Dolly Parton's Strawberry Cream Cheese Butter Cake

This strawberry cream cheese butter cake combines a soft, buttery cake with fresh strawberries and a smooth cream cheese frosting. The layers are filled with juicy berries and creamy frosting, making every slice a lovely dessert for birthdays, family gatherings, or a weekend treat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1–2 tablespoons milk, as needed

For the Strawberry Filling

• 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Add the dry ingredients in batches, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined.
6. Gently fold in the chopped strawberries, then divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.
7. Bake for 22–28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Prepare the Strawberry Filling

1. Combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan.
2. Cook over medium-low heat for 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the berries soften and release their juices.
3. Let the mixture cool completely before using it between the cake layers.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Beat the cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed at first.
3. Add the vanilla extract and beat until fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add milk a little at a time.

Assemble the Cake

1. Place the first cooled cake layer on a serving plate.
2. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting over the cake, followed by some of the cooled strawberry filling.
3. Add the second cake layer and repeat the filling process.
4. Place the final cake layer on top and cover the top and sides with the remaining frosting.
5. Decorate with fresh strawberries and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes before slicing for cleaner layers.

Tips for the Best Strawberry Cake

• Pat the fresh strawberries dry before chopping to keep excess moisture out of the batter.
• Make sure the cake layers are completely cool before frosting.
• Use room-temperature butter, eggs, and cream cheese for a smooth, even texture.
• For the neatest slices, chill the assembled cake before serving.

Storage

Keep the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Because it contains fresh strawberries and cream cheese frosting, it should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Allow slices to sit out for about 10–15 minutes before serving.