Name: Barbie Pink Strawberry Cake Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups (375 milliliters) all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar; 1/2 cup (113 grams/1 stick) unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream; 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped (or 1/2 cup strawberry puree); Red food coloring (optional, to achieve Barbie pink); 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup (113 grams/1 stick) unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar; 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, pureed; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Red food coloring (optional, to match cake color); Fresh strawberries (optional garnish); Edible glitter or sprinkles (optional garnish)

Whipping up a delightful Barbie pink strawberry cake brings pure magic to any celebration.

Soft, fluffy layers burst with vibrant strawberry essence and playful color.

Sweet strawberry notes dance through each delicate crumb, creating a dessert that sparkles with joy.

Light frosting swirls around pink-tinted cake layers, promising a dreamy confection.

Subtle hints of fresh berries weave through the recipe, making every slice irresistible.

Baking this stunning treat connects you with childhood wonder and pure delight.

You’ll want to share this stunning pink masterpiece with everyone at the party.

Barbie Pink Strawberry Cake With Iconic Icing

Capture Barbie Vibes: Dive into a delightful pink paradise with this whimsical cake that channels the iconic Barbie aesthetic, perfect for fans of all ages.
Burst of Fresh Flavor: Packed with real strawberries in both cake and frosting, this recipe delivers an authentic, juicy taste that elevates it beyond ordinary desserts.
Crowd-Pleasing Showstopper: Impressive enough for special celebrations yet simple enough for home bakers, this cake guarantees wide-eyed smiles and delighted reactions from everyone at the party.
Customizable Color Magic: Easy to adjust the pink shade with food coloring, making it adaptable for themed events, birthday parties, or playful gatherings that need a touch of glamour.

What’s Needed For Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing Cake

Cake Base Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental ingredient that provides structure to the cake.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
Unsalted Butter: Brings richness and helps create a soft, moist cake.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the cake.
Sour Cream: Provides extra moisture and contributes to the cake's tender crumb.
Milk: Helps create a smooth batter and adds moisture to the cake.

Flavor and Color Ingredients:

Fresh Strawberries: Adds natural strawberry flavor and fresh fruit texture to the cake.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake.
Red Food Coloring: Creates the signature Barbie pink color for the cake.

Frosting Ingredients:

Cream Cheese, Unsalted Butter: Form the creamy base of the strawberry cream cheese icing.
Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create the right icing consistency.
Strawberry Puree: Adds intense strawberry flavor to the frosting.

Optional Garnish Ingredients:

Fresh Strawberries, Edible Glitter, Sprinkles: Decorative elements that add visual appeal to the finished cake.

Steps To Create Barbie Pink Strawberry Cake At Home

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Warm up your oven to 350F.

Grab two 8-inch round cake pans and give them a quick spray with cooking oil or line with parchment paper.

Get ready for some baking magic!

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt

Make sure everything is mixed perfectly smooth.

Step 3: Create Butter Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and beat softened butter with sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and looks like delicious clouds.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet Elements

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each.

Pour in vanilla extract and blend until everything looks silky and combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly incorporate flour mixture into butter mixture.

Alternate with sour cream and milk, starting and ending with flour.

Mix gently to keep the batter tender.

Step 6: Introduce Strawberry Charm

Fold chopped strawberries or strawberry puree into the batter.

Add a splash of red food coloring to achieve that perfect Barbie pink shade.

Step 7: Fill Cake Pans

Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.

Smooth the tops with a spatula for even baking.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place pans in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 9: Cool Cake Layers

Let cakes rest in pans for 10 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack and allow complete cooling.

Step 10: Whip Up Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter in a large bowl until incredibly smooth and creamy.

Step 11: Build Frosting Texture

Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Step 12: Flavor the Frosting

Mix in strawberry puree and vanilla extract.

Add a touch of red food coloring to match cake’s pink tone.

Step 13: Perfect Frosting Consistency

Beat until frosting becomes smooth and spreadable.

Adjust with powdered sugar if needed.

Step 14: Layer First Cake

Place first cake layer on serving plate or cake stand.

Step 15: Apply First Frosting Layer

Spread a generous layer of strawberry cream cheese frosting on the first cake layer.

Step 16: Complete Cake Assembly

Position second cake layer on top.

Frost entire cake with remaining icing.

Step 17: Add Glamorous Touches

Decorate with fresh strawberries and sprinkle edible glitter or colorful sprinkles.

Step 18: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate cake for 30 minutes to help frosting set.

Slice and enjoy your fabulous creation!

Tips For Pink Strawberry Cake With Creamy Icing

Take butter, eggs, and cream cheese out of the refrigerator 30-45 minutes before baking to ensure smooth mixing and even texture.
Pat chopped strawberries dry with paper towels to prevent excess liquid from making the cake batter too wet and affecting its structure.
Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for more intense color without changing the cake's consistency.
Toss chopped strawberries in a little flour before folding into the batter to help them distribute evenly and stay suspended.
Keep the cake refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, allowing the flavors to meld and the icing to maintain its creamy texture.

Fun Barbie Pink Cake Variations For Parties

Gluten-Free Strawberry Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring same texture and moisture.
Vegan Pink Strawberry Delight: Substitute eggs with mashed bananas or flax eggs, use vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese for plant-based version.
Low-Sugar Strawberry Sensation: Swap granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce overall sugar content while maintaining sweet flavor profile.
Dairy-Free Strawberry Dream: Replace sour cream with coconut yogurt, use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives and plant-based milk for lactose-intolerant bakers.

Presenting Strawberry Cake With Cream Cheese Icing

Party Perfect Presentation: Slice this vibrant pink cake at birthday celebrations or bridal showers for a stunning centerpiece that matches the playful Barbie theme.
Romantic Date Night Dessert: Serve individual cake slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of strawberry sauce for an elegant and romantic dessert experience.
Picnic and Outdoor Delight: Pack slices in cute containers for summer picnics, garden parties, or outdoor events where the bright pink cake will bring instant joy and conversation.
Kids' Celebration Showstopper: Create mini cupcake versions for children's parties, decorating with edible glitter or pink sprinkles to match the Barbie-inspired color scheme.

Storing Barbie Pink Strawberry Cake For Softness

Store the cake in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Keep the cake away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
Wrap the entire unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
Cut individual slices, wrap each separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen slices will keep for 1-2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before enjoying.

FAQs

What gives this cake its signature pink color?

The pink color comes from a combination of red food coloring and natural strawberry puree, creating that iconic Barbie-inspired hue.

How do I know if I've mixed the cake batter correctly?

The batter should be smooth and well-combined, with no lumps of flour visible. Mix just until ingredients are incorporated to prevent overmixing.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use thawed frozen strawberries, but make sure to drain excess liquid to prevent the cake from becoming too wet. Pat the strawberries dry before adding to the batter.

Why do I need to alternate adding flour and liquid when mixing the cake batter?

Alternating helps prevent overmixing and creates a more tender cake by evenly distributing ingredients and maintaining a smooth, consistent texture.

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
Developing easy single-serving recipes
Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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