The Best And Easy Homemade Strawberry Cake Filling strikes the ideal combination of tartness and sweetness. It has a delicious texture and provides a zesty flavour. It is produced by cooking ripe strawberries with cornstarch, water, sugar, and lemon juice until thickened.

This homemade strawberry filling elevates your cake recipes to a new level and won't disappoint you. You can make a batch faster than it takes to get a parking space at the supermarket because it's so easy to make.
The best part is that you only need a few ingredients: salt, cornstarch, lemon juice, white sugar, and strawberries. There is no preference here; fresh and frozen strawberries will work perfectly!
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Recipe
One of my favorite dessert decorating ideas is this one. It may be utilized in a multitude of ways and is really quick and simple.
- Simple and quick: All it takes to get started is a little whisking, mixing, simmering, and stirring. With this simple strawberry cake filling, you'll look like an expert.
- Throughout the year: Despite being a fruit that grows well in warm climates, this filling works just as well with frozen berries as it does with fresh ones. Thus, you can take pleasure in it throughout the year. Just ensure your taste senses are ready for a return to the dazzling summertime.
- Adaptable: This strawberry filling can be used to top ice cream sundaes, fill cakes, and top pancakes, among other things. There are countless options.
- Not very sweet: I adore how this luscious filling is enhanced with lemon juice. It perfectly balances out an otherwise sweet mixture by adding a little acidity.
- Taste: The strawberries add a sweet, somewhat tart flavour that goes well with chocolate and vanilla cakes. Fresh, sweet, and slightly tart strawberry taste abounds in this filling.
- Natural ingredients: No artificial additives or preservatives are used in this recipe; it just calls for natural ingredients like sugar and fresh strawberries.
Main Ingredients
With just four ingredients, it's a simple recipe. The filling stays between the layers of your cake since it is thick and sets like a dream.
- Fresh strawberries: I used fresh strawberries. Since fresh strawberries usually have the finest flavour, I like to use them. For this recipe, frozen strawberries can alternatively be used. Cut the water in half if using freezing, and add more as necessary.
- Sugar: I use granulated sugar. For this recipe, regular white granulated sugar works well. With no additional taste nuances, white sugar adds a lot of sweetness. Brown sugar is another option to add more flavour to the strawberry combination. If you prefer more natural sweetness over white sugar, honey and maple syrup are excellent choices.
- Lemon Juice: Use fresh lemon for the strongest, tartest taste. It won't have the same impact as bottled lemon juice, so don't use it. Enhances the filling's colour and partially counteracts the sugar and berry taste. Replace the lemon with orange juice for a sweeter, less acidic flavour.
- Cornstarch: To make the filling thicker. The ideal method for adding cornstarch to the filling is to create a slurry by mixing a little amount of water with the cornstarch and then adding it.
- Water: A tiny bit of water must be added to the recipe initially, but the fruit will release the remainder while it cooks. Later on, you can add more water if necessary. You risk cooking it down if you use too much water.
- Vanilla: Add a little vanilla essence or vanilla bean for a little more sweetness.
How To Make This Delicious Strawberry Filling
- Chop the strawberries finely, then strain the juice.
- In a small bowl, combine the water and cornstarch. Using a spoon, stir until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and a slurry forms. Put aside.
- Add the sugar, lemon juice, and strawberries to a large skillet and mix thoroughly. Put the strawberries on a medium heat and turn on the gas. Bring the mixture to a boil after 4–5 minutes of cooking.
- Using one hand, slowly add the slurry while using the other to continuously mix the filling. It will begin to thicken the strawberry filling. After a minute of cooking, turn off the heat. It should have a thick consistency rather than being watery.
- The filling should then be moved to a bowl, covered, and refrigerated to cool fully. When it has cooled fully, it will become slightly thicker.
- The filling should then be moved to a bowl, covered, and refrigerated to cool fully. When it has cooled fully, it will become somewhat thicker.
- Keep your strawberry cake filling in the refrigerator for up to a week in an airtight container.
- Enjoy!
Pro Tips For Success
- Consistency: Reduce the amount of mashing if you like a chunkier filling. You may purée the ingredients or use an immersion blender for a smoother filling.
- Keep an eye on the heat: To avoid burning, stir the mixture frequently as it cooks. Also, cooking times will differ depending on your heat source, so you must constantly check it.
- Cool before using: Before use, allow the ingredients to cool fully; otherwise, the cakes or cupcakes may get soggy.
- Add a little vanilla essence or vanilla bean for a little more sweetness.
Variations and Substitutions
- To add some spiciness, add a cinnamon stick while the strawberries are cooking and remove it when they are done.
- Add flavours: For a distinctive taste, add some fresh mint sprigs.
- I enjoy making this recipe with fresh strawberries. You can, however, use frozen strawberries; thaw them before using them.
- Alternatively, defrost your strawberries in the pot before adding the remaining ingredients.
- Lemon juice, fresh or in a container, can give your strawberry sauce a little acidity. It also makes it taste fresher!
- For this recipe, you can use either caster or granulated white sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions
A few basic ingredients—strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, water, and cornstarch—are used to make this filling.
Making a cornstarch slurry is the finest technique to thicken a strawberry filling. Put two tablespoons of water and two teaspoons of cornstarch in a small mixing basin. Add it right away to the filling after thoroughly mixing.
Yes, this filling should be kept in the refrigerator as it is a perishable food item.
This filling is rich, but I've never seen any problems with it being wet and seeping into the cake layers. Before attempting to utilize the filling, just make sure the cake is fully cooled. To make sure everything has cooled fully, I prefer to prepare the cake layers and filling the day before assembly.
How to Use Strawberry Filling
- As a cake filling: This strawberry cake filling is ideal for layer cakes and cupcakes. I used it on a delicious vanilla cake, lemon cake, and even a white chocolate cake.
- Pie or pie filling: Spread it on a pastry shell, then top with fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
- Desserts: There are countless alternatives for desserts. Serve as a side dish with traditional pound cake, atop ice cream sandwiches, or as a cheesecake topping.
Storage
Refrigerate: Store the homemade strawberry filling in an airtight jar for three to four days. Because this is not a canning recipe, remember that even if your airtight container is a mason jar, it will only last three to four days.
Freeze: After the filling is fully chilled, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the freezer for up to three months or in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before using it, let the filling defrost in the fridge if you freeze it.
If you tried this Best And Easy Homemade Strawberry Cake Filling or any other recipe on my website, please feel free to leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. And remember to tag me on Instagram!
More Delicious Sauces
- Easy Homemade Buffalo Sauce
- 15 Minute Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- 5-Minute Homemade Boom Boom Sauce Recipe
- Sweet And Spicy Honey Sriracha Sauce (5-Minute Recipe!)
- Quick Homemade Mayonnaise With Avocado Oil
- Quick Mayonnaise Recipe From Scratch! Only 4 Ingredients (2-min)
- Cottage Cheese Ranch Dressing (High Protein Low Calorie Ranch)
Recipe
The BEST and Easy Homemade Strawberry Cake Filling
INGREDIENTS
- 2 ½ cups fresh strawberries
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla optional
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ cup water
INSTRUCTIONS
- Chop the strawberries finely, then strain the juice.
- In a small bowl, combine the water and cornstarch. Using a spoon, stir until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and a slurry forms. Put aside.
- Mix thoroughly with the sugar, lemon juice, and strawberries in a large skillet. Put the strawberries on a medium heat and turn on the gas. Bring the mixture to a boil after 4–5 minutes of cooking.
- Using one hand, slowly add the slurry while using the other to mix the filling continuously. It will begin to thicken the strawberry filling. After a minute of cooking, turn off the heat. It should have a thick consistency rather than being watery.
- The filling should then be moved to a bowl, covered, and refrigerated to cool fully. When it has cooled fully, it will become slightly thicker.
- The filling should then be moved to a bowl, covered, and refrigerated to cool fully. When it has cooled fully, it will become somewhat thicker.
- Keep your strawberry cake filling in the refrigerator for up to a week in an airtight container.
- Enjoy!
NOTES
- Storage Instructions: You may keep leftover cake filling in the refrigerator for up to five days in an airtight container.
- For two to three months, freeze in an airtight jar.
- For this dish, fresh lemon juice works better than bottled lemon juice.
Ruby Lee says
Wow, this recipe has me dreaming of summer treats! The fact that you can use both fresh and frozen strawberries makes it so versatile. I’m definitely going to try this in cupcakes for my next baking session.
Adriana Miles says
'Homemade' always wins for me, and this strawberry filling looks amazing! It's not just a cake filler; imagining it on pancakes or even in ice cream makes me want to dive right in. What a treat!
Sophia Reed says
This strawberry cake filling sounds absolutely divine! I love how simple it is to whip up with fresh strawberries. Can't wait to try it on my next layer cake and impress my friends at the next gathering.
Adeline Fisher says
This strawberry cake filling is a perfect addition to any dessert table! I appreciate that it’s healthier than store-bought options too. I can't wait to use it in my Sunday brunch recipes; it's going to be a hit!
Ivy Russell says
'Delightful' is the perfect word for this recipe! Fresh strawberries paired with lemon juice? That sounds like summer in a jar. I'm looking forward to trying it in some marbled cakes soon—what an inspired idea!
Helena Murphy says
I adore how you’ve broken down this recipe into simple steps! The combination of sweet strawberries and lemon juice must create such a refreshing taste. I can already imagine it layered between fluffy cakes—delicious!
Erika Parker says
Yum, who knew making strawberry filling could be so straightforward? This would be perfect for entertaining guests or just indulging myself on a quiet afternoon. I'll definitely keep this recipe handy for all future dessert creations!
Holly Sanders says
This strawberry filling looks so easy to make and bursting with flavor! I love the idea of using it for tarts as well. It’s such a versatile option that can elevate any dessert—I'm excited to experiment!
Jocelyn Coleman says
I’m all about homemade fillings, and this strawberry one seems like a winner! It’s great to know that I can control the ingredients too. Plus, pairing it with pancakes or ice cream sounds like pure bliss!
Abigail Reed says
I love how simple this recipe is! Fresh strawberries and just a few ingredients make it sound so approachable. Plus, who doesn't love a homemade treat that you can customize?
Helena Murphy says
This looks like the ultimate treat for dessert lovers! I can already see myself using it in cupcakes and as a topping for ice cream. It’s going to be a hit at my next dinner party!
Erika Parker says
Yum, I'm a huge fan of anything strawberry! This filling sounds perfect for summer desserts. I think I'll definitely give it a go for my next gathering!
Frances Rose says
'Pairs perfectly with practically any dish'—yes! I'm thinking about layering this in some vanilla cupcakes for a little surprise inside. So excited to try it out!
Nina Foster says
'Control your ingredients' is music to my ears! I can't stand the overly sweet stuff from stores. This homemade version sounds so much healthier and delicious!
Lillian Torres says
Homemade strawberry filling? Yes, please! I love that you can control the sweetness—store-bought ones are always so sugary. Excited to make this from scratch!
Dakota Bradley says
This strawberry filling sounds absolutely delightful! I can already imagine how great it would be in a layered cake or even just on pancakes for breakfast. Can't wait to try it out!
Jasmine Bell says
'Thickening with cornstarch' is such a clever tip! I appreciate the detailed steps; it makes me feel confident that I can nail this recipe on my first try.
Peyton Stewart says
'Add some flair to your dessert table'—I couldn't agree more! This strawberry filling will be the star of my next brunch spread, especially on pancakes and waffles.