If you’ve ever dined at Olive Garden and found yourself dreaming about their legendary strawberry cream cake, you’re not alone.
This copycat Olive Garden strawberry cream cake brings that restaurant-quality dessert right into your home kitchen. Light, fluffy layers of vanilla cake are generously filled with fresh strawberry cream and crowned with clouds of whipped topping.
Learning how to make Olive Garden strawberry cream cake is easier than you think, and the result is a show-stopping dessert that tastes just like the original.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, this recipe delivers bakery-worthy results every single time.
What Does It Taste Like?
This Olive Garden strawberry cream cake offers a perfect balance of delicate sweetness and fresh fruit flavor. The tender vanilla cake has a light, airy crumb that melts on your tongue, while the strawberry cream filling provides bursts of natural berry brightness.
Each bite combines the richness of whipped cream with the subtle tartness of fresh strawberries, creating a harmonious flavor profile that’s never too heavy or overly sweet.
The texture is supremely moist without being dense, and the layers come together in a cloud-like consistency that feels indulgent yet refreshing-exactly what makes the restaurant version so irresistible.
Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake Recipe Ingredients
For the Vanilla Cake:
- 2 1/4 cups cake flour
- 1 1/3 cups white sugar
- 4 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 6 large egg whites
- 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 sticks (12 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
For the Strawberry Cream Filling:
- 32 oz heavy whipping cream
- 1/3 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp water
For Garnish:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries
Kitchen Utensils
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (hand or stand mixer)
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Long serrated knife
- Wire cooling rack
- Cake serving platter
- Small saucepan (for strawberry sauce)
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Cooling Time: 1 hour
- Assembly Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Servings: 12 slices
Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Thoroughly grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter or non-stick spray. Line the bottom of each pan with parchment paper circles for easy release. Set aside while you prepare the batter.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cake flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until completely uniform. Make sure there are no lumps in the mixture, as this ensures an even texture in your finished cake.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg whites. Add the room-temperature milk, vanilla extract, and softened butter. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
Step 4: Create the Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredient bowl. Using your electric mixer on medium speed, beat for 2 full minutes until the batter is completely smooth and homogenous. The batter should be thick but pourable.
Step 5: Bake the Cakes
Evenly divide the batter between your prepared cake pans, using a rubber spatula to spread it out evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through baking time. The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Allow the cakes to cool in their pans on a wire rack for about 20 minutes. Then run a knife along the edges and carefully invert the cakes onto the cooling racks. Let them cool completely to room temperature before assembly-this is crucial for preventing the cream from melting.
Step 7: Prepare Strawberry Filling
While cakes cool, prepare your strawberry sauce by placing 1 cup of sliced strawberries in a small saucepan with 2 tablespoons of water and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, mashing the berries as they soften. Let cool completely.
Step 8: Make Whipped Cream
In a large chilled bowl, combine heavy whipping cream, 1/3 cup sugar, vanilla extract, and cream of tartar. Beat with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat, or you’ll end up with butter.
Step 9: Create Strawberry Cream
Gently fold the cooled strawberry sauce and remaining sliced fresh strawberries into the whipped cream, creating a beautiful pink strawberry cream filling.
Step 10: Slice and Layer
Using a long serrated knife, carefully cut each cooled cake layer in half horizontally, creating four thin layers total. Place the first layer on your serving platter.
Step 11: Assemble the Cake
Spread a generous amount of strawberry cream (about 1 cup) evenly over the first cake layer. Top with the second layer and repeat the process. Continue stacking all four layers with cream between each one.
Step 12: Frost and Garnish
Cover the entire cake with the remaining strawberry cream, creating smooth sides and top. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the cream to set.
Customization and Pairing Ideas for Serving
1. White Chocolate Drizzle Variation
Elevate your copycat Olive Garden strawberry cream cake by melting white chocolate and creating an elegant drizzle pattern over the top. The sweetness of white chocolate complements the fresh strawberries beautifully, adding a gourmet touch that makes this dessert even more impressive for special occasions.
2. Mixed Berry Medley
While the original recipe calls for strawberries, you can customize this olive garden strawberry cream cake recipe by incorporating raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries into the filling. This creates a more complex flavor profile and adds visual interest with varied colors throughout each slice.
3. Champagne Pairing
Serve this elegant dessert alongside a glass of prosecco or champagne for a sophisticated finish to dinner parties. The bubbles and acidity cut through the richness of the cream while enhancing the fruity strawberry notes, making it a perfect celebration dessert.
4. Lemon Zest Enhancement
Add 1-2 teaspoons of fresh lemon zest to your whipped cream filling for a bright, citrusy twist. The lemon adds a refreshing dimension that prevents the dessert from feeling too rich, and it’s a technique often used in professional bakeries to balance sweet cream-based desserts.
5. Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Version
For chocolate lovers wondering how to make olive garden strawberry cream cake even more indulgent, add shaved chocolate between the layers or press mini chocolate chips into the cream. Top with chocolate-covered strawberries for a luxurious presentation that combines two classic flavor pairings.
6. Individual Portion Presentation
Instead of creating one large cake, use the same ingredients to make individual strawberry shortcake cups in mason jars or dessert glasses. Layer cake pieces, strawberry cream, and fresh fruit in clear containers for a trendy, Instagram-worthy presentation that’s perfect for parties where guests can grab their own serving.
7. Coffee Service Complement
This dessert pairs wonderfully with Italian espresso, cappuccino, or a sweet dessert wine like Moscato. The coffee’s slight bitterness balances the sweetness of the cake, creating a well-rounded ending to any meal-just like you’d experience at the actual Olive Garden restaurant.
Expert Tips for Perfect Results
Tip 1: Room Temperature Ingredients Matter
When preparing your olive garden strawberry cream cake ingredients, ensure your milk, eggs, and butter are at room temperature before mixing. Cold ingredients don’t incorporate as smoothly, which can result in a dense, uneven cake texture. Set your dairy products out 30-60 minutes before you begin baking for optimal results.
Tip 2: Don’t Skip the Cake Flour
Cake flour is essential for achieving that signature light, tender crumb that makes this copycat Olive Garden strawberry cream cake taste authentic. Regular all-purpose flour has more protein, which creates more gluten and results in a tougher texture. If you must substitute, use 2 cups all-purpose flour plus 1/4 cup cornstarch as a replacement.
Tip 3: Master the Egg White Technique
Using only egg whites instead of whole eggs is the secret to the cake’s pure white color and delicate texture. When separating eggs, make absolutely sure no yolk gets into your whites, as even a tiny amount of fat will prevent proper incorporation and affect the cake’s rise.
Tip 4: Achieve Perfect Whipped Cream Consistency
The key to successful strawberry cream filling is beating your heavy cream to stiff peaks-not soft peaks. Stiff peaks hold their shape and won’t weep or slide off the cake layers. Chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 15 minutes beforehand, and watch carefully during the final minute of whipping to avoid overbeating.
Tip 5: Level Your Cake Layers
For professional-looking results, use a long serrated knife to trim any domed tops from your cake layers before slicing them horizontally. This creates perfectly flat surfaces that stack evenly, preventing your cake from leaning or sliding. A cake leveler tool makes this even easier if you plan to make this recipe frequently.
Tip 6: Control Strawberry Moisture
Fresh strawberries release juice that can make your cake soggy. To prevent this, pat your sliced strawberries dry with paper towels before folding them into the whipped cream. You can also macerate the berries with a tablespoon of sugar for 15 minutes, then drain excess liquid before using-this intensifies their flavor while controlling moisture.
Tip 7: Chill Between Layers
When learning how to make Olive Garden strawberry cream cake, patience is crucial. After adding each layer of cream, place the cake in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before adding the next layer. This brief chilling helps the cream firm up, making it easier to stack additional layers without them sliding around or creating a messy appearance.
Storage and Reheating Guidance
Store your assembled olive garden strawberry cream cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The whipped cream filling keeps the cake moist but requires cold storage. For best results, bring individual slices to cool room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to enhance the flavor.
Common Queries and FAQs
Here are some common questions I’ve got you covered about the
Q: Can I make this copycat Olive Garden strawberry cream cake ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can bake the cake layers 1-2 days in advance, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store at room temperature. Assemble with the strawberry cream filling on the day you plan to serve for the freshest taste and best texture.
Q: Can I freeze this strawberry cream cake?
A: While you can freeze the unfilled cake layers for up to 3 months, freezing the assembled cake isn’t recommended. The whipped cream filling doesn’t freeze well and will become watery and grainy when thawed, affecting both texture and presentation.
Q: Why are my cake layers dense instead of light and fluffy?
A: Dense cake layers usually result from overmixing the batter after adding wet to dry ingredients, or from using cold ingredients. Mix just until combined and ensure all dairy products are at room temperature. Also verify your baking powder is fresh-expired leavening agents won’t create proper rise.
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
A: Fresh strawberries work best for this recipe. Frozen berries contain too much moisture and will make your cream filling watery. If you must use frozen, thaw them completely, drain thoroughly, and pat very dry with paper towels before incorporating into the whipped cream.
Q: How do I prevent my whipped cream from deflating?
A: Stabilize your whipped cream by ensuring it reaches stiff peaks and adding cream of tartar as specified in the recipe. The cream of tartar acts as a stabilizer. You can also add 2 tablespoons of instant vanilla pudding mix to the cream while whipping for extra stability.
Q: What’s the secret to getting clean cake slices?
A: Dip your knife in hot water and wipe it clean between each cut. The warm blade melts through the cream cleanly without dragging or smearing. Also, make sure your cake is well-chilled before slicing-at least 2-3 hours in the refrigerator.
Q: Can I make this Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake Recipe without a stand mixer?
A: Absolutely! A hand mixer works perfectly for this olive garden strawberry cream cake recipe. You’ll need to beat the batter for the full 2 minutes to properly incorporate air, and take extra care when whipping the cream to monitor for stiff peaks forming.
This copycat Olive Garden strawberry cream cake brings restaurant magic straight to your home kitchen with surprisingly simple techniques.
The combination of tender vanilla layers and luscious strawberry cream creates a dessert that’s both elegant and comforting-perfect for birthdays, holidays, or whenever you’re craving something special.
Now that you know how to make Olive Garden strawberry cream cake from scratch, you can enjoy this beloved dessert anytime without leaving home.
Give this recipe a try and watch it become your new go-to celebration cake that friends and family will request again and again!
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