Strawberry Vanilla Cake
There’s something undeniably enchanting about the combination of strawberries and vanilla. The sweet, juicy tang of fresh strawberries melds perfectly with the warm, aromatic essence of vanilla, creating a symphony of flavors that delight the senses. Imagine slicing into a strawberry vanilla cake, where layers of moist vanilla sponge are interlaced with luscious strawberry filling and topped with creamy vanilla frosting. This cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience—a strawberry and vanilla layer cake that brings joy to any gathering. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or simply indulging in a homemade treat, this easy strawberry vanilla cake recipe will guide you through creating a masterpiece that’s both impressive and irresistibly delicious.
Table of Contents
Ingredients Table
To embark on this baking adventure, gather the following ingredients. This comprehensive list ensures you have everything needed for both the cake and the frosting.
For the Cake:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups |
| Baking powder | 2 ½ teaspoons |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup (2 sticks), softened |
| Granulated sugar | 2 cups |
| Large eggs | 4 |
| Pure vanilla extract | 1 tablespoon |
| Whole milk | 1 cup |
| Fresh strawberries | 2 cups, chopped |
For the Strawberry Filling:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh strawberries | 2 cups, chopped |
| Granulated sugar | ¼ cup |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Cornstarch | 2 tablespoons |
| Water | 2 tablespoons |
For the Vanilla Frosting:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup (2 sticks), softened |
| Powdered sugar | 4 cups |
| Pure vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons |
| Heavy cream | 2-3 tablespoons |
Step-by-Step Instructions
This homemade strawberry vanilla dessert is crafted in stages to ensure each component is perfect. Follow these detailed steps to create a cake that looks professional and tastes heavenly.
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Filling
- Combine Ingredients – In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice.
- Cook the Mixture – Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Create the Thickening Mix – In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and water until it’s fully smooth.
- Simmer Until Thickened – Add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly until the filling reaches a thick consistency.
- Cool Completely – Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
Step 2: Bake the Vanilla Cake Layers
- Heat the Oven – Set your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat. Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans. If you only have two pans, you can bake in batches.
- Blend Dry Ingredients – In a medium bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar – In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until it reaches a light and fluffy texture, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla – Add the eggs to the butter mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the pure vanilla extract.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Milk – Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the whole milk. Start with the dry ingredients, add the milk in between, and finish with the remaining dry ingredients, mixing just enough to blend without overworking the batter.
- Add Strawberries – Gently fold in the chopped fresh strawberries to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
- Portion and Bake – Pour the batter equally into the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
- Check for Doneness – The cakes are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center pulls out clean. After baking, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to finish cooling.
Step 3: Prepare the Vanilla Frosting
- Beat the Butter – In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter until creamy.
- Incorporate Powdered Sugar – Add powdered sugar gradually, about a cup at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition.
- Add Vanilla and Cream – Mix in the pure vanilla extract. Add heavy cream gradually until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
- Finish Beating – Continue beating the frosting for an additional 2-3 minutes until it is light and fluffy.
Step 4: Assemble the Strawberry Vanilla Layer Cake
- Trim the Cake Layers – If needed, use a serrated knife to trim the tops of the cooled cakes for a more uniform look.
- Add the First Layer – Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous amount of the cooled strawberry filling over this layer, making sure it covers the top evenly.
- Repeat with Second Layer – Add the second cake layer on top of the filling, and spread more strawberry filling over it.
- Top Layer – Place the third cake layer on top.
- Crumb Coat – Apply a thin layer of vanilla frosting over the entire cake to lock in crumbs. This first layer is called the crumb coat. Refrigerate the cake for about 15-20 minutes to set this layer.
- Final Frosting – After the crumb coat has set, use the remaining frosting to generously cover the top and sides of the cake.
- Decorate with Strawberries – Add fresh strawberries to the top and around the base of the cake as desired.
Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Vanilla Cake
- Room Temperature Ingredients – Allow all refrigerated ingredients to reach room temperature before you begin. This ensures a smoother batter and a more even result.
- Measure Flour Correctly – Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off, rather than scooping directly from the bag. This helps prevent a dense cake.
- Avoid Overmixing – To keep the cake light, mix the batter only until the ingredients are combined.
- Refrigerate Before Cutting – For cleaner, neater slices, chill the assembled cake for about an hour before cutting.
- Stabilize Whipped Cream (Optional) – If you prefer whipped cream frosting, you can stabilize it by adding a teaspoon of unflavored gelatin dissolved in water, which helps the cream retain its shape for longer.
Variations to Try
- Add a Chocolate Drizzle – Drizzle melted chocolate over the top for a delicious twist.
- Incorporate Lemon Zest – Add lemon zest to the batter for a citrusy note that complements the strawberries.
- Use Almond Extract – Replace part of the vanilla extract in the frosting with almond extract for a subtle, nutty flavor.
- Mixed Berry Filling – Add raspberries or blueberries to the filling for a mixed berry flavor.
Nutritional Information
This cake is an indulgence best enjoyed in moderation. Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per slice (assuming 12 slices):
- Calories: 550
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
- Sodium: 220mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 75g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 55g
- Protein: 6g
Note: These values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make this strawberry vanilla cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cake layers and strawberry filling in advance. Wrap cooled layers tightly in plastic wrap and keep at room temperature. Store the filling in the fridge. Assemble the cake and apply frosting on the day of serving.
2. How should I store leftovers of this homemade strawberry vanilla dessert?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The fresh strawberries and cream frosting need to stay cool for freshness.
3. Can I use frozen strawberries in this easy strawberry vanilla cake recipe?
Fresh strawberries are recommended, but if you’re using frozen, thaw and pat them dry to remove excess moisture.
4. Can this cake be made gluten-free?
Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Be sure to check all ingredients for gluten-free certification.
5. Can I use a different frosting?
Certainly! Cream cheese frosting or stabilized whipped cream both complement the flavors in this strawberry vanilla cake beautifully.
6. How do I keep my cake from becoming too dense?
Ensure proper flour measurement and avoid overmixing the batter to maintain a light texture. Creaming butter and sugar well also helps create a lighter cake.
7. What if I only have one or two cake pans?
Bake in batches if necessary. Allow pans to cool before reuse, and keep the remaining batter covered at room temperature.
8. Can I add food coloring for a pink tint?
Yes, adding a few drops of red food coloring can enhance the strawberry theme.
Conclusion
This strawberry and vanilla layer cake is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to enjoy the art of baking and sharing a delightful creation with others. The balanced flavors of sweet strawberries and warm vanilla create a cake that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, this easy strawberry vanilla cake recipe is accessible and rewarding. The next time you’re looking for a homemade strawberry vanilla dessert that’s sure to impress, this cake is an ideal choice. Put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake something truly memorable.
