If you love sweet, soft, and fruity desserts, this Paula Deen Strawberry Cake Recipe is perfect for you. This cake is moist, flavorful, and full of real strawberries. Itโs easy to bake at home, even for beginners.
In this post, youโll learn how to make Paula Deen Strawberry Cake, step by step. With simple ingredients and easy instructions, youโll enjoy a delicious homemade cake that everyone will love.
What Makes This Paula Deen Strawberry Cake Special
Paula Deenโs strawberry cake is famous for its tender texture and fresh strawberry flavor. Unlike other cakes, it uses real strawberries in both the batter and the frosting.
This makes it naturally sweet and juicy. The cake is soft and melts in your mouth. Itโs perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or just a weekend treat. The combination of fluffy cake and creamy strawberry frosting makes it unforgettable.

Equipment List
- 2 mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Rubber spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Cooling rack
- Food processor or blender (for strawberries)
- Parchment paper (optional)
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Name: Paula Deen Strawberry Cake
- Servings: 8โ10 slices
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Ingredients You Need for Paula Deen Strawberry Cake
Cake Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
Frosting Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh strawberry puree
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Grease a 9×13 inch pan with butter or cooking spray.
2. Prepare Strawberries
Wash fresh strawberries. Remove stems and blend into a smooth puree. Set aside.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
4. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy using an electric mixer or whisk.
5. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add eggs one by one. Mix after each. Then add vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk. Start and end with flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
7. Fold in Strawberry Puree
Gently fold in strawberry puree. Do not overmix or the cake may become dense.
8. Pour Batter into Pan
Pour batter into prepared baking pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Bake the Cake
Bake at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for 30โ35 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
10. Cool the Cake
Remove from oven. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
11. Make Strawberry Frosting
Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and strawberry puree. Add vanilla and salt. Mix until smooth.
12. Frost the Cake
Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Decorate with sliced strawberries if desired.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
- Freeze extra strawberries to use later in smoothies or frosting.
- Add a few drops of lemon juice to enhance strawberry flavor.
- For a lighter cake, replace half the butter with applesauce.
- Use a hand blender if you donโt have a food processor.
Interesting Facts About Paula Deen Strawberry Cake
Paula Deen is known for her southern-style desserts. This strawberry cake first appeared in her family recipes. Itโs loved for its moist texture and real fruit flavor.
Many people serve it during spring and summer when strawberries are fresh. The recipe is a classic southern treat that brings a homemade feel to any table.
Perfect Dishes to Serve With Paula Deen Strawberry Cake
- Fresh whipped cream
- Vanilla ice cream
- Lemonade or iced tea
- Fresh fruit salad
- Chocolate drizzle or sprinkles
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2โ3 days.
- Refrigerate if you live in a hot climate. It lasts up to 5 days.
- Freeze slices for up to 2 months. Wrap in foil and place in a freezer bag.
- To reheat, leave at room temperature for 30 minutes or warm slightly in microwave.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 50 g |
| Sugar | 32 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
Health Benefits
This cake contains real strawberries, which are high in vitamin C and antioxidants. Using fresh fruit adds natural sweetness and nutrients. Moderation is key since it still contains sugar and butter.
You can make it healthier by using low-fat milk or less sugar. Despite being a dessert, it provides some vitamins from strawberries and can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
FAQs about Paula Deen Strawberry Cake
Q1: Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can. Thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before blending. This prevents the cake from being too wet.
Q2: How do I make the frosting thicker?
Add more powdered sugar gradually until it reaches a spreadable consistency. You can also chill it for 10โ15 minutes.
Q3: Can I make this cake in a round pan?
Absolutely. Bake time may vary. Use 8 or 9-inch round pans and check with a toothpick for doneness.
Q4: Can I skip the frosting?
Yes, the cake is flavorful on its own. You can dust powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream instead.
Q5: How long will the cake stay moist?
If stored properly, the cake stays moist for 2โ3 days at room temperature or up to 5 days in the fridge.
Final Thoughts
This Paula Deen Strawberry Cake Recipe is simple, sweet, and full of fresh strawberry flavor. Following these steps will help you make a soft, moist cake that everyone will love.
Perfect for birthdays or special occasions, itโs a dessert that brings joy and smiles. Baking this cake at home gives a warm, homemade touch that store-bought cakes canโt match. Enjoy every bite of this southern classic!

Paula Deen Strawberry Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup fresh strawberries pureed
Frosting Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh strawberry puree
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Grease a 9×13 inch pan with butter or cooking spray.
Prepare Strawberries
- Wash fresh strawberries. Remove stems and blend into a smooth puree. Set aside.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy using an electric mixer or whisk.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Add eggs one by one. Mix after each. Then add vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Add dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk. Start and end with flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
Fold in Strawberry Puree
- Gently fold in strawberry puree. Do not overmix or the cake may become dense.
Pour Batter into Pan
- Pour batter into prepared baking pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake the Cake
- Bake at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for 30โ35 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
Cool the Cake
- Remove from oven. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Make Strawberry Frosting
- Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and strawberry puree. Add vanilla and salt. Mix until smooth.
Frost the Cake
- Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Decorate with sliced strawberries if desired.
Notes
- Use ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
- Freeze extra strawberries to use later in smoothies or frosting.
- Add a few drops of lemon juice to enhance strawberry flavor.
- For a lighter cake, replace half the butter with applesauce.
- Use a hand blender if you donโt have a food processor.

Emily Carter is a passionate home cook and recipe creator. She shares easy, family-friendly meals with a modern twist. Her focus is on simple ingredients, clear steps and soulful, delicious food that everyone can enjoy.











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