Strawberry Sponge Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Fresh Strawberry Decor Recipe

Nothing beats the sheer joy of biting into a light, fluffy strawberry sponge cake layered with luscious cream cheese frosting and crowned with fresh, juicy strawberries. This Strawberry Sponge Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Fresh Strawberry Decor Recipe is a personal favorite of mine for any celebration or simply a weekend treat. The cake itself is wonderfully airy, the strawberry filling bursting with natural sweetness and tang, and the cream cheese frosting adding that perfect balance of creamy richness. It’s an irresistible combination that brings classic flavors and textures together in a beautifully elegant dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, from building the light sponge to creating the fresh strawberry filling that keeps this cake uniquely delightful. These simple components combine to create a stunning balance of sweetness, creaminess, and fresh fruit flavor that will have you coming back for seconds.

• 3 cups diced fresh strawberries: The heart of this cake, providing vibrant color and juicy sweetness.
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Adds brightness and helps enhance the strawberries’ natural flavor.
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar: Gives a subtle caramel note to the strawberry filling.
• 2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens the strawberry filling beautifully without affecting flavor.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses warm, aromatic notes into the filling and frosting.
• 6 eggs, room temperature: Create the airy sponge base essential for that light texture.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the sponge while helping with its fluffy structure.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the soft sponge layers.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a subtle lift to keep the cake light.
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream: Whipped into soft peaks for the frosting’s perfect fluffiness.
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened: The creamy base giving richness and tang to the frosting.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds smoothness and stabilizes the frosting.
• 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and helps achieve that silky texture.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the cream cheese frosting with warm vanilla flavor.
• About 1 cup sliced strawberries for decoration: The finishing garnish that adds freshness and color.

How to Make Strawberry Sponge Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Fresh Strawberry Decor Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Filling

Begin by combining half of the diced strawberries with lemon juice in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Let the berries soften and burst, releasing their juicy goodness for about 5 to 6 minutes. This step is key to intensify those rich, fresh strawberry flavors that will fill the cake.

Step 2: Thicken the Filling

Mix the brown sugar and cornstarch before stirring them into the simmering strawberries. Add the remaining strawberries and continue cooking, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Once it’s luscious and glossy, remove it from heat and cool completely—this thickened filling is going to shine between your sponge layers.

Step 3: Prepare Your Pans and Oven

Preheat the oven to 350˚F and line three 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. Grease the sides with baking spray to make sure your sponge layers release easily and come out perfectly intact for assembly later on.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour and baking powder in a small bowl. This ensures even distribution of your leavening agent, giving you a beautifully even rise and light texture in the sponge.

Step 5: Whip the Eggs and Sugar

Beat the eggs at high speed for about a minute, then gradually add the granulated sugar while continuing to whip for 8 minutes. The mixture should turn pale, thick, and fluffy. This is the backbone of your sponge cake, as the air incorporated here creates that lovely lightness.

Step 6: Fold in the Flour

Gently sift the flour in thirds into the egg mixture, folding carefully with a spatula each time. Take care not to over-mix; maintaining the air you whipped in is essential to keep the sponge light and tender.

Step 7: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide your batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the tops are golden and spring back lightly when touched. These layers will be the perfect base to hold your creamy frosting and luscious strawberry filling.

Step 8: Cool and Remove from Pans

Once baked, run a knife around the edges, carefully remove the cakes from the pans, and peel away the parchment paper. Let them cool completely before moving on to frosting and assembly to avoid melting the cream cheese or washing away the filling.

Step 9: Whip the Cream

Beat cold heavy whipping cream on high speed until soft peaks form, then add a little powdered sugar and continue whipping to stiff peaks. This whipped cream will be gently folded into your cream cheese frosting to add extra lightness and volume.

Step 10: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then fold in the whipped cream carefully to maintain that fluffy texture. This frosting is where rich tanginess meets airy sweetness.

Step 11: Assemble the Cake Layers

Place the first cake layer on your serving plate and spread half of the cooled strawberry filling, leaving a small edge around the sides. Next, spread half the frosting on the second layer, then invert it so the filling side faces down onto the first. Repeat layering with the remaining filling and cake layers.

Step 12: Frost and Decorate

Spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake smoothly. Chill the cake to set the frosting, then use the reserved frosting to pipe decorative swirls around the edges. Top with sliced fresh strawberries for that irresistible fresh fruit elegance.

How to Serve Strawberry Sponge Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Fresh Strawberry Decor Recipe

Garnishes

Using fresh strawberry slices is the most obvious and stunning choice, but don’t hesitate to add fresh mint leaves or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra visual appeal and a little burst of flavor. These fresh accents make the cake feel even more special.

Side Dishes

A cup of freshly brewed tea or a glass of chilled sparkling lemonade pairs beautifully with this delicate cake. For something richer, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream is divine alongside the cool cream cheese frosting and sweet strawberries.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual slices on pretty dessert plates topped with an extra strawberry fan and a drizzle of strawberry syrup. Or cut mini versions of this cake into squares for a party platter. The fresh strawberry decor adds a playful, inviting touch no matter the presentation style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This cake keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days when covered with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and moisture.

Freezing

If you want to save the cake for later, you can freeze it once frosted. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to keep the fruity flavors and creamy frosting intact.

Reheating

Since this is a delicate cake with cream cheese frosting and fresh strawberries, reheating isn’t recommended. Just allow refrigerated slices to come to room temperature for about 20 minutes for the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

You can substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like coconut cream and vegan cream cheese, but the texture and flavor might vary slightly from the original lusciousness of this particular Strawberry Sponge Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Fresh Strawberry Decor Recipe.

Is it necessary to use fresh strawberries?

Fresh strawberries are essential for the bright, natural flavor and texture that make this cake so special. Frozen strawberries have more moisture and won’t create the same perfect filling texture.

Can I prepare the cake layers in advance?

Absolutely! The sponge layers can be baked up to two days ahead and stored wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature or refrigerated, ready for assembly when you are.

What’s the best way to get a fluffy sponge cake?

Beating the eggs and sugar thoroughly until pale and thick, and gently folding in the flour just until combined are the keys to a light and airy sponge, as demonstrated in this Strawberry Sponge Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Fresh Strawberry Decor Recipe.

How do I prevent the frosting from becoming too runny?

Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened but not melted, whip the cream properly until stiff peaks form, and do not overfold. Keeping the cake chilled also helps maintain the frosting’s stability.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say this Strawberry Sponge Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Fresh Strawberry Decor Recipe is a true showstopper for any occasion. The way light sponge cake, tangy cream cheese frosting, and luscious strawberry filling come together will have everyone asking for your secret. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious novice, this recipe invites you to create a dessert that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat. Go ahead, give it a try — I promise it will become one of your treasured favorites too!

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