Strawberry Birthday Cake with Bows

Name: Strawberry Birthday Cake with Bows
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup milk; 3 eggs; 1 tablespoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup strawberry puree (fresh strawberries blended); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Fresh strawberries for decoration; 1 cup fondant; Food coloring (optional)

Highlighted under: Simple Baking | Easy Sweets

I love baking special cakes for celebrations, and my Strawberry Birthday Cake with Bows is a true showstopper! Each layer is infused with fresh strawberry puree, creating a burst of flavor that makes every bite delightful. Topped with a cream cheese frosting and adorned with cute bow decorations, this cake is not only beautiful but also incredibly tasty. It’s perfect for birthdays or any occasion where you want to impress your guests and indulge your sweet cravings. Trust me, they won't forget this lovely treat anytime soon!

Created by

The Rebecabakes Team

Last updated on 2026-02-16T15:54:19.382Z

When I decided to make this cake, I wanted to ensure it had the freshest taste possible, so I started with ripe strawberries. I pureed them and added them to the cake batter, which resulted in an incredible flavor that was well worth the extra effort. The balance between the sweet frosting and the tart strawberries is what makes this cake a perfect dessert.

To take the presentation to the next level, I opted to make bows from fondant. It may seem daunting, but with a little practice, shaping the fondant into bows became enjoyable. I also recommend letting the cake chill after frosting it; it helps the flavors meld beautifully!

Why You'll Love This Cake

Freshly pureed strawberries create an unforgettable flavor.
Cream cheese frosting adds just the right amount of creaminess.
Mouthwatering design that will impress your guests and family.

Understanding the Ingredients

The key to a great Strawberry Birthday Cake lies in the quality of your strawberries. Fresh, ripe strawberries yield the best puree, which not only adds sweetness but also a vibrant pink hue to your cake. If you can't find fresh strawberries, frozen ones can be a substitute; just ensure they are thawed and drained well to avoid excess moisture in the batter.

Using cream cheese in the frosting is essential for achieving that perfect balance of tanginess and creaminess. It complements the sweetness of the cake beautifully. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can use whipped cream cheese instead, but be sure to adjust the sugar since it's generally less sweet than traditional cream cheese.

Baking Techniques

When preparing the cake batter, remember to cream the butter and sugar until it's light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. This step incorporates air into the mixture, leading to a lighter cake texture. Avoid overmixing once you add the dry ingredients; mix just until combined to keep the cake from becoming dense.

A good trick for ensuring even baking is to rotate your cake pans halfway through the baking time. This will help them bake uniformly and prevent the edges from overcooking while the center remains underbaked. Be careful not to open the oven door too early, as this can cause the cake to sink.

Ingredients

For the Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup milk
3 eggs
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup strawberry puree (fresh strawberries blended)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Frosting

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fresh strawberries for decoration

For the Bows

1 cup fondant
Food coloring (optional)

Instructions

Steps

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the strawberry puree and vanilla extract. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined.

Bake the Layers

Pour the batter evenly into two greased and floured round cake pans. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

Beat the softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until creamy. Mix in the vanilla extract until fully combined.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top, and then place the second layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the entire cake.

Create the Bows

Roll the fondant into thin sheets and cut out strips to shape into bows. You can tint the fondant with food coloring for a fun look. Place the bows on top of the cake for decoration.

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results. Using fresh strawberries for the puree will enhance the flavor significantly. For a colorful variation, consider adding different food coloring to the bows!

Storing and Serving Suggestions

Once your Strawberry Birthday Cake is assembled, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Cover it lightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. If you're planning to serve it later, you can also freeze the un-frosted layers for up to a month. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before frosting when you’re ready to enjoy.

For a beautiful presentation, consider adding some fresh strawberries on top just before serving. You can also garnish with mint leaves for a pop of color. If you're feeling creative, drizzle some melted chocolate over the cake for an extra indulgent touch.

Variations to Try

If you want to elevate your cake, consider adding a layer of strawberry jam or a fresh fruit compote between the layers. This additional layer of flavor and texture can make a delightful difference and enhance the strawberry experience. You could also experiment with flavors by adding lemon zest to the batter, which complements the strawberries beautifully.

For a fun twist, swap out the fondant bows for chocolate bows. Melt some dark or white chocolate, pipe it into bow shapes on parchment paper, and let them harden before placing them on the cake. This not only adds a unique aesthetic but also offers a delicious chocolate bite with each serving.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Frost on the day you plan to serve.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I use frozen strawberries instead?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain additional moisture before pureeing them.

→ What if I don't have fondant?

You can use store-bought decorations or fruit to embellish the cake if fondant isn’t available.