Pioneer Woman Strawberry Cake: Layers of vanilla butter cake, cream cheese frosting, and fresh strawberries
Dive into the delightful world of homemade desserts with the Pioneer Woman Strawberry Cake, a recipe that perfectly blends classic flavors with a touch of Ree Drummond’s signature frontier flair. This isn’t just any strawberry cake; it’s a layered masterpiece inspired by the beloved strawberry shortcake, elevated to cake perfection. Imagine dense vanilla butter cake embracing a luscious homemade cream cheese frosting and bursting with fresh, sweet strawberries. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, marking a holiday, or simply craving a slice of summery goodness, this Pioneer Woman strawberry cake recipe is destined to become your new go-to dessert.
For anyone who adores strawberry treats, especially as the days get warmer, this cake is a dream come true. Combining the comforting familiarity of strawberry shortcake with the grandeur of a layered cake, it’s a dessert that promises to impress. The magic happens when the buttery vanilla cake meets the tangy cream cheese frosting and the juicy strawberries – a trio that creates a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite.
Close-up of Pioneer Woman Strawberry Cake layers with cream cheese frosting and strawberry filling
This recipe, adapted from Ree Drummond’s renowned cookbook, “The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Food from My Frontier,” takes the essence of traditional strawberry shortcake and transforms it into a show-stopping cake. Instead of the typical biscuit or scone base of shortcake, this recipe uses a tender vanilla butter cake. This cake layer provides a sturdy yet soft foundation that perfectly complements the moist strawberries and rich frosting.
Unlike traditional strawberry shortcakes which often use whipped cream, this Pioneer Woman strawberry cake utilizes a decadent cream cheese frosting. This frosting adds a tangy counterpoint to the sweetness of the cake and strawberries, creating a balanced and irresistible flavor profile. The frosting is also robust enough to hold the layers together beautifully, ensuring your cake is as stunning visually as it is delicious.
Slices of Pioneer Woman Strawberry Cake showcasing the texture of the cake and filling
One of the joys of baking this homemade strawberry shortcake cake is the baking process itself. From creaming together the butter and sugar to watching the batter transform in the oven, each step is a rewarding part of creating something special. The aroma of vanilla cake baking in your kitchen is just the beginning of the delightful experience this recipe offers.
Baking process of Pioneer Woman Strawberry Cake, showing cake batter in pans
The beauty of this strawberry shortcake cake recipe lies in its components. The cake layers are moist and flavorful enough to stand alone, the macerated strawberries offer a burst of fresh fruitiness, and the cream cheese frosting is the perfect creamy, tangy finish. When combined, they create a layered dessert that’s greater than the sum of its parts – a truly memorable treat.
Adding a personal touch to this cake is easy. Fresh strawberry slices can be used to decorate the top, as shown in the original recipe where Ree Drummond’s daughter added her creative flair. This makes the cake not only taste amazing but also look professionally decorated, perfect for impressing guests or making any occasion feel extra special.
Decorated Pioneer Woman Strawberry Cake with fresh strawberry slices on top
What’s even better? This Pioneer Woman strawberry cake is just as delicious the next day. The flavors meld together overnight, making each slice even more satisfying. It’s a testament to the recipe’s quality that it remains moist and delicious even when stored, making it a practical choice for make-ahead desserts.
Close-up of Pioneer Woman Strawberry Cake with a focus on the strawberry filling
While perfect for birthdays, this cake shines at any celebration. Consider serving it at Easter, Mother’s Day, summer barbecues, or any gathering where you want to offer a comforting and crowd-pleasing dessert. Its vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation make it suitable for both casual and more formal events.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Strawberry Cake recipe laid out on a kitchen counter
Ready to bake this incredible Pioneer Woman Strawberry Cake? Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients for Your Pioneer Woman Strawberry Cake:
- For the Cake:
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Large eggs
- Sour cream
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Salt
- Baking soda
- For the Strawberries:
- Fresh strawberries
- Granulated sugar
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream cheese
- Unsalted butter
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
Complete Pioneer Woman Strawberry Cake ready to be served
Recipe for Pioneer Woman Strawberry Cake – Inspired by Ree Drummond
Yields: 1 cake
Prep time: 20 mins
Cook time: 45 mins
Total time: 1 hr 5 mins
Description: A delightful layered vanilla butter cake filled with fresh sweetened strawberries and a tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any celebration!
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients:
Cake:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) plus 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups plus 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Strawberries:
- 1 pound strawberries, hulled and halved
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 pounds powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Get Started: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan (at least 2 inches deep).
- Make the Cake Batter: Cream together softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in sour cream and vanilla.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift together flour, cornstarch, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Bake the Cake: Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cake cool completely.
- Prepare Strawberries: Mash strawberries slightly and mix with sugar. Let sit to macerate and release juices.
- Make Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla and salt. Beat until light and fluffy.
- Assemble the Cake: Level cake layers if needed and slice the cake in half horizontally. Place one layer on a serving plate, top with half the strawberries, then half the frosting. Repeat layers. Frost the entire cake.
- Chill (Optional): For easier frosting and slicing, freeze cake layers with strawberries briefly before frosting.
- Decorate: Decorate with extra strawberry slices if desired.
Recipe Notes:
- Store leftover Pioneer Woman strawberry cake in the refrigerator, loosely wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container.
- For a richer flavor, use high-quality vanilla extract.
- Ensure all refrigerated ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing.
Sliced Pioneer Woman Strawberry Cake on a plate
Enjoy creating and savoring this delightful Pioneer Woman Strawberry Cake – a perfect dessert for making any moment a little sweeter!
