This Strawberry Sponge Cake Recipe is among our all-time favorite strawberry desserts. It is moist with layers of fresh strawberries, and whipped cream cheese frosting.

With the easy video tutorial you can master this fresh strawberry sponge cake in no time.

Fresh Strawberry Sponge cake recipe that is loaded with fresh strawberries and covered with whipped cream cheese frosting then decorated with strawberries and melted chocolate.

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I hope you’re inspired by the topping on this strawberry sponge cake. I couldn’t resist making the Ukrainian-esque strawberry decorations. Looking forward to seeing all of my nieces faces when they see it at Mom’s. They always get excited about my cakes. It’s adorable :).

Loaded strawberry cake recipe with layers of fresh strawberries and whipped cream cheese frosting

I want you to experience this cake and succeed every time so I made a video recipe for you all (WATCH VIDEO TUTORIAL BELOW) This is also one of my personal favorites because:

  1. It is CUTE as can be with old world chocolate and strawberry decor
  2. NOT OVERLY SWEET as is hallmark of my desserts (we love to experience all the flavors of the cake).
  3. It tastes BAKERY QUALITY (I would argue better because it’s homemade!)

Ingredients for Strawberry Sponge Cake Recipe:

It’s almost hard to believe the sponge cakes have only 4 ingredients (flour, sugar, eggs and baking powder). If you have never made a sponge cake, be sure to watch our video tutorial on how to make a sponge cake before you get started. The Whipped Cream Cheese frosting has just 3 ingredients and pairs so well with strawberries

What you’ll need: Two 9″ cake pans, parchment paper, and flour sifter

strawberry-cake-4

This is THE Strawberry Cake!! It calls for 1 1/2 lbs of fresh strawberries & the whipped cream cheese frosting is simple & delicious. | natashaskitchen.com

How to Make Strawberry Sponge Cake Layers: 

IMPORTANT: Watch our video tutorial on how to make a sponge cake before you get started:

Preheat Oven to 350˚F and line bottoms of cake pans with parchment paper (do not grease sides).
1. In the bowl of an electric stand mixer (this is the one I have), beat 6 large eggs with the whisk attachment for 1 min on high speed. With the mixer on, gradually add 1 cup sugar and continue beating on high speed 8 min. It will be thick and fluffy.

strawberry-cake-2

2. Whisk together flour (measured correctly) and baking powder. Sift flour in thirds into the batter, folding gently with a spatula between each addition. Fold just until no streaks of flour remain, scraping the bottom of the bowl to ensure you don’t have pockets of flour hiding at the bottom; do not over-mix or you may deflate the batter.

Strawberry Layer Cake-12

3. Divide batter equally between two prepared cake pans and bake at 350˚F fr 23-28 minutes (my oven took 25 min), or until top is golden brown and springs back when poked slightly. Remove from pan by sliding a knife around the edges. Let cool to room temp then peel back parchment paper. Slice cake layers equally in half (I use this bread knife to slice cake layers).

Strawberry Layer Cake-13Strawberry Layer Cake-14

Strawberry Cake Filling:

Cut strawberries into quarters if large and place them in the bowl of a food processor; pulsing until consistency of chunky applesauce; set aside.

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Frosting:

1. Beat cold heavy whipping cream on high speed with whisk attachment for 1-2 min until stiff and spreadable then remove to a separate dish.

Strawberry Layer Cake-16

2. In the same mixing bowl (no need to wash it), beat together cream cheese and 3/4 cup sugar about 2 min until smooth and lump-free, scraping down a bowl a couple times. Using a spatula, fold in whipped cream.

Strawberry Layer Cake-17

How to Assemble Strawberry Sponge Cake:

(Tip: to keep the cake plate clean, place strips of parchment or wax paper under the edges of the bottom cake layer. After frosting the cake, pull the strips out and you have a clean cake stand). 

1. Place the first layer cut-side-up on your serving dish and spread with 1/3 of the strawberry puree.

This is THE Strawberry Cake!! It calls for 1 1/2 lbs of fresh strawberries & the whipped cream cheese frosting is simple & delicious. | natashaskitchen.com

2. Spread about 1/2 cup frosting on the second cake layer and place it over the first layer so the strawberries and cream are hugging. Repeat with the remaining layers.

This is THE Strawberry Cake!! It calls for 1 1/2 lbs of fresh strawberries & the whipped cream cheese frosting is simple & delicious. | natashaskitchen.com

3. Frost the top and sides with remaining frosting. Decorate the top with melted chocolate (click here for chocolate decorating tutorial).

This is THE Strawberry Cake!! It calls for 1 1/2 lbs of fresh strawberries & the whipped cream cheese frosting is simple & delicious. | natashaskitchen.com

How to Decorate a Cake with Chocolate and Fruit:

These are the designs I made because I wasn’t sure how I would decorate this cake going into it. Remember the Russian nesting doll from Instagram? 😉

Strawberry Layer Cake-4

I cut the little strawberries in half and placed them on each of the chocolate “vines.” Then I put strawberries halves around the base of the strawberry sponge cake. If you can’t find small strawberries; raspberries would work well for the decor also as they are tiny and look cute cut in half.

Cake decorated with fresh strawberries and chocolate designs for how to decorate a cake with chocolate and fruit

Watch How To Make this Strawberry Cake Recipe:

Watch Natasha make this Strawberry Cake Recipe! You will be surprised by how easy it is. If you haven’t already,  to our  and click the bell icon so you will be the first to know when we post a new video recipe.

Must-Try Strawberry Desserts:

Print-Friendly Strawberry Sponge Cake Recipe:

Strawberry Sponge Cake Recipe

4.91 from 211 votes
This is THE Strawberry Cake!! It calls for 1 1/2 lbs of fresh strawberries & the whipped cream cheese frosting is simple & delicious. | natashaskitchen.com
This cake is layer after delicious layer of fresh strawberries, a lightly sweet cream cheese frosting, and moist European sponge cake. It's fantastic and very simple to make.
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 23 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 8 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 8 -12 slices

Cake Layers:

Frosting Ingredients:

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 packages, 8 oz each cream cheese, softened at room temp
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar

Filling/Decor:

  • 1 1/2 lbs fresh strawberries, 1 lb to blend and 1/2 lb for decor
  • 1/3 cup chocolate chips to melt and decorate the top, optional

Instructions

How to Make Cake Layers: Preheat Oven to 350˚F and line bottoms of cake pans with parchment paper (do not grease the sides).

  • Beat 6 large eggs with the whisk attachment for 1 min on high speed. With the mixer on, gradually add 1 cup sugar and continue beating on high speed 8 min until thick and fluffy.
  • Whisk together flour and baking powder. Sift flour in thirds into the batter, folding gently with a spatula between each addition. Fold just until no streaks of flour remain, scraping the bottom of the bowl to ensure you don't have pockets of flour hiding at the bottom; do not over-mix or you may deflate the batter.
  • Divide batter equally between two prepared cake pans and bake at 350˚F fr 23-28 minutes (my oven took 25 min), or until top is golden brown and springs back when poked slightly. Remove from pan by sliding a knife around the edges. Let cool to room temp then peel back the parchment paper. Slice Cake Layers equally in half.

Strawberry Filling:

  • Cut strawberries into quarters if large and place them in the bowl of a food processor; pulse until consistency of chunky applesauce; set aside.

Frosting:

  • Beat cold heavy whipping cream on high speed with whisk attachment for 1-2 min until stiff and spreadable then remove to a separate dish.
  • In the same mixing bowl (no need to wash it), beat together cream cheese and 3/4 cup sugar about 2 min until smooth and lump-free, scraping down a bowl a couple times. Using a spatula, fold in whipped cream.

Assembly:

  • Place the first layer cut-side-up on your serving dish
  • and spread with 1/3 of the strawberry puree.
  • Spread about 1/2 cup frosting on the second cake layer and place it over the first layer so the strawberries and cream are hugging. Repeat with the next layers.
  • Frost the top and sides with remaining frosting. Decorate the top with melted chocolate. I cut the little strawberries in half and placed them on each of the chocolate "vines." Then I put strawberries halves around the base of the cake. If you can't find small strawberries; raspberries would work well for the decor also as they are tiny and look cute cut in half.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Russian, Ukrainian
Keyword: strawberry cake
Skill Level: Medium
Cost to Make: $$
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen

This is THE Strawberry Cake!! It calls for 1 1/2 lbs of fresh strawberries & the whipped cream cheese frosting is simple & delicious. | natashaskitchen.com

Now go forth and make this strawberry cake! 🙂

4.91 from 211 votes (50 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Bowen
    May 29, 2021

    Hi Natasha,
    I’m about to make this! Can I make this recipe in two 8 inch pans?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 29, 2021

      Hi Bowen, I’m a little concerned about it overflowing. My pans are 9″, and the walls are 1 1/2 inches. It might be too much batter for your pan.

      Reply

      • Bowen
        May 30, 2021

        Hi again, my cake pans are 8 inches wide, and the walls are about 2 1/2 inches tall. Do you think I can still make it?

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          May 31, 2021

          Hi Bowen, that may work. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe.

          Reply

  • Jenny
    May 25, 2021

    This cake is absolutely delicious! It was my first time making a sponge cake and it was very simple and turned out great. I modified to just do 2 layers and I made my frosting a little differently (just heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract). I put a heavy layer of whipped cream and strawberry purée in between the two layers. The cake was out of this world good! It tasted even better the next day, so I recommend making it a day ahead so the sponge cake absorbs the flavors. I can’t wait to try the sponge cake recipe again with other flavors!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 25, 2021

      Hi Jenny! That’s so great! Yes, that sponge cake can be used for many cakes! I’m so glad you enjoyed this one!

      Reply

  • Christina
    May 2, 2021

    Delicious!!!! Made this for my Mom’s birthday. 1st time ever making a sponge cake. The video was such a huge help. Everyone LOVED it. ❤️

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 3, 2021

      Happy Birthday to your Mom!!

      Reply

      • Christina
        May 24, 2021

        Thank you 🙂

        Reply

  • Carol Sowerby
    April 15, 2021

    Hi Natasha, can I use powdered sugar instead of granulated in the frosting please .
    Lovely recipe .

    Reply

  • Viv
    April 12, 2021

    Hi Natasha,

    I love your recipes. I am a novice baker and I only have 6 inch pans. Can I make half the recipe and bake it in two 6 inch pans? Do I need to adjust any ingredients or the bake time?

    Thanks.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 12, 2021

      Hi Viv, I have not tested this in a 6″ pan to advise on bake time. If you happen to experiment, I would love to know how you like that!

      Reply

  • Christine Waters
    April 11, 2021

    Hi Natasha, I really wanted to make this cake but this recipe does not show the metric conversion for the ingredients like most of your recipes do. Would you be able to convert this for me please as when I try and work it out I get it wrong. Thanks in advance

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      April 11, 2021

      Hi Christine, my new recipes have the conversion but I haven’t updated the old recipes. Feel free to use this Ingredient Weight Chart as a guide.

      Reply

  • Nadia Belous
    March 25, 2021

    Hi Natasha! I want to make this cake in a rectangular 9×13 in pan (double the recipe). If I split the batter in half, would I still use the same time/temperature to bake it?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 25, 2021

      Hi Nadia, this post should help with making it a 9×13 cake.

      Reply

    • Maria Eftimova
      April 11, 2021

      Hi Natasha,
      Thank you so much for sharing your recepies with us.
      I would like to ask you for advice.
      In the strawberry cake there is cream cheese, I’m wondering what cream cheese I can use in UK, please? Thanks a lot.
      Wishing all the best ❤️💐.

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        April 12, 2021

        Hi Maria, I had to do a quick Google search to find out for you. It says “Cream cheese is a soft white cheese and is sold in most major supermarkets. … If you put “cream cheese” into the search engines of most UK supermarket websites then you will find that they will bring up Philadelphia and soft white cheese.”

        Reply

        • Maria Eftimova
          April 13, 2021

          Many thanks Natasha,
          I have tried the receipt and is so jummuuu…..
          🌹❤️

          Reply

          • Natashas Kitchen
            April 13, 2021

            You’re welcome, Maria! I’m happy you enjoyed that!

  • Amira
    March 23, 2021

    Hi natasha, I did this strawberry cake for the Mother’s Day as well as my husband’s birthday as your discreption and it went out really good everyone loved it.
    I want to thank you alot for your recepies. I am a big fan of you!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 23, 2021

      Thank you for your great comments and feedback, Amira. I hope you and your family will love all the recipes that you will try!

      Reply

  • Carina
    March 22, 2021

    I have tried this recipe and it’s deliciois!!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 22, 2021

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Hoda
    March 18, 2021

    Hello Natasha,
    I just love your recipes! I’ve tried last week the vanilla cake with the frosting and it was so yummyyyy.
    I want to try this strawberry cake recipe this week but I have a question. Can I prepare all the Ingredients (cake, filling, frosting) one day before serving it and the next day I combine it and serve it? The strawberry filling will still have the same freshness?
    Thanks.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 19, 2021

      Hi Hoda, the frosting may be harder to spread after sitting in the fridge, but I bet that could work! If you experiment, I would love to know how you like that.

      Reply

  • Hailey
    March 15, 2021

    Best strawberry cake I’ve ever had! I made this for a friend’s birthday, and it was so delicious. The frosting was so spreadable, and the flavors were divine!

    I did have a question though–is this cake meant to smell a bit eggy while baking? I know the majority of it is eggs, but I worried when it came out and smelled like eggs baking. (It turned out fine in the end)

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 15, 2021

      That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review! Make sure you keep the cake away from the outdoor draft, which can make it smell eggier. This is the case with all egg-based cakes and meringue desserts. Also, sometimes a bad egg can get in the mix and cause that (although rarer).

      Reply

  • Freny
    March 13, 2021

    Natasha I absolutely love all your recipes. It’s like when I start making your recipes I know its going to turn out fabulous. I made strawberry layered cake for first time, followed your recipe to a T and again it was..super success 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 13, 2021

      Thank you for that wonderful compliment, Freny! I’m so happy you’re enjoying our recipes.

      Reply

  • Debbie
    March 12, 2021

    My husband makes me a cake for my birthday on March 18 and this one looks delicious. However, to make it easier on him, can he divide the batter into three 9 inch pans and skip the slicing of the cakes?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 13, 2021

      Hi Debbie, I haven’t tried that, but it may work. If you experiment, I would love to know how you like that.

      Reply

  • eve
    March 11, 2021

    I’ve been looking for a recipe like yours for ages. I made it for my daughter’s birthday, and it was the best cake that I’ve ever baked. thanks!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 11, 2021

      You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed this! Happy Birthday to your Daughter!

      Reply

  • Joyce
    February 14, 2021

    I made this once and it tasted incredible!! Thank you Natasha!! ❤️

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 15, 2021

      You are very welcome, Joyce. I am very pleased to know that you loved it!

      Reply

  • Anam
    February 13, 2021

    Hi!
    Can we make this cake but instead of using the sponge cake, use your vanilla cake recipe?
    We would like to keep the frosting and strawberries and everything same though.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 13, 2021

      Hi Anam, I haven’t tried that combination to advise if you experiment, I would love to know how you like it.

      Reply

    • Chelsea Morris
      May 23, 2021

      How did it turn out ?! I’m thinking of trying it

      Reply

  • Julie
    February 4, 2021

    Hi Natasha,
    Can I cut back on the sugar in the cake by 1/2?

    Thanks!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      February 4, 2021

      Hi Julie, the combination of eggs and sugar helps the cake to rise. I haven’t tested with half the sugar to advise but I suspect it would hinder the rise of the cake.

      Reply

  • Julie
    January 31, 2021

    Natasha, I’m going to be making this as I speak. Thought I had the parchment paper but I don’t. Is there any chance I can make this without the parchment paper?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 31, 2021

      Hi Julie, you may use wax paper also if you have it.

      Reply

  • Sue M.
    January 29, 2021

    Do you use semi sweet or milk chocolate chips? Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 29, 2021

      Hi Sue, we use semi sweet.

      Reply

  • Halimah
    January 27, 2021

    Thank you so much.I love all your recipes.You made my life easier.May God keep blessing you and your family.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 27, 2021

      Thank you for your kind words and well wishes. Wishing you and your family the same too!

      Reply

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