The Story & Introduction

Growing up on the beautiful island of Crete, the holidays always filled our home with cozy warmth, delicious aromas, and the kind of laughter that makes memories last forever. I still remember sitting at my grandmother’s wooden table my feet barely touching the floor watching her mix bowls of cream and whisk glossy batters with the same joy every single year. Those moments shaped the way I cook today, and they definitely inspired this Strawberry Peppermint Dessert Cake.

This recipe brings together two flavors I adore: the sweet charm of strawberries and the refreshing sparkle of peppermint. It’s that playful balance between fruity brightness and cool holiday magic that makes this Strawberry Peppermint Dessert Cake such a showstopper. Every bite tastes like winter kissed spring, and I love how it brings people together especially the women in my family who have always shared love through food.

Whenever I make this Strawberry Peppermint Dessert Cake, I think of the messy counters, the bowls stacked sky-high, and the excitement of creating something beautiful from scratch. My kitchen isn’t perfect I still drop sugar, overfill pans, and grab the wrong spatula at least twice but that’s what makes cooking fun. It’s the experience, the stories, and the laughter that matter most.

This Strawberry Peppermint Dessert Cake is simple enough for beginners, creative enough for holiday gatherings, and comforting enough to feel like home. If you love festive cakes with fruity flavors, you’re going to adore this one. And honestly? This Strawberry Peppermint Dessert Cake might just become your new December favorite.

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Cake Layers

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup fresh strawberry puree
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup milk
• Optional: a few drops of pink food coloring for brighter layers

For the Peppermint Frosting

• 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened
• 5 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• 1 tsp pure peppermint extract
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Crushed candy canes (for decorating)

For Filling (Optional but delicious!)

• 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries
• ¼ cup strawberry jam

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Strawberry Cake Layers

1. Prepare your pans
   Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans. This helps the layers lift out easily.
2. Mix the dry ingredients
   In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream butter & sugar
   In another bowl, beat the softened butter with the sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Add the oil and mix again.
4. Add eggs and vanilla
   Mix in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla.
5. Stir in the strawberry puree
   The batter will turn a soft pink, and the aroma will be heavenly.
6. Combine dry ingredients + milk
   Add the dry mixture and milk in alternating portions until fully combined.
7. Bake the layers
   Divide the batter among the pans and bake for 22–26 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool completely
   Let the cakes cool before frosting peppermint frosting melts fast on warm cake!

Make the Peppermint Frosting

1. Beat the butter until creamy.
2. Add powdered sugar a cup at a time.
3. Add peppermint extract, vanilla, cream, and salt.
4. Whip for 2–3 minutes until fluffy and smooth.
5. Taste and adjust the peppermint strength if needed (peppermint can be powerful!).

Assemble the Strawberry Peppermint Dessert Cake

1. Place the first cake layer on a stand.
2. Spread a thin layer of frosting.
3. Add chopped strawberries + strawberry jam (optional but incredible!).
4. Add the second layer and repeat.
5. Finish with the third layer.
6. Frost the entire cake with your peppermint buttercream.
7. Decorate with crushed candy canes, fresh strawberries, or festive sprinkles.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve chilled for a refreshing peppermint flavor.
• Add extra strawberry slices on top for a fresh twist.
• Pair with hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or a warm holiday latte.
• Decorate with mini candy canes for a cute Christmas dessert table feature.

🎄 Recipe Card 🎄

⏱ Cooking Time

• Prep: 25 minutes
• Baking: 25 minutes
• Assembly: 15 minutes
• Total: ~65 minutes

🛒 Ingredients

• Strawberry cake ingredients
• Peppermint frosting ingredients
• Optional strawberry filling

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Bake strawberry cake layers.
2. Prepare peppermint frosting.
3. Assemble with optional strawberry filling.
4. Frost, decorate, and chill.

📝 Notes

• Adjust peppermint extract slowly too much becomes overpowering.
• Cake freezes well for up to two months.
• Use room-temperature ingredients for the fluffiest texture.

🍽 Nutrition (Approx. per slice)

• Calories: 420
• Fat: 21g
• Carbs: 55g
• Protein: 4g

100-Word Short Version (Story + Recipe)

Hi, I’m Marilyn from Crete, and this Strawberry Peppermint Dessert Cake is one of my favorite holiday treats. It reminds me of baking with my grandmother messy counters, sweet strawberries, and the cheerful scent of peppermint in the air. This cake combines fluffy strawberry layers with cool, festive peppermint frosting, making every bite feel like a holiday hug. It’s simple, cozy, and perfect for anyone who loves mixing fresh fruit with festive flavors. Just bake the strawberry layers, whip up the peppermint frosting, stack everything together, decorate with crushed candy canes, and enjoy a beautiful dessert that brings people together.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Peppermint Dessert Cake blends fruity sweetness with refreshing holiday charm, making it the perfect centerpiece for your Christmas table. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a cozy night at home, this cake brings together joyful flavors and warm memories. Cooking should feel fun, comforting, and creative just like the moments I shared with my grandmother. I hope this recipe helps you make new memories too. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share the love!