Looking for a dessert that looks fancy but is secretly super simple? This Strawberry Swirl Cake with Strawberry Glaze is your new go-to treat! It’s soft, buttery, and filled with gorgeous strawberry swirls that not only taste amazing but make each slice picture-perfect. Topped with a glossy strawberry glaze, this cake is bursting with fruity flavor and just the right amount of sweetness.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Strawberry Swirl Cake with Strawberry Glaze
This Strawberry Swirl Cake with Strawberry Glaze is the ultimate combination of pretty and delicious. You’ll love how easy it is to create those eye-catching strawberry swirls – no fancy skills needed! The cake itself is moist and buttery, while the fresh strawberry glaze adds a vibrant, juicy finish. Plus, this recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and can be made in under an hour. Whether you’re a beginner baker or just short on time, this cake delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. It’s the perfect sweet treat for springtime gatherings, baby showers, or lazy Sunday afternoons.
Ingredients
This cake uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, plus a few fresh strawberries to give it that fruity punch and gorgeous color. Here’s everything you’ll need:

For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Swirl:
- ½ cup fresh strawberries (chopped)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp cornstarch
For the Strawberry Glaze:
- ½ cup fresh strawberries
- ¾ cup powdered sugar (adjust to desired consistency)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
This cake is as fun to make as it is to eat! The strawberry swirl comes together quickly on the stovetop, and the rest is a breeze. Let’s break it down step-by-step:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Strawberry Swirl:
- In a small saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until thickened (about 5–7 minutes).
- Remove from heat and let it cool while you prepare the cake batter.
2. Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan (or line it with parchment paper).
3. Make the Cake Batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
4. Layer and Swirl:
- Pour half the batter into the prepared pan.
- Spoon half the strawberry swirl mixture over the batter.
- Repeat with remaining batter and swirl mixture.
- Use a butter knife to gently swirl the strawberry layer into the batter.
5. Bake:
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Make the Glaze:
- Blend the strawberries until smooth, then strain out the seeds if desired.
- Mix with powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth and pourable.
- Drizzle over the cooled cake.
Servings and Timing
This cake is perfect for sharing—though you might want to keep a slice or two for yourself!
Servings:
- Makes 8–10 slices
- Great for brunch, tea time, or dessert
Timing:
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 45–55 minutes
- Cooling and glazing: 30 minutes
- Total time: About 1 hour 30 minutes from start to finish
Tips and Variations
Want to make this recipe your own? Here are a few fun ways to switch things up or make the process even easier:
Tips:
- Don’t overmix the batter — just stir until everything is combined for a soft, tender crumb.
- Cool completely before glazing to avoid a runny mess.
- Strain the glaze if you prefer a smooth, seed-free finish.
Variations:
- Use raspberry or blueberry swirl instead of strawberry for a different fruity twist.
- Add lemon zest to the batter for a bright citrus note.
- Make it a bundt cake — just double the recipe and bake for 50–60 minutes.
- Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream when serving for extra indulgence.
- Try a cream cheese glaze for a richer, tangy topping.
Storage
Have leftovers? Lucky you! This cake stores beautifully, so you can enjoy a slice (or two) later.
How to Store:
- Room Temperature: Store covered in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Lasts up to 5 days when chilled. The glaze may firm up slightly but still tastes great!
- Freezer: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes! Just thaw and drain them first. They work well for both the swirl and the glaze.
What if I don’t have cornstarch for the swirl?
You can substitute with an equal amount of flour or arrowroot powder to thicken the strawberry swirl.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best results.
Can I make cupcakes instead?
Yes! Pour the batter into a lined muffin tin and reduce baking time to 18–22 minutes.
Do I need to strain the strawberry glaze?
Not required, but if you want a super smooth, seed-free glaze, it’s a good idea.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yep! Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir well before using.
Why did my swirl sink to the bottom?
This can happen if the swirl mixture is too thin or the batter is too light. Make sure the swirl has thickened on the stovetop before layering.
This Strawberry Swirl Cake with Strawberry Glaze is everything we love in a dessert — easy to make, bursting with real fruit flavor, and beautiful enough to impress at any gathering. Whether you’re baking it for a weekend treat, a spring party, or just because strawberries make you smile, this cake is sure to be a hit. With its soft crumb, sweet berry swirls, and glossy pink glaze, it’s a Pinterest-perfect bake that tastes as good as it looks.
Craving more tasty recipes? Follow @butteryrecipes on Pinterest and Facebook for daily inspiration!
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Strawberry Swirl Cake with Strawberry Glaze
This Strawberry Swirl Cake with Strawberry Glaze is soft, buttery, and filled with fruity strawberry swirls and a glossy glaze on top. Perfect for any occasion with minimal effort!
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 slices 1x
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup fresh strawberries (chopped)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- ½ cup fresh strawberries (for glaze)
- ¾ cup powdered sugar (adjust to desired consistency)
- 1 tsp lemon juice (for glaze)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp lemon juice, and 1 tsp cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until thickened (about 5–7 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Pour half the batter into the prepared pan. Spoon half the strawberry swirl mixture over batter. Repeat with remaining batter and swirl mixture. Use a knife to gently swirl the layers.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Blend strawberries for glaze until smooth. Strain if desired. Mix with powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth and pourable. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
Notes
Cool cake completely before glazing. Try other berries for swirl. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream for extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45–55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: strawberry swirl cake, strawberry glaze, easy dessert, loaf cake, fruity cake
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