Strawberry-Lobster Cake
This whimsical Strawberry Lobster Cake is a playful and charming summer dessert that will impress everyone at your table. A simple sheet cake forms the base, layered with light cream and topped with fresh strawberries arranged in the shape of a lobster — the ultimate showstopper for summer gatherings, garden parties, or festive family dinners.
The idea for this cake came to me when I wanted to create something unique and fun for the warmer months. The lobster shape is completely made from fresh strawberries and creates a beautiful focal point for your dessert table. In Germany, we affectionately call this creation ‘Erdbeer-Hummerkuchen’ — but it’s my own playful twist on a summer cake.
Why you’ll love this Strawberry Lobster Cake
• It’s fun and creative — a true conversation starter.
• You only need simple ingredients: sponge cake, cream, strawberries.
• It’s perfect for beginners — the lobster shape looks impressive, but is easy to arrange.
• Ideal for summer parties, birthdays, or to surprise your guests.
Tips for assembling the lobster
• Choose strawberries of different sizes to create the lobster shape — larger ones for the body, smaller slices for the claws and tail.
• Arrange the strawberries on the cake just before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.
• You can use any sponge or sheet cake as the base — even store-bought if you’re short on time.
Serving suggestions
• Serve the cake slightly chilled on a large wooden board or vintage cake plate for that European country house look.
• Decorate the table with linen napkins, fresh flowers and vintage cutlery for a charming summer setting.
Strawberry-Lobster Cake
Cuisine: DessertDifficulty: Easy12
servings20
minutes50
minutesIngredients
- For the Cake (Sheet Cake):
1 1/3 cups (300 g) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/4 cups (250 g) granulated sugar
1 packet vanilla sugar (or 2 tsp vanilla extract)
5 large eggs
3 1/3 cups (400 g) all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
2/3 cup (150 ml) whole milk
- For the Strawberry Layer:
14 oz (400 g) fresh strawberries
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice
- For the Cream Cheese Buttercream:
3/4 cup + 2 tbsp (200 g) unsalted butter, softened
9 oz (250 g) full-fat cream cheese
1 1/2 cups (180 g) powdered sugar
zest of 1 organic lemon
1–2 tbsp lemon juice
- For the Decoration:
about 12–15 beautiful fresh strawberries
Instructions
- Bake the Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C), top/bottom heat.
- Grease a large baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter, sugar, and vanilla sugar (or vanilla extract) until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix the flour with baking powder. Add to the batter alternately with the milk, mixing until combined.
- Spread the batter evenly onto the baking sheet. Bake for about 25–30 minutes or until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- Prepare the Strawberry Layer:
- Chop the strawberries into small pieces.
- Combine with sugar and lemon juice in a saucepan.
- Cook gently over medium heat for about 5–10 minutes until slightly thickened. Let cool.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Buttercream:
- Beat the butter until very pale and fluffy (at least 5 minutes).
- Add cream cheese, lemon zest, and powdered sugar. Mix briefly until smooth.
- Add lemon juice to taste.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Cut the cake in half horizontally.
- Spread the strawberry mixture over one half of the cake.
- Place the second half on top.
- Frost the entire cake with the cream cheese buttercream.
- Use a piping bag to create a decorative border around the top edge.
- Arrange the Strawberry Lobster:
- Slice the strawberries thinly.
- Arrange the slices in the center of the cake in the shape of a lobster:
• Use large slices for the body.
• Use smaller slices for the claws and legs.
Notes
- If you try this whimsical Strawberry Lobster Cake, I’d love to see your version! Tag me on Pinterest or Instagram — and don’t forget to pin this recipe for later. It’s the perfect playful dessert to brighten up any summer gathering.
If you try this whimsical Strawberry Lobster Cake, I’d love to see your version! Tag me on Pinterest or Instagram — and don’t forget to pin this recipe for later. It’s the perfect playful dessert to brighten up any summer gathering.