Birthdays are special moments meant to celebrate life, joy, and love. What better way to add a pop of color and flavor to the occasion than with a delightful pink birthday cake? This recipe isn’t just about creating a dessert—it’s about crafting memories and sharing something truly special. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to bake a perfect pink cake
What Exactly Is a Pink Birthday Cake?
At its core, a pink birthday cake is a vanilla or strawberry-flavored sponge cake tinted with a soft pink hue and topped with creamy frosting. The color symbolizes joy and festivity, making it a favorite for parties and celebrations. Unlike traditional cakes, this recipe takes it up a notch with real strawberry puree and a light, tangy frosting that’s as wholesome as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Pink Birthday Cake
There’s something undeniably charming about a pink birthday cake. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a centerpiece that elevates your celebration. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Visually Stunning: The vibrant pink hue is perfect for birthdays, bridal showers, or any event that calls for something extra special.
- Bursting with Flavor: Fresh strawberries add a natural sweetness that’s balanced by the tangy frosting.
- Healthier Options: You can adapt this recipe to be gluten-free, lower in sugar, or even vegan, making it a versatile choice for all your guests.
Ingredients for the Perfect Pink Birthday Cake
Every great cake begins with quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this showstopper to life:
For the Cake:
- 8 ounces strawberries make ¾ cup of strawberry pureé
- 1 and ½ cups oat flour*
- ¼ cup tapioca flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar of choice* see notes
- 1 and ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs at room temperature
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- 2 and ½ teaspoons strawberry extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon pink gel food coloring optional
For the Frosting:
- 8 ounces light cream cheese
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla-flavored)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (or powdered erythritol for a sugar-free option)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons strawberry extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pink gel food coloring (optional)
How to Make Pink Birthday Cake
Creating this cake is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps to ensure your masterpiece turns out perfectly.
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat and Prepare: Heat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper, then grease it lightly.
- Make the Puree: Wash, hull, and blend fresh strawberries until smooth. You’ll need ¾ cup of puree for the recipe.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together oat flour, tapioca flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk eggs, coconut oil, strawberry puree, strawberry extract, vanilla extract, and optional pink gel food coloring.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Slowly mix the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 30–34 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Frosting
- Using a stand or handheld mixer, beat the cream cheese and Greek yogurt until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the powdered sugar, lemon juice, strawberry extract, vanilla extract, and optional pink food coloring. Mix until well combined.
- Cover the frosting and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before using.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Once the cake has cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top and sides. Decorate with fresh strawberries, sprinkles, or edible flowers for an extra festive touch.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Pink Birthday Cake
Room Temperature Ingredients:
For the best results, make sure your eggs and coconut oil are at room temperature before adding them to the batter. Room-temperature ingredients blend together more evenly, helping you achieve a smooth, lump-free batter. This also helps the cake rise properly, ensuring a light and fluffy texture. To quickly bring eggs and coconut oil to room temperature, simply set them out for 15-20 minutes before starting your recipe.
Make Your Own Oat Flour:
If you want to save money or don’t have oat flour on hand, making your own is an easy and cost-effective solution. Simply blend rolled oats in a high-speed blender until they turn into fine, powdery flour. This method not only guarantees you have fresh, gluten-free flour but also gives you control over the texture and consistency. Store any leftover homemade oat flour in an airtight container for future use.
Chill Your Frosting:
To ensure your frosting is thick, smooth, and easy to spread, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before frosting the cake. Chilling the frosting helps it firm up and makes it more manageable when applying it to the cake, preventing it from running or being too soft. This simple step ensures your frosting stays in place, giving your cake a polished and professional look.
Test for Doneness:
A surefire way to know when your cake is ready is by testing it with a toothpick. Insert the toothpick into the center of the cake, and when you pull it out, it should have only a few moist crumbs sticking to it, not raw batter. This ensures your cake is fully baked without being overcooked. Keep in mind that ovens vary, so check the cake a few minutes before the recommended baking time to prevent it from becoming dry.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Batter: Stirring too much can make the cake dense and tough. Mix just until combined.
- Skipping the Chill: Warm frosting can slide off the cake. Always chill it before applying.
- Using Overripe Strawberries: Overripe fruit can make the puree too watery, affecting the cake’s texture.
Variations to Try
- Chocolate Pink Cake: Add a swirl of melted chocolate to the batter for a marbled effect.
- Citrus Infusion: Replace strawberry extract with orange or lemon for a zesty twist.
- Layered Cake: Double the recipe and stack two layers with frosting in between.
Vegan Adaptations for Pink Birthday Cake
If you’re looking to make a vegan version of the pink birthday cake, it’s simple to substitute a few key ingredients to keep it plant-based while maintaining the same delicious taste and texture.
Eggs:
To replace eggs in this recipe, you can use flax eggs. Flax eggs are an excellent binder and provide a similar texture to eggs in baked goods. To make one flax egg, combine 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2½ tablespoons of water. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes to thicken before adding it to the batter in place of each egg.
Dairy:
For the frosting and cake, substitute dairy ingredients with vegan-friendly options. Instead of traditional cream cheese, use vegan cream cheese, which will give you a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture. For Greek yogurt, you can replace it with coconut yogurt, which will maintain the creamy consistency and add a hint of coconut flavor that pairs wonderfully with the strawberry. These simple swaps make it easy to create a delectable vegan pink birthday cake that everyone can enjoy!
Serving Suggestions For Pink Birthday Cake
- Garnish the cake with fresh berries, edible flowers, or colorful sprinkles.
- Pair with a glass of chilled lemonade or sparkling rosé for an elegant touch.
- Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for an indulgent treat.
More Cake recipes you will love!
Equipment
Small mixing bowl
Spoon or whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
FAQ About Pink Birthday Cake
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can absolutely make a gluten-free pink birthday cake! This recipe already incorporates oat flour and tapioca flour, which are naturally gluten-free options. However, it’s important to be vigilant when selecting your ingredients. Some brands of oat flour may be processed in facilities that handle wheat, which could lead to cross-contamination. To ensure your cake is safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, always choose certified gluten-free oat flour and tapioca flour. By doing so, you can enjoy a light, fluffy cake without worrying about gluten.
Is food coloring necessary?
Food coloring isn’t essential to achieve a beautiful pink birthday cake. The recipe uses fresh strawberry puree, which naturally infuses the batter with a soft, pastel pink hue. However, if you’re aiming for a more vibrant and striking pink, adding gel food coloring is an excellent option. Using food coloring allows you to customize the intensity of the color to match the theme of your celebration. Whether you prefer a subtle blush or a bold fuchsia, the choice is entirely up to you. The strawberry flavor remains the star, ensuring the cake is as delicious as it is visually appealing.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries are a convenient alternative for making your pink birthday cake, especially when fresh strawberries are out of season. To use frozen strawberries effectively, let them thaw completely before blending them into a puree. It’s important to drain any excess liquid from the thawed strawberries to maintain the correct consistency of the batter. Too much moisture from the strawberries can make the batter too runny, affecting the cake’s texture and structure. With a bit of preparation, frozen strawberries work just as well as fresh ones, delivering the same sweet, fruity flavor to your cake.
How do I ensure the cake stays moist?
Keeping your pink birthday cake moist involves a few key steps. First, avoid overbaking the cake. Baking for too long can dry out the sponge, so be sure to check for doneness using a toothpick or cake tester. When the toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs (not raw batter), the cake is ready to come out of the oven. Another crucial factor is accurately measuring the strawberry puree. Too little puree can leave the cake dry, while too much can make it overly dense. Stick to the recipe’s specified amount to maintain the ideal moisture balance. By following these tips, you’ll achieve a perfectly moist and tender cake every time.
Simple pink birthday cake
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 8 ounces strawberries make ¾ cup of strawberry pureé
- 1 and ½ cups oat flour*
- ¼ cup tapioca flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar of choice* see notes
- 1 and ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs at room temperature
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- 2 and ½ teaspoons strawberry extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon pink gel food coloring optional
For the Frosting:
- 8 ounces light cream cheese
- 1 cup Greek yogurt plain or vanilla-flavored
- ½ cup powdered sugar or powdered erythritol for a sugar-free option
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons strawberry extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pink gel food coloring optional
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat and Prepare: Heat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper, then grease it lightly.
- Make the Puree: Wash, hull, and blend fresh strawberries until smooth. You’ll need ¾ cup of puree for the recipe.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together oat flour, tapioca flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk eggs, coconut oil, strawberry puree, strawberry extract, vanilla extract, and optional pink gel food coloring.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Slowly mix the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 30–34 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Frosting
- Using a stand or handheld mixer, beat the cream cheese and Greek yogurt until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the powdered sugar, lemon juice, strawberry extract, vanilla extract, and optional pink food coloring. Mix until well combined.
- Cover the frosting and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before using.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Once the cake has cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top and sides. Decorate with fresh strawberries, sprinkles, or edible