Introduction
Dolly Parton’s Strawberry Cream Cheese Butter Cake is a rich, tender dessert combining buttery vanilla cake, sweet strawberries, and luscious cream cheese frosting. With its beautiful pink-and-white layers, it makes a wonderful centerpiece for birthdays, Easter, Mother’s Day, summer gatherings, or Sunday dessert.
Note: The name in the supplied image attributes this cake to Dolly Parton. I’m treating it as a recipe-style title rather than claiming that this is an officially published Dolly Parton recipe.
Origin
This cake brings together classic American butter-cake and cream-cheese-frosting traditions with fresh strawberries. Strawberry cakes have long been popular in Southern and American home baking, particularly for spring and summer celebrations.
Cultural Significance
The combination of strawberries, vanilla cake, butter, and cream cheese frosting has a nostalgic, homemade quality. It fits especially well with the tradition of generous celebration cakes served at family gatherings and community occasions.
🍓 Ingredients
Strawberry Butter Cake
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
- 2½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (180 ml) whole milk
- 1 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries
- 2 tablespoons strawberry preserves
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk, as needed
For Decorating
- 1–2 cups fresh strawberries
- Optional: strawberry halves, sliced strawberries, or small strawberry pieces
Optional Additions
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest for brightness
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 2–3 tablespoons strawberry jam between layers
- A few drops of pink food coloring for a stronger strawberry-pink appearance
- White chocolate curls for decoration
Tips for Success
- Bring the butter, eggs, and cream cheese to room temperature before mixing.
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding the flour.
- Pat chopped strawberries dry before adding them to the batter.
- Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting.
- Refrigerate the assembled cake for about 30 minutes before slicing for cleaner layers.
- For the prettiest finish, decorate with fresh strawberries just before serving.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in vanilla.
- Add the dry ingredients alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Gently fold in the chopped strawberries and strawberry preserves.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for approximately 25–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack and cool completely.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar.
- Beat in vanilla.
- Add a little heavy cream or milk if necessary until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
3. Assemble
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
- Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top.
- Add a layer of finely chopped or sliced strawberries if desired.
- Place the second cake layer on top.
- Cover the top and sides with the remaining frosting.
- Decorate generously with fresh strawberries.
- Refrigerate for about 30–60 minutes before serving.
Description
The finished cake is soft, buttery, creamy, and bursting with strawberry flavor. The tangy cream cheese frosting balances the sweetness of the cake, while fresh strawberries provide juicy bursts of fruit throughout.
Nutritional Information
Approximate per slice, assuming 12 servings:
- Calories: 550–650
- Carbohydrates: 75–85 g
- Protein: 6–8 g
- Fat: 28–33 g
- Saturated fat: 16–19 g
- Sugar: 55–65 g
Values vary depending on the amount of frosting and strawberries used.
Conclusion
🍓 Dolly Parton’s Strawberry Cream Cheese Butter Cake is a beautiful, indulgent dessert that combines the comfort of a classic butter cake with fresh strawberry flavor and silky cream cheese frosting.
Recommendation
Serve chilled or slightly cool with extra fresh strawberries on the side. A cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk makes a lovely pairing.
🌸 Embracing Healthful Indulgence
This is definitely a celebration dessert, so enjoy it as an occasional treat rather than an everyday food. Using plenty of fresh strawberries adds natural fruit, color, and flavor while allowing you to keep the decoration simple and beautiful. The best approach is to savor a reasonable portion and enjoy every bite. 🍓🍰❤️