Craving a delightful dessert that bursts with the flavors of fresh strawberries and velvety vanilla? Look no further than this strawberry vanilla cake recipe. Originating back in 2013, this classic treat has stood the test of time, evolving into a luscious creation that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the richness of vanilla.
Inspired by the essence of summer and the vibrant hues of ripe strawberries, this cake is a celebration of seasonal delights. The moist vanilla layers, filled with real strawberry jam, and frosted with a delectable strawberry buttercream, create a symphony of flavors in every bite. If you’re a fan of strawberries, this cake is a must-try for any occasion.
With each slice embodying the essence of a perfect summer day, this strawberry vanilla cake is a true crowd-pleaser that promises a burst of fruity freshness in every mouthful.
Ingredients
For the Vanilla Cake
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Filling
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-4 tbsp heavy cream
Equipment Needed
For this strawberry vanilla cake recipe, you will need the following equipment to prepare and decorate this delightful dessert:
For the Cake:
- Mixing bowls (various sizes)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Sifter
- Cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
For the Frosting:
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Pastry bags and tips
- Offset spatula
- Fresh strawberries
Having these basic baking and decorating tools on hand will make the process of creating this strawberry vanilla cake smooth and enjoyable. Each tool plays a crucial role in ensuring your cake turns out beautifully and tastes as delightful as it looks.
Preparation Steps
Preparing the Ingredients
Before starting the baking process, it is crucial to have all the ingredients measured and prepared. Ensure that the strawberries are washed, hulled, and sliced. Also, have the heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and gelatin (if using) ready for the next steps.
Pre-greasing and Flouring the Cake Pans
To prevent the cake from sticking to the pans, pre-grease them with butter or baking spray thoroughly. Additionally, line the bottom of the pans with parchment paper for easy removal. Dust the pans with flour, ensuring even coverage, to further prevent the cake from sticking. This step ensures that the baked cakes come out effortlessly and perfectly intact for assembling the strawberry vanilla cake.
Baking the Vanilla Cake Layers
To begin making the vanilla cake layers for our delicious strawberry vanilla cake, I recommend following a straightforward yet scrumptious vanilla cake recipe. This recipe will ensure that your cake turns out moist and flavorful, providing the perfect base for the strawberry filling and buttercream frosting.
Ingredients for Vanilla Cake Layers:
- 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare two 8-inch round cake pans by greasing them with butter and lining the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, ensuring that they are well combined.
- In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate air into the batter for a lighter texture.
- Mix in the sour cream, milk, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to avoid a dense cake.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula for an even bake.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
By following these steps precisely, you’ll have beautifully baked and perfectly moist vanilla cake layers ready to be assembled with the luscious strawberry filling and buttercream frosting for a truly delightful strawberry vanilla cake experience.
Creating the Strawberry Filling
To make the delicious strawberry filling for our vanilla cake, we will need to prepare fresh and vibrant strawberries. Here’s how I create the perfect strawberry filling:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Stir gently to coat the strawberries with the sugar.
- Cook the mixture for about 5-7 minutes until the strawberries start to release their juices and the sugar is dissolved.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry.
- Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan with the strawberries while stirring continuously.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly until the filling thickens.
- Once the filling has thickened to your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool completely before using it to assemble the cake.
The strawberry filling adds a burst of fruity flavor and a beautiful vibrant color to our vanilla cake, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Making the Vanilla Frosting
To complement the delightful flavors of the strawberry vanilla cake, the vanilla frosting plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall taste experience. Here’s how I make the luscious and creamy vanilla frosting for this cake:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of Salted Butter, softened
- 4 cups of Powdered Sugar
- 2 teaspoons of Vanilla Extract
- 2-4 tablespoons of Heavy Cream
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened salted butter until creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, while continuing to mix on low speed.
- Pour in the vanilla extract and increase the mixer speed to medium-high, beating until well combined and fluffy.
- To achieve the desired consistency, add the heavy cream one tablespoon at a time and mix until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Once the frosting reaches a spreadable texture, it is ready to be used to frost your strawberry vanilla cake.
- For a bakery-style finish, generously apply the vanilla frosting between the cake layers and on the exterior, creating a smooth and elegant surface.
- You can also get creative with decorating the cake with additional fresh strawberries or edible flowers for a visually stunning presentation.
By following these easy steps, you’ll have a delectable vanilla frosting ready to adorn your strawberry vanilla cake, elevating its taste and visual appeal to a whole new level.
Assembling the Strawberry Vanilla Cake
Now that we have our beautifully baked vanilla cake layers, delicious strawberry filling, and creamy frosting ready, it’s time to assemble our exquisite strawberry vanilla cake. Let’s layer the cake with the flavorful strawberry filling and frost it to perfection.
Layering the Cake and Filling
To start assembling our strawberry vanilla cake, place one cake layer on your cake platter. Top it with a generous amount of strawberries and their juices, then add a dollop of whipped cream frosting. Repeat this process with the second cake layer, adding more strawberries and frosting.
Add the final cake layer but this time, top it with whipped cream first before arranging the strawberries on top. This will create a delightful topping for our vanilla cake with strawberries.
Frosting the Cake
Once all the layers are stacked, it’s time to frost the cake. Spread a generous amount of whipped cream frosting on the sides of the cake, creating a smooth and even finish. For the top of the cake, arrange halved strawberries as desired to create a visually appealing look.
Once the cake is frosted and decorated, refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve. Remember to enjoy this delicious strawberry vanilla cake within 6 hours to savor its freshness and flavors to the fullest.
Advanced Preparation
Before diving into assembling your strawberry vanilla cake, consider these helpful make-ahead tips for preparing the cake layers, strawberry filling, and frosting to streamline your baking process and ensure a flawless dessert.
Make-Ahead Tips for the Cake Layers
To save time on the day of baking, you can prepare the cake layers in advance. Once the layers are baked, allow them to cool completely. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and place them in the freezer for up to several days. Alternatively, you can chill the cake layers in the refrigerator if you plan to assemble the cake within a day.
Make-Ahead Tips for the Strawberry Filling
The strawberry filling can also be made ahead of time to simplify the assembly process. After preparing the filling, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it. The strawberry filling can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring that you have a delicious and freshly made component ready for your cake.
Make-Ahead Tips for the Frosting
For the frosting, you can prepare it in advance to streamline the final steps of assembling the cake. Whip up the frosting according to the recipe, then cover it and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to frost the cake. Having the frosting prepared beforehand allows you to focus on the decorative aspects of the cake without the added stress of making the frosting on the spot.
Storing and Serving
How to Properly Store the Cake
After creating this delectable strawberry vanilla cake, it’s crucial to store it correctly to maintain its freshness and flavors. Due to the cream cheese frosting, the cake should be kept in the refrigerator. For optimal taste, serve it slightly chilled or at room temperature. Keep the cake covered to prevent it from tasting like the fridge. If storing it for more than a few days, place the cake in an airtight container and then into a freezer bag, squeezing out excess air. The cake, along with the strawberries, can last in the fridge for about a week.
Best Practices for Serving
When serving the strawberry vanilla cake, topping it with fresh strawberries adds a delightful touch, enhancing both presentation and taste. If adding strawberries later, ensure they are refrigerated until ready for use. To preserve the cake’s moistness and flavors, cover any cut sections with leftover frosting before storing them in the refrigerator. By following these best practices, you can enjoy the strawberry vanilla cake at its best, ensuring a delightful dessert experience every time.
Conclusion
Creating a strawberry vanilla cake is a delightful experience that combines the freshness of strawberries with the richness of vanilla. From preparing the moist layers to crafting the perfect strawberry jam filling and buttercream frosting, every step contributes to a delicious end result. Advanced preparation tips help streamline the baking process, ensuring a smooth experience from start to finish. Storing the cake properly is key to preserving its taste and texture, whether in the refrigerator or freezer. Serving the cake with fresh strawberries enhances its flavors, while covering cut sections with frosting maintains its moistness. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a scrumptious strawberry vanilla cake that is sure to impress your taste buds and those of your guests.
