Easy Strawberry Cake Recipe with Cookies and Cream Icing

Make This Easy Strawberry Cake Recipe

Imagine biting into a slice of cake where every forkful offers a burst of fresh strawberry flavor, complemented by a creamy, light frosting, and an irresistible crunch of Oreo. This fresh strawberry cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration of simple pleasures and delightful textures. It’s designed to be approachable for bakers of all skill levels, ensuring a rewarding experience from start to finish. We’re breaking down every step, making sure your journey to a homemade cake is smooth and enjoyable. Get ready to create a memorable sweet treat that will impress family and friends alike.

Why You’ll Love This Cake

You’ll fall in love with this cake for many reasons. First, the vibrant taste of real strawberries shines through each moist layer, offering a bright, fruity counterpoint to the rich cake. Second, the innovative oreo crumble topping adds a unique textural dimension that is utterly addictive—a delightful surprise in every bite. Third, the cookies and cream icing is light, airy, and perfectly sweet, providing a beautiful contrast to the cake and crumble. It’s a stunning centerpiece for any gathering, yet surprisingly simple to assemble. If you enjoy other delightful desserts, you might also like this quick Italian cream cake.

What Makes This Cake Easy

The “easy” in this easy dessert recipe comes from several smart shortcuts and clear instructions. We utilize common pantry staples, minimizing the need for specialty ingredients. The cake batter is forgiving, making it difficult to go wrong, and the mixing process is straightforward. While the layered presentation looks impressive, the steps for assembly are broken down into manageable tasks. Even the Oreo crumble is incredibly simple to prepare, whether by hand or with a food processor. This recipe focuses on delivering maximum flavor with minimal fuss, ensuring a successful and stress-free baking adventure, perfect for novice bakers and seasoned pros seeking a quick, delicious option.

Gather Ingredients for Your Cake

Success in baking begins with proper preparation, and that includes gathering all your ingredients before you start. This ensures a seamless baking process, preventing any last-minute scrambles. For this delightful homemade cake, you’ll need a combination of dry and wet ingredients for the cake layers, plus fresh strawberries and Oreos for that signature flavor and crunch. Always aim for quality ingredients, as they truly make a difference in the final taste and texture of your baked goods. Having everything measured and ready will set you up for baking success.

Dry Mix for Cake Layers

For the dry mix, you’ll need all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. The flour provides the structure for your cake, while the sugar sweetens it and helps keep it moist. Baking powder is your leavening agent, ensuring a light and airy texture, and salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors. Sifting these ingredients together is a crucial step; it helps to aerate the flour and ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed, preventing any lumps and contributing to a smooth, uniform batter.

Wet Mix for Cake Batter

The wet components of your cake batter typically include milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter or oil. Milk adds moisture and tenderness, while eggs provide structure, richness, and help bind the ingredients. Vanilla extract is essential for its warm, aromatic flavor that complements the strawberries beautifully. Melted butter or a neutral oil adds richness and further moisture, contributing to a tender crumb. For best results, ensure your wet ingredients, especially eggs and milk, are at room temperature. This helps them emulsify better with the dry ingredients, leading to a smoother batter and a more consistent cake texture.

Fresh Strawberries and Oreos

These two ingredients are the stars of our fresh strawberry cake with Oreo crumble. For the strawberries, choose ripe, firm berries that are bright red and fragrant. Wash them thoroughly, hull, and then dice them into small pieces. These will be folded directly into the batter, infusing every bite with natural fruitiness. The Oreos, of course, are for our iconic crumble topping and for adding between layers. You’ll need a good amount to ensure plenty of crunch. A classic chocolate sandwich cookie works best to achieve that authentic cookies and cream flavor, providing a delightful contrast to the sweet strawberries. Strawberries are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making them a wonderful fruit for desserts.

Mix Cake Batter with Strawberries

The process of mixing the cake batter is where all your carefully selected ingredients begin to transform into something magical. Achieving the right consistency is key to a tender, moist cake. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, so approach this step with a gentle hand. The goal is to combine everything just until incorporated, maintaining the light and airy structure you’re building. Introducing the fresh strawberries at the right moment ensures they are evenly distributed without bruising them or coloring the batter too much, preserving their vibrant appeal.

Combining Dry and Wet

Once your dry ingredients are sifted and your wet ingredients are combined, it’s time to bring them together. Create a well in the center of your dry mix and pour the wet ingredients into it. Using a whisk or a rubber spatula, gently mix until just combined. You might still see a few small lumps, and that’s perfectly fine; overmixing at this stage develops the gluten too much, resulting in a dense, chewy cake rather than a light, fluffy one. The batter should be smooth but not overworked, a perfect foundation for the delicious flavors to come.

Folding in Strawberries Gently

After the dry and wet ingredients are just combined, it’s time for the diced fresh strawberries. This step requires a delicate touch. Gently fold the strawberries into the batter using a rubber spatula. The aim is to distribute them evenly throughout the mixture without crushing them or releasing too much of their juice, which can alter the color and texture of the batter. A gentle folding motion ensures that the strawberries remain mostly intact, providing beautiful pockets of fruit in your baked cake. This careful technique contributes significantly to the visual appeal and juicy bursts of flavor in every slice.

Prepare Pans and Bake Layers

Proper pan preparation is a non-negotiable step for any cake baker. It’s what stands between a perfectly released cake and a frustrating, stuck-on mess. Taking the time to grease and flour your pans correctly ensures your beautiful cake layers can be easily removed, ready for cooling and frosting. Once your pans are ready and batter is in, the baking itself is a delicate balance of time and temperature. Understanding how your oven works and how to check for doneness will guarantee perfectly baked, golden-brown layers every time.

Greasing and Flourishing Pans

Before pouring in your batter, adequately prepare your cake pans. Start by coating the insides of your pans with a thin, even layer of butter or non-stick baking spray. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. Then, sprinkle a tablespoon or two of all-purpose flour into each greased pan. Rotate and tap the pan until the flour evenly coats the entire greased surface, shaking out any excess. For chocolate cakes, you can use cocoa powder instead of flour to avoid white residue. This creates a non-stick barrier, allowing your cake layers to release cleanly once baked and cooled, preventing any sticky situations.

Baking Time and Temperature

Baking this homemade cake requires precision when it comes to time and temperature. Preheat your oven to the specified temperature, typically around 350°F (175°C), before placing the pans inside. This ensures the cake begins to bake immediately and evenly. Baking times will vary depending on your oven and the size of your pans, but generally, expect 25-30 minutes for standard 8 or 9-inch rounds. To check for doneness, insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center of a cake layer; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid opening the oven door too frequently during the baking process, as this can cause the cakes to sink. Baking is a precise art, and mastering baking techniques is key to success.

Cool Cakes Completely for Frosting

This stage is arguably one of the most crucial, yet often rushed, steps in the entire cake-making process. The temptation to immediately frost your warm, aromatic cake layers can be strong, but patience here is paramount. Properly cooling your cakes ensures structural integrity and prevents your beautiful whipped cream frosting from melting into a messy puddle. It also allows the cake’s internal structure to set fully, resulting in a firmer, easier-to-handle layer that won’t crumble as you assemble your masterpiece. Trust the process; a fully cooled cake is a happy cake.

Cooling in Pans First

After removing your cakes from the oven, resist the urge to flip them out immediately. Allow them to cool in their pans on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes. This initial cooling period allows the cakes to firm up slightly and pull away from the sides of the pan naturally, making them much easier to invert without breakage. The residual heat in the pans helps to continue the setting process, giving your layers a stronger foundation. This brief rest is a small but significant step towards achieving perfect cake layers, ready for the next stage of cooling.

Transferring to Wire Rack

Once the initial cooling in the pans is complete, carefully invert the cakes onto a wire rack. Gently remove the pans, and if you used parchment paper circles on the bottom, peel those off. Allow the cakes to cool completely on the wire rack. This could take anywhere from one to two hours, depending on the ambient temperature. A wire rack ensures air circulation all around the cakes, preventing condensation that could make them soggy. It is absolutely essential that the cakes are at room temperature before you even think about applying any frosting; otherwise, your carefully whipped icing will simply melt, leading to frustration and a less-than-perfect presentation.

Make Crunchy Oreo Crumble Topping

The oreo crumble topping is what truly sets this fresh strawberry cake apart. It introduces an irresistible textural contrast to the soft cake layers and creamy icing, adding a layer of indulgence and fun. This crunchy element provides a delightful surprise in every bite, elevating the entire dessert experience. Whether you prefer a rustic, chunky crumble or a finer, more uniform texture, preparing the Oreo crumble is incredibly straightforward and adds significant character to your cake. It’s a simple addition that delivers big on flavor and crunch.

Crushing Oreos by Hand

For a rustic, varied texture, crushing Oreos by hand is an excellent method. Place your desired amount of Oreos into a large zip-top bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible. Lay the bag flat on a sturdy surface. Using a rolling pin, meat mallet, or even the bottom of a heavy pan, gently but firmly smash the cookies. Focus on breaking them into irregular pieces, aiming for a mix of fine crumbs and larger chunks. This method gives your crumble a homemade charm and ensures a delightful range of crunch in every forkful. It’s also a wonderfully therapeutic way to get out some stress!

Using a Food Processor

If you prefer a more uniform and finer crumble, or if you’re making a larger batch, a food processor is your best friend. Simply place the Oreos into the bowl of your food processor. Pulse in short bursts, observing the texture as you go. You can stop when you achieve your desired consistency—from fine crumbs that resemble sand to slightly chunkier pieces. Be careful not to over-process, as the oils from the cream filling can start to turn the mixture into a paste. The food processor makes quick work of this task, ensuring a consistent crumble that’s perfect for both decorating and layering inside your cake.

Whip Up Cookies and Cream Icing

No homemade cake is complete without the perfect frosting, and our cookies and cream icing is truly something special. This luscious topping is light, airy, and infused with the subtle, comforting flavor of vanilla and cream, perfectly complementing the fresh strawberries and crunchy Oreos. It’s less dense than a buttercream, offering a delicate sweetness that won’t overpower the other elements of the cake. Mastering the technique for whipping this icing ensures a stable, pipeable consistency that will make your cake assembly a joy, and the final look truly impressive. Getting ready for more delicious desserts? We have plenty to explore!

Cream and Sugar for Icing

The foundation of this exquisite icing starts with heavy cream and powdered sugar. Ensure your heavy cream is very cold; this is critical for achieving stiff peaks. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar), and a touch of vanilla extract for depth of flavor. Powdered sugar is preferred over granulated sugar for icing because its fine texture dissolves easily, resulting in a smooth, non-gritty finish. This simple combination, when properly whipped, transforms into a luxurious frosting that’s both light and incredibly flavorful.

Achieving Stiff Peaks

To create a stable and beautiful whipped cream frosting, you need to achieve stiff peaks. Using an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer with a whisk attachment), start on low speed to combine the ingredients, then gradually increase to medium-high speed. Whip until the cream is thick, airy, and holds its shape when the whisk is lifted. The peaks should stand up firmly without flopping over. Be careful not to over-whip, as heavy cream can quickly turn into butter if beaten for too long. Stop as soon as stiff peaks form, ensuring your icing is perfect for spreading and decorating your cake. This technique is similar to preparing toppings for other sweet treats like a snickerdoodle cobbler.

Assemble Your Layers for Strawberry Cake

With all your components prepared—the moist cake layers cooled, the crunchy Oreo crumble ready, and the creamy icing whipped—it’s time for the exciting part: assembling your magnificent fresh strawberry cake. This is where your vision truly comes to life. Taking your time during assembly ensures a stable, visually appealing cake that’s not only delicious but also structurally sound. Each layer contributes to the overall harmony of flavors and textures, promising an amazing experience with every slice. Prepare to create a masterpiece that looks as good as it tastes.

First Layer and Frosting

Place your first cooled cake layer on your serving plate or cake stand. If desired, you can secure it with a dab of frosting underneath to prevent slipping during assembly. Using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, apply a generous amount of your cookies and cream icing evenly over the top of this first layer, spreading it right to the edges. Don’t be shy; this layer of frosting will provide moisture and flavor, creating a delightful interface between the cake and the next component. This establishes the foundation for a beautifully layered dessert.

Adding Oreo Crumble Between

Now for the secret weapon that elevates this cake: the oreo crumble topping between the layers. After frosting your first cake layer, generously sprinkle a portion of your prepared Oreo crumble over the icing. This isn’t just for decoration; it adds an incredible layer of crunch and rich chocolate flavor that perfectly complements the soft cake and sweet strawberries. Gently place the second cake layer on top, aligning it carefully. Repeat the frosting and crumble process with the second layer, then top with the final cake layer. This inter-layer crumble creates an amazing texture surprise that makes this cake truly unforgettable.

Frost Top and Sides Smoothly

The final frosting phase is where your homemade cake transitions from a stack of delicious layers into a polished, inviting masterpiece. Achieving smooth, even coverage on the top and sides not only looks professional but also locks in moisture, ensuring your cake stays fresh and tender. Take your time with this step, focusing on even distribution and a clean finish. Remember, practice makes perfect, and even if it’s not absolutely flawless, the homemade charm always shines through. This step makes your easy dessert recipe truly ready for its grand debut.

Applying Final Whipped Cream

With your layers assembled, it’s time to apply the remaining whipped cream frosting to the entire cake. Start by applying a generous dollop to the top center of the cake. Using an offset spatula, gently spread the frosting outwards and over the sides, working your way around the cake. Don’t worry too much about perfection at this stage; focus on getting an even coat. You can always go back and refine. This initial coat helps to trap any stray crumbs, creating a clean canvas for your final smoothing. Consider this your crumb coat, essential for a polished finish, similar to how one might prepare a vanilla bean creme brulee cheesecake cupcakes.

Smoothing for Best Look

Once the cake is fully covered, it’s time to refine and smooth the frosting for the best possible look. Use your offset spatula or a cake scraper to gently smooth the top surface, working from the center outwards. For the sides, hold your spatula or scraper vertically against the cake and slowly rotate your cake stand (if you have one), allowing the tool to even out the frosting as it turns. You can dip your spatula in warm water and wipe it clean between passes for an extra-smooth finish. Don’t aim for absolute perfection; a slightly rustic, homemade look often adds to the charm of this sweet treat.

Decorate with More Oreo Crumble

The final flourish for your stunning fresh strawberry cake is the generous application of more oreo crumble topping. This step isn’t just about adding flavor and texture; it’s about making your cake visually irresistible. The dark, crunchy crumbs against the pale, creamy frosting create a beautiful contrast that immediately signals the deliciousness within. It’s a simple yet impactful way to elevate the presentation, turning a humble homemade dessert into a showstopper that everyone will be eager to try. Get ready to impress with this delightful finishing touch.

Showering Top of Cake

Once your cake is smoothly frosted, take a handful of your remaining Oreo crumble and gently sprinkle it over the entire top surface of the cake. You can do this by hand for a more natural distribution, or use a spoon to guide the crumbs. Ensure an even, generous layer across the top, covering most, if not all, of the frosting. The goal is to create a delightful blanket of crunchy, chocolatey goodness that promises an explosion of flavor with every slice. This top layer provides an immediate visual cue to the cake’s unique cookies and cream element.

Allowing Crumble to Cascade

For an extra touch of elegance and abundance, encourage some of the Oreo crumble to cascade artfully down the sides of the cake. As you sprinkle the crumbs on top, let a portion gently fall over the edges. You can also press some crumbs directly onto the sides of the cake with your hands, particularly around the base, to create a more defined border or a “naked” cake effect where the crumble adheres to the bottom edge. This cascading effect makes the cake look more decadent and inviting, highlighting the wonderful texture and flavor combination of this amazing sweet treat. Don’t forget to share your creations and find more inspiration on our Pinterest page!

Helpful Tips for Easy Baking

Baking, while often perceived as a precise science, also benefits greatly from a few foundational tips that can significantly improve your results, especially for an easy dessert recipe like this one. These insights are not just about following instructions, but understanding the ‘why’ behind certain steps. Incorporating these simple habits into your baking routine will lead to consistently delicious outcomes, transforming your baking experience from potentially stressful to purely enjoyable. Master these basics, and your homemade cakes will always be a hit.

Room Temperature Ingredients

One of the most frequently overlooked yet crucial baking tips is to use room temperature ingredients, especially for dairy and eggs. Room temperature butter creams more smoothly with sugar, incorporating air more efficiently, which leads to a lighter, fluffier cake. Room temperature eggs and milk emulsify better with the other ingredients, creating a more uniform and stable batter. This ensures that all components blend seamlessly, resulting in a cake with a fine, even crumb texture. Planning ahead to let these ingredients sit out for 30-60 minutes before you begin can make a significant difference.

Don’t Overmix Cake Batter

This tip is vital for a tender cake. Once you’ve added the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until they are just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough, chewy, and dense cake rather than a soft, moist one. A few small lumps in the batter are preferable to an overmixed, smooth batter. Use a light hand and stop mixing as soon as you no longer see streaks of dry flour. This careful approach is a hallmark of successful cake baking and ensures your fresh strawberry cake retains its delicate texture.

Cool Cakes Fully Before Frosting

We’ve mentioned it before, but it bears repeating: patience is a virtue when it comes to cooling cakes. Frosting a warm cake is a recipe for disaster; your beautiful whipped cream frosting will melt, slide, and turn into a runny mess. Allow your cake layers to cool completely to room temperature, which can take several hours depending on their size and your kitchen’s temperature. If you’re short on time, you can place completely cooled cake layers in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm them up further before frosting. This ensures your frosting holds its shape and your cake looks as incredible as it tastes.

Easy Strawberry Cake Recipe FAQs

Even with the clearest instructions, questions often arise when baking, especially when you want to plan ahead or ensure the longevity of your delicious creation. This FAQ section addresses common queries about our easy strawberry cake recipe, helping you confidently tackle any concerns regarding preparation, storage, and even ingredient substitutions. Our goal is to empower you with all the knowledge needed to make this sweet treat a regular favorite in your home. For more behind-the-scenes and recipe inspiration, follow us on CarinaRecipes Instagram!

Can I Make Cake Ahead?

Absolutely! This homemade cake is perfect for making ahead, especially the individual components. You can bake the cake layers up to 2-3 days in advance. Once completely cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature or freeze for up to a month. The Oreo crumble can also be made a few days ahead and stored in an airtight container. The whipped cream frosting is best made fresh on the day of assembly, but components like heavy cream can be chilled. Assembling the cake closer to serving time ensures the freshest taste and best texture, though a fully assembled cake can sit for a few hours before serving.

Storing Leftover Cake

To keep any leftover fresh strawberry cake tasting its best, proper storage is key. Because it contains fresh fruit and a cream-based frosting, it’s best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. For optimal enjoyment, let slices come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving, as this enhances the flavors and softens the cake and frosting. Storing it in the fridge helps prevent the fresh strawberries from spoiling and maintains the integrity of the whipped cream, ensuring every piece remains a delightful sweet treat.

Oreo Substitutes to Try

While Oreos are iconic for their distinct flavor and crunch, if you’re looking for alternatives or simply want to experiment, there are several delicious substitutes for the oreo crumble topping. You could use other chocolate sandwich cookies, chocolate wafers, or even graham crackers for a different flavor profile. For a nuttier crunch, try crushed shortbread cookies or even toasted pecans mixed with a little brown sugar. If you’re avoiding gluten, many brands offer gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies that work beautifully. The key is to find a crunchy element that complements the strawberries and cream. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your additions!