Name: Strawberry Snack Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup butter (room temperature); ¾ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs (room temperature); 2 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract; 1½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1¼ cups cake flour (all-purpose can be used); ½ cup buttermilk (room temperature); ½ heaping cup freeze dried strawberries (crushed into small pieces); 4 oz cream cheese (room temperature); ¼ cup salted butter; ½ cup freeze dried strawberries (blended into powder); 1¼ cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 82 reviews

If you are looking for a delightful treat that balances sweet, tangy, and creamy notes perfectly, this Strawberry Snack Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is your next kitchen winner. Imagine a soft, tender cake infused with subtle strawberry crunches from freeze-dried berries, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that carries a hint of strawberry powder for that extra pop of flavor. It’s the kind of dessert that brightens gatherings and instantly lifts your mood with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows various baking ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. In the top center, a white bowl holds a mix of flour, baking powder, and salt, showing a light beige powdered texture. Below and to the left, a white bowl contains powdered sugar with a fine, fluffy white texture. To the right of the powdered sugar, another white bowl is filled with granulated sugar, showing a grainy, bright white texture. On the left side, a white bowl with red floral patterns holds buttermilk, which is a creamy, pale liquid. Below the buttermilk is a small white rectangular dish with a block of cream cheese, smooth and pale in color. Two whole white eggs are placed in the lower middle, smooth and round. Below the eggs is a white stick of salted butter in packaging. Next to the butter, a small metal cup with dark vanilla extract sits. On the right side, a small clear glass bowl holds bright red freeze-dried strawberries, textured and crisp-looking. The setup looks clean and organized, ready for baking. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtful selection of ingredients. Each component is chosen to build layers of flavor, moisture, and texture that make this cake irresistibly good.

Butter (½ cup, room temperature): Provides richness and a soft crumb to the cake.
Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens and gives structure when creamed with butter.
Eggs (2 large, room temperature): Bind ingredients and add moisture for a tender crumb.
Vanilla bean paste or extract (2 tsp): Adds warm, aromatic depth to the cake’s flavor.
Baking powder (1½ tsp): Ensures the cake rises properly for a light, airy texture.
Salt (½ tsp): Enhances all the sweet and fruity notes in the cake.
Cake flour (1¼ cups): Creates a softer texture than all-purpose flour, though you can substitute if needed.
Buttermilk (½ cup, room temperature): Adds tanginess and keeps the cake moist.
Freeze dried strawberries (½ heaping cup, crushed): Infuses natural strawberry flavor and a pleasant crunch.
Cream cheese (4 oz, room temperature): The star of the frosting, bringing creaminess and tang.
Salted butter (¼ cup): Balances sweetness and adds smoothness to the frosting.
Freeze dried strawberries powder (½ cup, blended): Gives the frosting its strawberry tint and taste.
Powdered sugar (1¼ cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfectly spreadable consistency.
Vanilla bean paste or extract (1 tsp): Rounds out the frosting with subtle vanilla flavor.

How to Make Strawberry Snack Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. Lightly spray an 8 or 9-inch baking pan with non-stick spray and line it with parchment paper. This simple prep prevents sticking and helps your cake release easily after baking – a small step that makes a big difference in presentation.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a medium bowl, beat the room temperature butter and granulated sugar together for about two minutes until light and fluffy. This step is key to creating a tender crumb and ensures your cake has the right texture. Once fluffy, add the eggs and vanilla and beat again for another two minutes to blend everything smoothly.

Step 3: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Mix the baking powder, salt, and cake flour together. Add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. This careful folding keeps your batter light and helps the cake rise evenly.

Step 4: Add the Freeze-Dried Strawberries

Gently fold in the crushed freeze-dried strawberries, adding bursts of strawberry flavor and a little texture. Pour this fragrant batter into your prepared pan and smooth the surface to prepare for baking.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Bake for about 27 to 32 minutes or until the cake edges turn a light golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan before moving on to frosting so the cream cheese topping doesn’t melt.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the cream cheese and salted butter in a bowl until it’s smooth and creamy. Add vanilla, powdered sugar, and strawberry powder, then beat again until the frosting is fluffy and perfectly spreadable. This frosting is a luscious companion to the tender cake.

Step 7: Frost and Finish

Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. For a charming finishing touch, sprinkle extra crushed freeze-dried or fresh diced strawberries on top for extra color and flavor.

How to Serve Strawberry Snack Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

A close-up view of four square cake pieces with two layers: a light cream-colored base layer and a thick, smooth pink frosting layer on top. The frosting has soft swirls and is decorated with scattered small and larger pieces of dried red strawberries spread unevenly across the surface. One piece is slightly separated and angled, showing the clean edges of the cake, all placed on white marbled textured paper, with some strawberry crumbs scattered around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top your cake with extra freeze-dried strawberries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or fresh strawberry slices for a fresh, vibrant look. A few mint leaves can add a pop of green and an herbal brightness that pairs beautifully with the sweet flavors.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience. For a lighter option, fresh fruit salad or a tangy lemon curd complements the strawberry and cream cheese notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the cake into fun shapes using cookie cutters for a party-friendly presentation. For an elegant touch, serve individual squares on pretty plates with a drizzle of strawberry coulis or a sprinkle of edible flowers to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Strawberry Snack Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe fresh by storing leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay moist and delicious for 3 to 4 days – perfect for savoring your baking over the week.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving. Freezing the frosted cake is not recommended as the texture of the cream cheese frosting may change.

Reheating

Since this cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, avoid microwaving. If you prefer it slightly warm, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the frosting.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?

Fresh strawberries can be substituted, but they may release moisture that changes the cake texture. Freeze-dried strawberries provide concentrated flavor without extra moisture, which helps keep the cake light and tender.

Is it necessary to use cake flour?

Cake flour results in a softer, more tender crumb, but you can use all-purpose flour if that’s what you have. Just keep in mind the texture might be slightly denser.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, try a gluten-free baking flour blend that is meant as a 1-to-1 substitute. Be sure to test bake as results can vary with gluten-free flours.

How do I get the frosting smooth and lump-free?

Ensure your cream cheese and butter are very soft before beating. Sift the powdered sugar to avoid clumps, and beat the frosting thoroughly until it is light and fluffy for the best texture.

What are some great occasions for this cake?

This Strawberry Snack Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe shines at birthdays, casual get-togethers, afternoon tea, or anytime you want to treat friends and family with a homemade, heartfelt dessert.

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Strawberry Snack Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe a try because it truly is one of those special cakes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its perfect balance of strawberry sweetness and creamy tang will quickly make it a favorite in your baking repertoire. Happy baking and even happier indulging!