Print

Strawberry Cake Filling Recipe

5 from 79 reviews

This Strawberry Cake Filling is a luscious, homemade recipe that combines fresh strawberries with a touch of lemon for brightness and a smooth, thick texture achieved through cornstarch. Perfect for enhancing cakes, cupcakes, and pastries with vibrant color and natural fruit sweetness, this filling is both versatile and easy to prepare on the stovetop.

Ingredients

Scale

Strawberry Filling

  • 3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced in half
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1-2 teaspoons water (slurry)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Strawberries: Wash, hull, and chop the fresh strawberries into halves or slightly larger pieces if you prefer a chunkier texture.
  2. Combine Ingredients in Saucepan: Place strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and optional lemon zest into a saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the mixture begins to bubble and the strawberries release their juices.
  3. Simmer the Mixture: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer the mixture for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and encourage even cooking.
  4. Make the Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a little water to create a smooth slurry, ensuring there are no lumps.
  5. Thicken the Filling: Add the cornstarch slurry to the strawberry mixture and stir constantly over medium-low heat to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the filling thickens and coats the back of a spoon, usually a few minutes.
  6. Cool and Store: Remove the filling from heat and allow it to cool completely. It will continue to thicken as it cools. Use immediately in cakes, cupcakes, or pastries, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few days.

Notes

  • Using fresh strawberries gives the best flavor, but frozen strawberries can be used if fresh are not available.
  • Adjust sugar amount based on the sweetness of your strawberries and personal preference.
  • Lemon zest is optional but adds a bright, citrusy note that enhances the strawberry flavor.
  • To avoid lumps, ensure the cornstarch slurry is fully dissolved before adding and stir continuously once added.
  • This filling can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.

Keywords: strawberry filling, cake filling, strawberry sauce, homemade cake filling, fruit filling, dessert filling