Dreamy Strawberry Delight Layered Cake Recipe For Sweet Lovers

Strawberry delight layered cake captures the essence of sweet summer memories and culinary creativity.

Imagine a dessert that whispers pure indulgence with every delicate slice.

Soft, cloud-like layers promise a sensory journey through vibrant flavors and textures.

Delightful combinations of fresh ingredients dance together in perfect harmony.

Elegant yet approachable, this cake speaks to both novice and experienced bakers seeking something extraordinary.

Unexpected elements blend seamlessly, creating a dessert that feels both comforting and exciting.

You will fall in love with this irresistible confection that turns ordinary moments into celebration.

Why Strawberry Delight Layered Cake Is a Showstopper

• This cake delivers an exciting taste journey with strawberry and vanilla cake layers, complemented by a creamy cheesecake center that creates a delightful flavor explosion in every single bite.
• The dessert combines multiple textures – soft cake layers, silky smooth cheesecake, and crunchy strawberry-cookie topping – providing an incredible sensory experience that keeps taste buds intrigued from first to last slice.
• Perfect for bakers wanting to level up their skills, this recipe allows home cooks to create a bakery-worthy showstopper that looks professionally crafted but is surprisingly achievable with basic baking knowledge and patience.
• Ideal for special occasions like birthdays, summer gatherings, or family reunions, this stunning cake guarantees wide-ranging appeal with its beautiful presentation and crowd-winning combination of classic flavors that everyone will adore.

Ingredients for Strawberry Delight Layered Cake

• Strawberry Cake Mix: Provides sweet strawberry flavor and vibrant color for the cake.
• Vanilla Cake Mix: Offers classic vanilla base with light, fluffy texture.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds structure to cake layers.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and softness in cake mixes.

• Cream Cheese: Creates rich, smooth base for cheesecake layer.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and balances cream cheese flavor.
• Eggs: Helps set and stabilize cheesecake mixture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor to cheesecake.
• Sour Cream: Provides tanginess and extra moisture.
• Heavy Cream: Enhances creaminess and lightness of cheesecake.

• Freeze-Dried Strawberries: Delivers intense strawberry flavor and crisp texture.
• Cookies: Adds crunch and complementary sweetness to topping.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps bind crunch topping ingredients.
• Fresh Strawberries: Optional garnish for visual appeal and fresh taste.

Instructions to Make Strawberry Delight Layered Cake

Step 1: Create Vibrant Cake Foundations

• Strawberry cake mix
• Vanilla cake mix

Follow package instructions for each mix. Pour batter into separate pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cakes cool completely on wire racks.

Step 2: Craft Silky Cheesecake Layer

• Cream cheese
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Sour cream
• Heavy cream

Blend until smooth and creamy. Pour mixture into prepared pan. Bake 40-50 minutes until center sets. Cool at room temperature, then refrigerate 4-6 hours.

Step 3: Whip Up Crunchy Strawberry Topping

• Freeze-dried strawberries
• Graham crackers or vanilla cookies
• Unsalted melted butter

Pulse until perfectly crumbly and well combined.

Step 4: Stack Delicious Layers

Place strawberry cake layer on serving plate. Spread thin frosting layer. Gently position cheesecake layer. Add another frosting layer. Top with vanilla cake layer. Cover entire cake with remaining frosting.

Step 5: Add Spectacular Crunch Coating

Press strawberry crunch mixture along cake sides and top. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices if desired.

Step 6: Chill and Celebrate

Refrigerate cake for minimum 2 hours. Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy your spectacular dessert creation!

Tips for Strawberry Delight Layered Cake Success

• Ensure Even Cake Layers: Level your cake layers by using a serrated knife for flat, professional-looking surfaces that stack perfectly.
• Master the Cheesecake Consistency: Bring cream cheese to room temperature before mixing to prevent lumps and create a smooth, creamy texture.
• Prevent Crumb Contamination: Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting first, then chill for 15 minutes before final frosting to lock in cake crumbs.
• Crush Crunch Topping Carefully: Pulse freeze-dried strawberries and cookies briefly to maintain some texture and prevent turning into a fine powder.
• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Allow the assembled cake to rest in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, which helps the layers meld and intensifies the taste.

Storage Guide for Strawberry Delight Layered Cake

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store the remaining cake in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Prevent Drying: Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the cut surface to prevent the cake from drying out and maintain its moisture.
• Reheat Carefully: Bring the cake to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance its flavor and texture. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the cake soggy and compromise its delicate layers.

What to Serve with Strawberry Delight Layered Cake

• Pair with Bubbly Rosé: The cake's sweet strawberry layers and creamy cheesecake center perfectly complement a chilled rosé champagne, enhancing the fruity notes and cutting through the richness.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: A scoop of smooth, cold vanilla bean ice cream alongside each slice creates a delightful temperature and flavor contrast, highlighting the cake's multiple textures.
• Serve with Strawberry Mint Tea: A light, refreshing strawberry mint tea provides a complementary fruity backdrop that echoes the cake's strawberry elements while offering a palate-cleansing quality between bites.
• Complement with Dark Chocolate Espresso: A small shot of rich dark chocolate espresso balances the sweetness, adding depth and complexity to the dessert experience with its robust, slightly bitter undertones.

Variations of Strawberry Delight Layered Cake

• Tropical Fusion Cake: Swap strawberry components with mango and passion fruit for a vibrant, exotic flavor profile that brings Caribbean sunshine to your dessert.
• Chocolate Berry Sensation: Replace vanilla layer with rich chocolate cake, keeping strawberry layer and adding dark chocolate ganache between cheesecake for intense chocolate-berry combination.
• Gluten-Free Berry Dream: Use gluten-free cake mix and cookie alternatives, ensuring celiac-friendly ingredients while maintaining the original cake's delectable texture and taste.
• Reduced Sugar Berry Bliss: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener and use low-fat cream cheese to create a lighter, health-conscious version of the original decadent cake.

FAQs About Strawberry Delight Layered Cake

• How long does this cake take to prepare?

The total preparation time is about 6-7 hours, including baking time and chilling periods. Active cooking time is roughly 2 hours, with additional chilling time of 6 hours for best results.

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake can be prepared a day in advance. The cheesecake layer and cake layers can be made separately and refrigerated before final assembly, which makes it perfect for advance preparation.

• What if I can't find freeze-dried strawberries?

You can substitute with graham cracker crumbs and add strawberry extract or use crushed regular strawberries (though this might make the topping less crunchy). The key is maintaining a similar texture and strawberry flavor.

• How should I store the leftover cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Always keep it chilled to maintain the cheesecake layer’s texture and prevent spoilage.

Strawberry Delight Layered Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Silky layers of strawberry delight cake promise pure indulgence with homemade charm. Rich buttercream and fresh strawberries create a dreamy dessert you’ll savor to the last delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Base Ingredients:

• 1 box strawberry cake mix
• 1 box vanilla cake mix
• 3 large eggs

Cake Mix Additional Ingredients (as listed on box packaging)

Cheesecake Layer Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 3 large eggs

Topping and Crust Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries
• 1 cup vanilla wafer cookies or golden Oreos, crushed
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature and prepare cake pans by lightly greasing and lining with parchment paper, ensuring smooth cake removal.
2. Create two distinct cake batters following package instructions – one strawberry-flavored and one vanilla – maintaining careful mixing to avoid overmixing.
3. Distribute cake batters evenly into separate prepared pans, using gentle spreading techniques to achieve uniform layers.
4. Bake cake layers until a testing skewer emerges clean, approximately 25-30 minutes, then allow complete cooling on wire racks to prevent moisture retention.
5. Lower oven temperature for the cheesecake component, preparing a springform pan with protective parchment.
6. Blend cream cheese mixture meticulously, incorporating eggs individually to prevent lumping and ensuring smooth, silky texture.
7. Gently pour cheesecake batter into prepared pan, baking until center is barely set with a slight wobble.
8. Cool cheesecake thoroughly at room temperature, then refrigerate for minimum four hours to achieve perfect consistency.
9. Pulse freeze-dried strawberries and cookies in a food processor, creating a fine, even crumb mixture.
10. Incorporate melted butter into crumb mixture, ensuring complete and uniform moistening.
11. Construct cake by layering strawberry cake first, applying delicate frosting between each component.
12. Carefully position cheesecake layer, maintaining structural integrity and smooth surface.
13. Complete cake assembly with vanilla layer, covering entire cake with remaining frosting.
14. Generously coat cake sides and top with prepared strawberry crunch mixture, pressing gently for optimal adherence.
15. Optionally embellish with fresh strawberry garnishes for visual appeal.
16. Refrigerate assembled cake for minimum two hours to solidify layers and enhance flavor melding.
17. Slice and serve chilled, revealing beautiful layered composition.

Notes

• Advance Preparation Required: This layered cake demands strategic planning, needing at least 6 hours of total chilling and cooling time across different stages.
• Temperature Precision Matters: Use accurate oven temperatures for each baking component to ensure perfect texture and prevent under or overbaking.
• Ingredient Quality Impacts Flavor: Select premium cream cheese, fresh strawberries, and high-quality cake mixes for the most delicious result.
• Crunch Topping Technique: Pulse freeze-dried strawberries and cookies finely to create a consistent, even coating that adheres smoothly to the cake’s surface.
• Handling Delicate Layers: Use a gentle touch when stacking cake and cheesecake layers to maintain structural integrity and prevent cracking.
• Serving Recommendation: Best enjoyed chilled, this dessert serves as an impressive centerpiece for special occasions or summer gatherings.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg