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Fresh strawberry cake slice with whipped cream and fresh strawberry garnish

Fresh Strawberry Cake (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

This fresh strawberry cake is gluten-free, dairy-free, and bursting with real strawberry flavor in every layer. A tender pink cake gets soaked in a creamy strawberry milk mixture and topped with fluffy coconut whipped cream and sliced fresh berries. Make it ahead — it's even better on day two.
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Dairy-Free Strawberry Cake, Fresh Strawberry Cake, Gluten-Free Strawberry Cake
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Purée:

  • cups fresh strawberries hulled
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Cake:

For the Strawberry Milk Soak:

  • 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
  • ¾ cup sweetened condensed coconut milk
  • ½ cup dairy-free milk
  • 3 tablespoons strawberry purée
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the Whipped Coconut Cream:
  • 2 cans 13.5 oz each full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream, chilled overnight
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping:

  • cups fresh strawberries sliced
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons strawberry purée or jam for drizzling

Instructions

  • Make the strawberry purée: Blend strawberries, maple syrup, and lemon juice until smooth. For deeper flavor, simmer the purée in a small saucepan for 5-7 minutes to thicken. Cool completely. (This makes enough for the cake, soak, and optional drizzle.)
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together dairy-free milk, oil, ⅓ cup strawberry purée, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla.
  • Pour wet ingredients into dry and whisk until just combined. Do not overmix. Pour batter into prepared pan.
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool for 15 minutes.
  • Use a fork to poke holes all over the cooled cake.
  • Make the soak: In a bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together full-fat coconut milk, sweetened condensed coconut milk, dairy-free milk, 3 tablespoons strawberry purée, and vanilla.
  • Slowly pour the soak over the cake in stages, letting each addition absorb before adding more. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  • Make the whipped coconut cream: Scoop the solid coconut cream from the chilled cans into a bowl (discard the liquid or save for another use). Beat with a hand mixer on medium-high for 2 minutes. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, then beat until smooth and fluffy. Refrigerate 30 minutes before using.
  • Spread whipped coconut cream evenly over the chilled cake. Top with sliced fresh strawberries. Drizzle with extra strawberry purée if desired. Slice and serve.

Notes

Recipe notes
STORAGE: Cover and refrigerate up to 4 days. Best within 2-3 days while strawberries are at their freshest. Not recommended for freezing.
MAKE-AHEAD: Bake the cake and pour the soak the day before. Add the whipped cream and fresh strawberries shortly before serving.
STANDARD (NOT GF/DF) VERSION: Substitute all-purpose flour for the gluten-free blend, regular sweetened condensed milk for the coconut version, heavy cream for the full-fat coconut milk, and whole milk for the dairy-free milk. Top with real whipped cream or Cool Whip.
STRONGER STRAWBERRY FLAVOR: Increase strawberry purée in the soak to ¼ cup (and reduce/thicken it first by simmering).