There’s something magical about the start of strawberry season in Germany. When markets overflow with bright red berries, it’s time for this beloved cake. For me, Erdbeerkuchen brings back memories of picking strawberries with my mother and assembling this dessert together. The scent of fresh strawberries and vanilla pudding instantly transports me back to those joyful summer afternoons.
While both desserts celebrate strawberries, the German Strawberry Cake is unique. Unlike American strawberry shortcake, which uses sweet biscuits and whipped cream, Erdbeerkuchen starts with a soft sponge base, topped with vanilla pudding and a glossy red glaze. The result is a refreshing, elegant, and less rich dessert that highlights the natural flavor of strawberries.
Erdbeerkuchen is a classic German baking tradition, especially popular from May to July. The combination of sponge cake, pudding, and fresh strawberries became widespread after World War II, thanks to the invention of packaged glazes. Today, you’ll find this cake in every German bakery during strawberry season, and every family has their own treasured version.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round springform pan and line with parchment.
Beat eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy (about 5 minutes). Slowly add oil and vanilla.
Sift together flour and baking powder, then gently fold into the egg mixture.
Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
While the cake cools, make the vanilla pudding according to package instructions. Let it cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally.
Wash, core and cut strawberries in half.
Spread cooled pudding over the sponge base. Arrange strawberries, cut side down, in concentric circles.
Prepare red glaze as directed (or use strawberry Jello with less water). Pour gently over strawberries, covering all fruit.
Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour to set the glaze.
Slice and serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Enjoy with coffee or hot chocolate for the full German experience!
This Classic German Strawberry Cake is the ultimate summer dessert—fresh, light, and bursting with flavor. It’s easy to make, beautiful to serve, and guaranteed to impress. If you try this recipe, please share your photos on Instagram or in the comments below. Happy baking!
This traditional German Strawberry Cake features a light sponge base, creamy vanilla pudding, and a layer of fresh strawberries, all finished with a beautiful red glaze.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until the mixture becomes pale, thick, and airy—this usually takes about 5 minutes with an electric mixer. Gradually blend in the oil and vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, sift the flour and baking powder together. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture, being careful not to deflate the batter.
Pour the finished batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before moving on.
While your sponge base is cooling, prepare the vanilla pudding according to the directions on the package. Once it’s cooked, allow it to cool to room temperature, giving it a gentle stir now and then to prevent a skin from forming.
Once the cake and pudding have cooled, spread the vanilla pudding evenly over the sponge base. Arrange the halved strawberries on top of the pudding, placing them cut side down in neat, concentric circles for a beautiful presentation.
Prepare your red glaze as instructed on the package. Carefully use a table spoon and spoon the glaze over the strawberries, making sure all the fruit is evenly coated.
Refrigerate the cake for at least an hour to allow the glaze to fully set and the flavors to come together.
When you’re ready to serve, slice the cake and add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. Pair with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for the authentic German café experience!
