Do not over-mix – This is KEY! Once the flour is incorporated, stop mixing or the cake can become dense.
  • Measure flour correctly – spoon flour into a dry ingredient measuring cup and scrape off the top with a straight edge. Why? Pushing your measuring cup into the flour bin can result in up to 25% more compacted flour. Watch our easy video tutorial on how to measure ingredients correctly.
Strawberry cake dusted with powdered sugar

Common Questions

Can I Substitute Sour Cream?

Yes! You can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt. Whole milk Greek yogurt will yield the best results.

Can I turn this into a 2-layer cake?

This works best as a single layer because it is a heavier cake. For a layered cake, we recommend our Strawberry Sponge Cake.

How to Make it Gluten Free?

A reader shared this: “I used Cup4Cup Gluten-Free Multipurpose Flour. It is expensive but the best I’ve tried so far. Anyway, the cake came out great. We loved it and I’m planning to make it again for Easter. Just wanted to let any possible gluten-intolerant folks know.”

Can I make this Dairy Free?

A reader shared the following: “I completely replaced the sour cream, with whole-fat coconut milk from a can. I mixed it completely before measuring, and to compensate for the added wetness I reduced the oil to about 1/3 cup. It was still a little runny, but the bake was perfect.”

Can I use a different-sized pan?

We have only tested this in a 9″ springform pan. If baking in a smaller pan, bake a little longer or until a toothpick comes out clean. If you experiment with various sizes, please let me know in the comments.

Love Strawberry Recipes?

Strawberries always taste best in summer when they are in season so we like to take full advantage of their flavor and abundance. I also love that they go on sale often in the summer so we can use them for everything from Strawberry Lemonade to Chocolate Covered Strawberries. If you enjoy sweet fresh strawberries as much as we do then you will love these top-rated strawberry recipes:

Slice of easy strawberry cake - one of our favorite strawberry recipes

If you love strawberries, this strawberry cake is a must-try. I’d pass you a generous slice if I could, pummeled with the strawberry sauce of course.

More Easy Cake Recipes

If you love easy cakes like this strawberry cake don’t miss these easy, one-pan cakes that are always crowd-pleasers:

Easy Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Sauce

4.94 from 452 votes
strawberry cake with slice cut out
Easy Strawberry Cake recipe loaded with strawberries. So soft, lightly sweet, moist and bursting with strawberry flavor. Don’t skip that easy and amazing strawberry syrup!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients 

Servings: 10 slices (9″ cake)

Strawberry Cake Ingredients:

Strawberry Sauce Ingredients:

Instructions

Cake Prep:

  • Butter a 9" springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 375˚F. Prepare 12 oz of strawberries for the cake: dice 6 oz of strawberries and slice the second 6 oz into halves.

How to Make Strawberry Cake:

  • In a large mixing bowl, using an electric hand mixer (or stand mixer), beat together 2 eggs with 1 cup sugar on high speed for 5 minutes or until light in color and thick.
  • Add 1 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup oil, 1 tsp vanilla and beat on low speed until well combined.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together: 2 cups flour, 2 tsp baking powder and 1/4 tsp salt until well incorporated. With the mixer on med/low speed, add flour mixture to the batter 1/3 at a time, letting the flour incorporate with each addition and continue mixing just until well combined. Do not over-mix. 
  • Pour half of the batter into prepared pan. Top with 6 oz of diced strawberries then spread remaining batter over the top. Cover the surface with 6 oz of halved strawberries (cut-side-down), pressing them down just slightly into the batter. Bake at 375˚F for 45-55 minutes (mine was perfect at 50 min), or until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Let cake rest in pan 15-20 min before removing the ring.
  • Run a thin spatula around cake edges to loosen from pan. then transfer to a cake platter. Cool until just warm or at room temperature. To serve, dust with powdered sugar if desired. Drizzle individual slices generously with strawberry syrup.

How to Make Strawberry Sauce:

  • While the cake is baking, make the strawberry sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine 16 oz strawberries and 1/4 cup sugar (or add sugar to taste) and blend until pureed.

Notes

*To measure flour correctly: spoon flour into dry ingredients measuring cup and scrape off the top with a straight edge.

Nutrition Per Serving

368kcal Calories51g Carbs4g Protein16g Fat4g Saturated Fat44mg Cholesterol91mg Sodium293mg Potassium2g Fiber29g Sugar195IU Vitamin A46.9mg Vitamin C90mg Calcium1.8mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Easy Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Sauce
Amount per Serving
Calories
368
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
16
g
25
%
Saturated Fat
 
4
g
25
%
Cholesterol
 
44
mg
15
%
Sodium
 
91
mg
4
%
Potassium
 
293
mg
8
%
Carbohydrates
 
51
g
17
%
Fiber
 
2
g
8
%
Sugar
 
29
g
32
%
Protein
 
4
g
8
%
Vitamin A
 
195
IU
4
%
Vitamin C
 
46.9
mg
57
%
Calcium
 
90
mg
9
%
Iron
 
1.8
mg
10
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: easy strawberry cake, strawberry cake
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $
Calories: 368
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook
4.94 from 452 votes (145 ratings without comment)

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Jackie peterson
    November 27, 2018

    Love this recipe I can’t eat that much sugar can you modify this for us diabetics

    Reply

    • Natasha
      November 27, 2018

      Hi Jackie, I honestly haven’t tried but you can add sugar to taste and I think it would be worth experimenting with a different kind of sweetener that is diabetic friendly. I wish I had a better answer for you. If anyone else has tried, please let us know! 🙂

      Reply

  • Flower
    November 24, 2018

    Thank you for this simple and easy yet ridiculously delicious cake. It was plate and finger licking good. My whole family loved it and finished it all on the spot. ❤️

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 24, 2018

      That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite!

      Reply

  • Galina
    November 23, 2018

    Hi Natasha, I love your blog and use it often. Can I substitute butter for oil here?

    Thank you.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 23, 2018

      Hi Galina, I haven’t tried it with butter. Some of my readers have omitted the oil and replaced it with apple sauce to make it healthier.

      Reply

  • Jared
    November 20, 2018

    Hi Natasha, could you do measurements by weight as well? It’s easier for lazy people like me.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 20, 2018

      We are currently working on adding metric measurements to all of our recipes as that should help with weight, but it is taking some time as we have to add them one at a time. Thank you so much for being patient! In the meantime, check out our post on measuring which should help

      Reply

  • Christine Constantin
    November 15, 2018

    you posted Nutrition facts per serving. Is the serving size per slice? Thanks!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 15, 2018

      Hi Christine! Yes that would be per slice!

      Reply

  • Diana
    November 6, 2018

    Wow! This cake is AWESOME! So soft and moist ,and that sauce yuuuum!super easy to make too.Will making this again and again! Thx for sharing

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 6, 2018

      You’re so welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us!

      Reply

  • jeffrey Fortson
    October 26, 2018

    HI, the cake is very good but not sweet enough for my taste so i added another cup of sugar to it and the cake’s sweetness turned out great but the top was very crunchy to the point that when i checked it with a toothpick the top crust cracked a lot and didn’t look as good as yours. Is there a way that i can have the same look and softness on top with the added sugar?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      October 26, 2018

      HI Jeffry, I honestly haven’t tried it with an extra cup of sugar so it is difficult to guess what other substitutions would have to be made without testing it that way. You might try just 1/2 cup sugar extra next time and make the sauce a little sweeter.

      Reply

  • Fernanda de Lacerda Mottin
    October 20, 2018

    I will make this for a colleague’s birthday on Tuesday.

    I am thinking of making the syrup by cooking the strawberry with the sugar, some lemon juice and basil–rather than blending berries and sugar.

    Hopefully it will be ok!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 21, 2018

      I’d; love to hear how you like this!

      Reply

      • Fernanda de Lacerda Mottin
        October 24, 2018

        Made it yesterday and took to work today. Everyone loved it!!
        I particularly loved the batter—so tasty I am surprised there was enough left make the cake. (I had a few spoonfuls throughout!)

        I cooked the strawberries first with basil and pepper but did not like it blended. So, I swirled the strawberry purée with freshly whipped cream (we have amazing dairy products here in New Zealand) and it was soooo good!!!!

        And here, being the beginning of strawberry season, I will be making it many times more.

        Thank you!

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          October 24, 2018

          That’s so great Fernanda!! I’m so happy you enjoyed this recipe!

          Reply

  • Emilie
    October 19, 2018

    Is the oven temp is based on conventional oven and not fan forced? Just trying to get it cooked without the top burning. Easy to make. Still cooking so yet to taste.Thanks!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      October 19, 2018

      Hi Emilie, our recipes are written for standard conventional ovens.

      Reply

  • KitchenDust
    October 14, 2018

    This cake was wildly successful and the whole family loved it! Thank you for a fabulous recipe that will definitely get made time and time again 🙂

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 14, 2018

      You’re very welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed that!

      Reply

  • Josée
    September 28, 2018

    I made it yesterday and it was a success. Easy to make. 😋

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 28, 2018

      That’s so great, Josee! I’m happy you enjoyed that!

      Reply

  • Julie Jules
    September 23, 2018

    I substituted Coconut Yoghurt because I’m dairy-free and used Nutellex instead of olive oil. The cake was delicious, will definitely make again this strawberry season. Thank you for the recipe 🙂

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 23, 2018

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Julie! Thank you for the wonderful review!

      Reply

  • Claudia G L
    September 19, 2018

    Wow!! 5 stars!! loved this cake, easy and not too sweet! Husband loved it too. Will definitely make again!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 19, 2018

      Sounds like you found a new favorite, Claudia! Thank you for the great review!

      Reply

  • Zuly De Caal
    September 18, 2018

    Hi Natasha!!! I love your recipes, I have tried to make some. Sorry for my English, I’m from Guatemala and I speak Spanish …. This cake especially I loved it and I have prepared it many times, so, I wonder, I can use apples instead of strawberries, except for the sauce … Thanks and greetings from Central America

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 18, 2018

      Hi Zuly. Your English is great! Thank you for reaching out! I haven’t tried this with apple but here is what one of our readers wrote: “Made this cake the other day..it was sooo delicious! I added apples to one half (i have a very picky toddler).” I hope this helps

      Reply

      • Zuly de Caal
        October 23, 2018

        Thank you very much Natasha, you are very kind to respond. I wanted to try with Apple before I answered you. I think it was…. super delicious. Thanks for sharing your recipes. Greetings to all your nice family 🤗

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          October 23, 2018

          You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it

          Reply

  • Judy
    September 16, 2018

    This was amazing! I had rants and raves when I served it at a dinner party in fact I am serving it tomorrow.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 16, 2018

      That’s so great, Judy! Thank you for sharing this awesome review with us!

      Reply

  • Monika Sudull
    September 15, 2018

    It is spring in Australia so I thought this was an ideal dessert for a neighbourhood BBQ. I was a bit nervous as I hadn’t tried this recipe before. It was a HUGE hit – and the sauce amazing! Will certainly add it to my repertoire 🍰 🎂 🍓

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 15, 2018

      That’s so great Monika! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for the wonderful review!

      Reply

  • John
    September 9, 2018

    I am wondering if butter can be used instead of oil. I used oil and it tasted very oily. Spoiled the cake taste.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 9, 2018

      Hi John. I haven’t tried it with butter. Some of my readers have omitted the oil and replaced it with apple sauce to make it healthier.

      Reply

      • John Redman
        September 10, 2018

        Thank you Natasha, I want to try again because I love the idea. I just couldn’t get past the oily taste. If I try butter I’ll let you know the results. Thank you for all your wonderful recipes. I’m addicted!

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          September 11, 2018

          You’re so welcome!

          Reply

  • Barbara
    September 9, 2018

    can I substitute Splenda for the sugar. son is diabetic.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 9, 2018

      Hi Barbara. I honestly haven’t tried this with splenda so I can’t say. If you experiment please let me know if it works for you.

      Reply

      • Kathie Patti
        May 13, 2019

        I have made with Splenda and it turns out wonderful

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          May 13, 2019

          Thank you for sharing that with me Kathie!

          Reply

  • gerald brevard
    September 8, 2018

    The cake looks delicious , where can I buy a case pan like that?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 8, 2018

      Hi Gerald. We used this pan here 🙂

      Reply

  • Michael Conlon
    August 28, 2018

    I have just made the easy strawberry cake. With cream it is heaven on a plate. Make it when Strawberrys are in season. I made it in a rectangular tin cut it up and put it in the freezer. Otherwise it’ll be too tempting.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 28, 2018

      It sure is tempting, Michael! Thank you for the awesome review!

      Reply

    • Stanelle
      August 30, 2018

      Hi, I was wondering to save money could you substitute for box cake or self rising flour?

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        August 30, 2018

        Hi Stanelle, I honestly haven’t tried making this strawberry cake with self rising flour so I can’t advise on that. I wish I could be more helpful.

        Reply

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