Strawberry red velvet cake made without red food coloring is a one pan, two layer incredibly delicious cake. The only equipment needed is a handheld electric mixer. This mouthwatering flavorful cake is thick and tasty. And the fresh berries and vanilla frosting make the perfect pair for filling and topping off the cake.
This makes a perfect birthday cake and is a great choice for Valentine's Day. And it makes a great cake for any kind of gathering as well.
This cake has a vanilla strawberry frosting between the layers along with the top and sides too. This made from scratch frosting recipe is rich in vanilla and strawberry flavor. And goes wonderful with these two layers of red velvet cake.
Although I do not use red food coloring, it is still a red velvet cake, and not a chocolate cake. It has a delicious cocoa taste.
Another delicious recipe that can include strawberries is this crepe recipe without milk.
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Ingredients
These ingredients are for the red velvet cake.
- all-purpose flour
- sugar
- 1 % milk
- extra virgin olive oil
- cocoa powder
- unsalted butter
- large eggs
- white vinegar
- vanilla extract
- baking powder
These ingredients are for the strawberry vanilla frosting.
- confectioners' sugar
- vanilla extract
- fresh strawberries
- 1% milk
- unsalted butter
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions to Make Strawberry Red Velvet Cake.
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Step 2: To make the cake batter, in a large mixing bowl, add all the dry ingredients and stir with a spoon. When there are no lumps, add all of the wet ingredients. Using an electric hand mixer on medium speed, mix until all is blended well and is a smooth batter. Then pour the batter, scraping the sides of the bowl into a greased 9x13 glass pan. Bake for approximately 33 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick or fork. When it comes out clean, it should be ready. Set aside to cool. You can leave it in the pan. No need for a wire rack.
- Step 3: While the cake is cooling, in a bowl, combine all of the ingredients for the icing, except for the strawberries. Using the electric mixer on medium speed, mix until there are no lumps, and all is smooth.
- Step 4: Add the fresh strawberries to the frosting. Using the mixer blend them well. Cover and place the finished frosting into the refrigerator.
Once the cake has cooled, cut it in half making two layers of cake, cover and place into the refrigerator.
- Step 5: Remove the cake and frosting from the refrigerator. Remove one half of the cake and place on a pan or plate. Frost the entire cake layer. Then add the other half making the top half of the cake. Frost that layer as well. Then frost the sides of the cake too.
Hint
For best results I refrigerated my strawberry red velvet cake for 24 hours.
Substitutions
- Frosting - You can use store bought frosting instead if you would like.
Variations
- Single layer - If you prefer to have one red velvet layer cake that is an option. Do not cut the cake in half and ice the single layer.
- Thicker frosting - Do you prefer a thicker layer of frosting in between the two layers and on top of your cake? You may consider doubling the frosting recipe for extra frosting. You can also use a pastry bag to add special designs if you like.
Items needed
- 13x9 glass pan
- medium bowl
- large bowl
- spoon
- handheld electric mixer
- rubber spatula
- aluminum foil
- airtight container
Storage
This delicious cake should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to four days. It should not be kept at room temperature.
FAQ
Although some red velvet cakes are red and some are not, the actual flavor is more of a cocoa flavor.
Frugal Tip
One of the great things about this recipe is that you can use one 9x13 pan to make it. So, if you do not have multiple cake pans, no worries. And no need to go out and buy them. As this recipe does not call for them.
Related
Do you prefer another kind of frosting or icing made from scratch? Here is a recipe that has another delicious option:
Strawberry Red Velvet Cake without Food Coloring!
Equipment
- 1 13x9 glass baking pan
- 1 medium bowl
- 1 Large bowl
- 1 spoon
- 1 handheld electric mixer
- 1 Rubber spatula
- aluminum foil
- 1 Airtight container
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 cup 1 % milk
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ÂĽ cup cocoa powder
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbs white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
Strawberry vanilla frosting
- 2 cups confectioners' sugar
- ÂĽ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sliced fresh strawberries
- 2 tablespoon 1% milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- To make the cake batter, in a large mixing bowl, add all the dry ingredients and stir with a spoon. When there are no lumps, add all of the wet ingredients.
- Using an electric hand mixer on medium speed, mix until all is blended well and is a smooth batter.
- Then pour the batter, scraping the sides of the bowl into a greased 9x13 glass pan. Bake for approximately 33 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick or fork. When it comes out clean, it should be ready.
- Set aside to cool. You can leave it in the pan.
- While the cake is cooling, in a bowl, combine all of the ingredients for the icing, except for the strawberries. Using the electric mixer on medium speed, mix until there are no lumps, and all is smooth.
- Add the fresh strawberries to the frosting. Using the mixer blend them well. Place the finished frosting into the refrigerator.
- Once the cake has cooled, cut it in half making two layers of cake, and place in the refrigerator.
- Remove the cake and frosting from the refrigerator. Remove one half of the cake and place on a pan or plate. Frost the entire cake layer.
- Then add the other half making the top of the cake. Frost that layer as well.
- Then frost the sides of the cake too.
Ann says
I love the idea of a strawberry red velvet cake without food coloring—such a creative twist! The one-pan, two-layer concept makes it feel so accessible, and I can almost taste the delicious combination of fresh berries and vanilla frosting. It’s visually appealing and sounds utterly mouthwatering! Can't wait to try this recipe! 🍰❤️
Amy says
Thank you so much!
Lauren Maker says
Too delicious cannot wait to try this out!
Amy says
Thank you! Enjoy!
Amy says
I hope you love it!
Lindsey says
Oh my, does this look amazing! Thanks for sharing. I know my teen girls would love this recipe. Definitely saving to my recipe list.
Amy says
Thank you! I hope you try it! It is so good.
Amy says
I am so glad, Enjoy!
Kevin Foodie says
I sometimes use red velvet cake 🍰 mix. I am sure there are a number of additives that makes the red cake looks appealing. I like your twist on the natural take on red velvet cake and the addition of fresh strawberries 🍓. Thank you so much for sharing your recipe. Looks delicious.
Amy says
I appreciate it. Thank you!
Amy says
I appreciate it! Thanks.
Amy Mayfield-Beyer says
Omitting the red food coloring is a great idea! Thanx for sharing!
Amy says
Thanks so much!
Amy says
Thank you!!