Strawberry Vanilla Cake

Name: Strawberry Vanilla Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup milk; 3 large eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Sugar & Spice Desserts

This delightful Strawberry Vanilla Cake combines the sweet flavors of fresh strawberries with a light and airy vanilla sponge. Perfect for any occasion!

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-12-10T17:06:21.124Z

This Strawberry Vanilla Cake is a showstopper dessert that is sure to impress your guests. With layers of fluffy vanilla cake and fresh strawberry filling, it's a perfect treat for birthdays, anniversaries, or just a sweet indulgence.

        Why You'll Love This Cake
        The fresh strawberries add a burst of flavor and color.
Light and fluffy vanilla cake that melts in your mouth.
A beautiful centerpiece for any celebration.
Simple ingredients that create a stunning dessert.

      

The Perfect Balance of Flavors

This Strawberry Vanilla Cake is an exquisite balance of flavors that will delight your taste buds. The sweetness of fresh strawberries perfectly complements the rich, creamy vanilla sponge. Each bite offers a burst of fruity goodness, while the light texture of the cake ensures that it's not overly heavy. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or just enjoying a sunny afternoon, this cake will elevate any occasion with its vibrant colors and delicious taste.

What sets this cake apart is its versatility. You can enjoy it as a simple dessert or dress it up for special events. The combination of fresh strawberries and airy vanilla cake creates a delightful experience that’s both satisfying and refreshing. Plus, the stunning presentation makes it a showstopper on any dessert table, inviting guests to indulge and savor every slice.

Baking Tips for Success

To achieve the best results with this Strawberry Vanilla Cake, ensure that all your ingredients are at room temperature. This helps to create a smoother batter and better incorporation of the ingredients. Additionally, be careful not to overmix the batter after adding the flour, as this can lead to a denser cake. Mix until just combined for that perfect light and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.

When baking, always preheat your oven fully before placing the cakes inside. This ensures even baking and helps the cakes rise properly. Keep an eye on the cakes in the last few minutes of baking; every oven is different, and you want to catch them at the perfect moment to prevent overbaking.

Serving Suggestions

This Strawberry Vanilla Cake is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it even further with some creative serving suggestions. Consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a truly indulgent treat. Fresh mint leaves can also add a refreshing touch when garnishing your slices, enhancing both flavor and presentation.

For those looking to add a bit more flair, drizzle a homemade strawberry sauce over each slice. Simply blend fresh strawberries with a touch of sugar and lemon juice for a vibrant sauce that complements the cake beautifully. This extra step will not only enhance the flavor but also make your dessert visually appealing.

Ingredients

Cake Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup milk
3 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt

Strawberry Filling

2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice

Frosting

1 cup heavy cream
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Make sure to use fresh strawberries for the best flavor!

Instructions

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the creamed mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.

Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between two greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Strawberry Filling

In a medium bowl, combine sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let sit for about 15 minutes until the strawberries release their juices.

Prepare the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the strawberry filling on top, then add a layer of whipped frosting. Place the second cake layer on top and repeat with remaining strawberry filling and frosting.

Decorate with additional strawberries if desired.

Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to set the frosting.

Storage Tips

This Strawberry Vanilla Cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep it longer, consider refrigerating it, where it will stay fresh for about a week. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving, as it tastes best when slightly warm.

If you happen to have leftovers, you can freeze the cake as well. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months, allowing you to enjoy this delicious dessert whenever the craving strikes.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with different fruit fillings to personalize your cake. Raspberries, blueberries, or peaches can be wonderful alternatives to strawberries, each bringing its unique flavor profile. You could also create a mixed berry filling for a delightful twist that showcases a medley of seasonal fruits.

For a richer flavor, consider adding a layer of chocolate ganache between the cake layers or incorporating a hint of almond extract into the batter. These small changes can create a completely new cake experience while still keeping the essence of your original Strawberry Vanilla Cake.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but fresh strawberries will provide a better texture and flavor.

→ How do I store the cake?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cakes a day in advance and assemble them when ready to serve.

→ Is this cake suitable for vegan diets?

This recipe is not vegan, but you can substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk and butter for a vegan version.