The Strawberry Country Cake is a delightful, rustic dessert that celebrates the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries layered with fluffy whipped cream and tender sponge cake. Unlike overly refined patisserie-style cakes, this country version embraces simplicity and charm, making it a perfect treat for spring and summer gatherings, especially when strawberries are at their peak.
The base of the cake is typically a light and buttery vanilla sponge or buttermilk cake, baked in two or three layers. Once cooled, the layers are generously filled with freshly whipped cream and sliced ripe strawberries. The whipped cream is usually sweetened just enough to complement the berries, and the strawberries themselves add a juicy burst of flavor and a beautiful, vibrant red color. You can also macerate the strawberries briefly in a bit of sugar or lemon juice to enhance their natural juices.
Assembling the Strawberry Country Cake is part of the fun: one cake layer goes down first, followed by a thick spread of whipped cream and a layer of strawberries. Repeat the process with the next layer, and optionally, top the whole cake with more cream and berries. For a rustic look, the sides are often left unfrosted, letting the layers peek through.
This cake is best served the same day it’s assembled, while the whipped cream is still fluffy and the cake hasn’t absorbed too much moisture from the berries. It’s a showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make and incredibly satisfying. The contrast of soft cake, airy cream, and fresh fruit creates a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing dessert that feels both homey and special. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a picnic, or simply enjoying a sunny afternoon, the Strawberry Country Cake is a sweet, seasonal classic that never goes out of style.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour sifted
- 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder fresh
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract pure
- 1/2 cup buttermilk room temperature
- 3 cups fresh strawberries hulled and sliced
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream cold
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar to medium peaks.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and top with half of the whipped cream and half of the sliced strawberries.
- Place the second cake layer on top and spread the remaining whipped cream and strawberries over the top.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutrition
I tried this recipe but used blueberries instead, it was still tasty but not the same. 🤷♀️
How do you get cream to medium peaks? Mine just turned into butter! 😂
Yum! My kiddos loved it! I added some chocolate chips and it was a hit!
Chocolate chips? That’s a genius idea! I’m going to try that next time. Thanks for sharing!
I dunno, adding chocolate to a strawberry cake sounds weird. Aren’t strawberries sweet enough already?
So many strawberries, love it! My grandma used to make something similar.
Lets be honest, it’s just cake. I don’t get the hype.
So good, but too sweet for my taste. I would cut down on the sugar next time.
Too sweet? Nah, that’s the best part! You just have to enjoy it as is. Strawberries are sweet too!
I totally get that! Maybe you could use less sugar and add a touch of lemon zest for some zing. Just a thought!
I had trouble with the baking time; my cake didn’t rise much. Maybe I did something wrong?
This cake is absolutely delicious! The strawberries make it taste so fresh. I will definitely make it again!
I’m so glad you loved it! The strawberries really do make everything taste better. Happy baking!
Looks good, but is it really that simple? I mean, can it taste just as good if I skip some steps?
It was ok, a bit sweet for my liking, but nice overall.
I’ve actually seen a lot of people find it too sweet too. Maybe cutting back on sugar next time will help? But I think the strawberries would balance it out!
Made this for a picnic and it was a hit! Strawberry flavor was perfect.
This cake was amazing! So fluffy and tasty. My kids loved it!
Not sure if I like the heavy cream on top, maybe whipped topping would be easier?
I dunno, I think heavy cream is the classic choice. Whipped topping feels too artificial for me. But what do I know? 😂
I actually love the heavy cream! It gives a rich taste. Whipped topping just doesn’t compare. But to each their own!
I think the recipe could be better if it had some lemon zest. Just saying.
Lemon zest? Nah, that would ruin the strawberries. This cake is perfect as it is!
I dunno, adding lemon sounds interesting! Might give it a try next time. 🍋
This is the best cake I ever made! So easy too! 😍
Looks good but why do we have to use buttermilk? Can I just use milk?
You can use milk, but buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and helps make the cake fluffier. Totally worth it! 😊
I think buttermilk is needed for the texture! Milk might work, but it’s not the same, ya know? 🤔
I followed the recipe but my cake came out super dry. What did I do wrong?
Yum! Just yum! Perfect for spring and summer parties!
I burnt it… too much time on TikTok instead of cake.
The baking time was way off for me. Took like 40 minutes!
Maybe your oven runs hot? Mine was perfect at 25 mins.