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3-Ingredient Strawberry Cake Filling Recipe for Fresh Flavor

This easy, three-ingredient strawberry cake filling is made with fresh strawberries and thickens naturally—no starch or gelatin needed. It’s an ideal fruit filling for gluten-free cakes and cupcakes when you want bright strawberry flavor and a jam-like texture.

a gluten free vanilla cupcake filled with an easy 3-Ingredient Strawberry Cake Filling. The cupcake is cut open to show the filling and is topped with strawberry frosting and half of a fresh strawberry.

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I’ll keep this concise: with just three ingredients you can make a naturally thick, flavorful strawberry filling for cakes and cupcakes. This version uses fresh strawberries; I haven’t tested it with frozen berries.

The filling cooks in under 30 minutes but must cool completely before you layer it into cakes or fill cupcakes. It pairs beautifully with gluten-free yellow cake, Victoria sponge, or vanilla cupcakes and is delicious topped with strawberry or strawberry cream cheese frosting.

a gluten free vanilla cupcake filled with an easy 3-Ingredient Strawberry Cake Filling. The cupcake is cut open to show the filling and is topped with strawberry frosting and half of a fresh strawberry.

How to Make Strawberry Cake Filling (Visual Instructions)

strawberries, sugar, and fresh lemon juice in a silver saucepan
Add the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice to a medium saucepan.
cooked strawberries, sugar, and fresh lemon juice in a silver saucepan to make strawberry cake filling
Mash the berries and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
strawberry cake filling cooked in a silver saucepan with some on a white silicone spatula to show how thickened it is.
Cook 25–30 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture reaches a thick, jam-like consistency.

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a gluten free vanilla cupcake filled with an easy 3-Ingredient Strawberry Cake Filling. The cupcake is cut open to show the filling and is topped with strawberry frosting and half of a fresh strawberry.

Strawberry Cake Filling with Fresh Strawberries

This easy 3-ingredient strawberry cake filling uses fresh strawberries and thickens naturally without starch or gelatin—perfect for gluten-free cakes and cupcakes.
Prep Time: 5
Cook Time: 25
Total Time: 30
Servings: 12
By: Sharon Lachendro

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Ingredients

  • 1 pound Fresh Strawberries, hulled and quartered
  • 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice

Instructions

  • Add the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice to a medium saucepan and heat over medium.
    strawberries, sugar, and fresh lemon juice in a silver saucepan
  • Use a potato masher to crush the berries until the mixture is mostly smooth with a few small chunks remaining.
  • Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring often, for 25–30 minutes until the filling becomes thick and jam-like. Stir frequently to prevent sticking or burning.
    cooked strawberries, sugar, and fresh lemon juice in a silver saucepan to make strawberry cake filling
  • Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely; it will set and thicken further as it cools.
    strawberry cake filling cooked in a silver saucepan with some on a white silicone spatula to show how thickened it is.
  • Once cool, refrigerate until ready to use.

Recommended Products

Medium Saucepan
Potato Masher
Wood Spoon

Nutrition Information

Calories: 28kcal
| Carbohydrates: 7g
| Protein: 0.3g
| Fat: 0.1g

Disclaimers

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary; consult a professional for specific dietary needs.


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