Strawberry Drip Cake Recipe

You are about to embark on a delicious adventure with this irresistible Strawberry Drip Cake Recipe. This cake brings together softly tender sponge layers infused with real strawberry puree, wrapped lovingly in a luscious strawberry buttercream, then crowned with a delicate white chocolate ganache drip tinted in pretty pink hues. It’s the kind of dessert that instantly brightens any celebration or cozy gathering, and once you make it, you’ll know why this strawberry-studded showstopper steals the spotlight every time.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind the Strawberry Drip Cake Recipe lies in simple ingredients that combine to create layers of unforgettable flavor and texture. Each element—from the fluffy flour base to the fresh strawberry puree and creamy butter—plays a vital role in making this cake a sensory delight, both visually and taste-wise.

• All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): Provides the perfect structure for our fluffy sponge layers.
• Baking powder (2 ½ tsp): Ensures the cake rises beautifully and stays tender.
• Salt (½ tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
• Unsalted butter (1 cup + 1 cup for frosting): Adds richness and moisture to both the cake and buttercream.
• Sugar (2 cups for cake, powdered sugar 4 cups for frosting): Sweetness that complements and brings harmony to the strawberries.
• Large eggs (4): Bind the batter and provide a tender crumb.
• Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Adds warm, aromatic notes that elevate every bite.
• Milk (1 cup): Keeps the cake soft and adds moisture.
• Strawberry puree (½ cup for cake, ¼ cup for frosting): Full of fresh strawberry flavor and vibrant pink color.
• Heavy cream (1–2 tbsp for frosting, ¼ cup for ganache): Helps achieve the perfect creamy texture and drip consistency.
• White chocolate chips (1 cup): Create the glossy, sweet ganache drip that makes this cake visually stunning.
• Pink food coloring (optional): Adds an extra pop of femininity and charm to the ganache drip.
• Fresh strawberries: For topping—juicy, firm, and irresistibly fresh.
• Extra whipped cream (optional): For piping pretty swirls on top.

How to Make Strawberry Drip Cake Recipe

Step 1: Bake the Cake Layers

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing two 8-inch cake pans by greasing and lining them. Mix the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, and salt—together first to ensure even rising. Next, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy to build a strong base for your cake. Beat in the eggs one at a time to add richness and structure, then fold in vanilla for a hint of warmth. Alternately add your dry ingredients and milk to maintain a delicate batter consistency, then gently fold in the fresh strawberry puree for that natural pink hue and burst of flavor. Divide the batter equally and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick emerges clean. Cool the cakes completely before moving on—patience here sets you up for a perfect finish.

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Buttercream Frosting

While the cakes cool, whip up a dreamy strawberry buttercream. Beat the softened butter until creamy and pale, then gradually add powdered sugar by the cupful to create that luxuriously smooth sweetness. Incorporate the strawberry puree and vanilla, mixing well so the flavor shines through beautifully. Adjust the consistency with heavy cream as needed—aim for a fluffy but spreadable texture that makes frosting the cake so satisfying.

Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Drip Ganache

Gently heat the heavy cream until hot but not boiling, then pour it over the white chocolate chips. Let this sit for a couple of minutes to soften the chocolate, then stir until perfectly smooth. If you want that classic pink drip look, add a drop of pink food coloring—totally optional but so charming. Cool the ganache slightly so it thickens but remains pourable, just right for flooding the edges of your frosted cake with elegant drips.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Level your cake layers if needed to ensure even stacking. Place one layer on your cake board and spread an even layer of strawberry buttercream, then gently top with the second cake. Cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing it out for that picture-perfect finish. Chill the cake briefly to firm up the surface—it helps the drip stay neat and controlled. Finally, pour the ganache around the edges letting it drip naturally, then spread over the top for that iconic finish. Pipe additional swirls of whipped cream or extra buttercream if you like and crown your masterpiece with fresh strawberries. Voilà, your show-stopping Strawberry Drip Cake Recipe is ready to dazzle!

How to Serve Strawberry Drip Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh, firm strawberries are the star garnish that complements the soft pink frosting and creamy ganache beautifully. Feel free to add delicate piped whipped cream swirls or edible flowers for a touch of elegance and texture contrast. These little details take your strawberry drip cake from delicious to breathtaking.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a light scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to balance the sweetness. For a refreshing contrast, serve alongside a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette that cleanses the palate between indulgent bites.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Strawberry Drip Cake on a pretty cake stand to make it the centerpiece of your table. Try layering with vibrant sprigs of mint or a drizzle of berry coulis on the plate. For a fun twist, cut the cake into petite slices and serve as elegant mini desserts, perfect for sharing the joy of this recipe with friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once decorated, store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. It will stay beautifully moist and flavorful for up to 3 days—if it lasts that long! For best taste and texture, bring it to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled Strawberry Drip Cake Recipe if needed. Freeze uncovered for an hour first to firm up the frosting, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. It keeps well for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain that perfect creamy texture.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. If you want to soften it slightly, leave the slice at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving to enjoy the full burst of strawberry flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for the puree?

Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work well as long as you thaw and drain excess moisture before pureeing. This helps maintain the perfect batter consistency and prevents your cake from becoming too wet.

What if I don’t have white chocolate chips for the ganache?

You can substitute with white chocolate bars chopped finely. Just be cautious when melting so you don’t overheat the chocolate; heating it gently is key to a smooth ganache drip.

How do I avoid the drip running down too far?

Chill your cake well before adding the ganache drip. The ganache should be thick enough to drip slowly without running off completely—cooling it to room temperature or slightly thicker consistency helps control this.

Can I make this cake vegan or dairy-free?

With a few substitutions—such as plant-based butter, dairy-free milk, and egg replacers—you can adapt this recipe. However, note that texture and flavor might vary slightly as traditional ingredients contribute to its rich, creamy character.

What’s the best way to get vibrant pink ganache?

Adding a tiny drop or two of pink food coloring to the white chocolate ganache after it cools slightly will brighten the drip and give you that picture-perfect look, just like in the classic Strawberry Drip Cake Recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Drip Cake Recipe is one of those recipes that brings smiles—and maybe even happy tears—to any occasion. With flavors so fresh and textures so luscious, it’s truly a baking triumph that will earn you plenty of compliments and warm hearts. Whether you’re celebrating a special moment or just craving something homemade and fabulous, this cake is your go-to delicious idea. Give it a try—you’ll be glad you did!