Best Vanilla Strawberry Cake Recipe – Your New Family Favorite
This Vanilla Strawberry Cake recipe is everything you want in a dessert: light, fluffy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor! Whether you’re preparing it for a family celebration, a holiday, or just an everyday treat, this cake will become your go-to indulgence. The combination of moist vanilla layers and sweet strawberries makes for a picture-perfect dessert that’s as delicious as it looks. Don’t forget the creamy, dreamy vanilla frosting that seals the deal. Ready to bake your way to happiness?
Not only is this Vanilla Strawberry Cake a showstopper in presentation, but its flavor profile hits all the right notes—delicate vanilla paired with bursts of fresh strawberry in every bite. Let’s walk you through how to create this delectable masterpiece step by step.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: Sweet vanilla with bursts of juicy strawberry.
- Texture: Light, fluffy layers combined with creamy frosting.
- Aroma: Warm vanilla and fresh, fruity strawberry scents.
- Visual Appeal: Vibrant layers accented with fresh strawberry garnish.
- Skill Level Needed: Moderate; relies on classic baking techniques.
- Special Equipment: Mixer, spatula, and two 9-inch round cake pans.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: Moderate—the batter and frosting are simple but require attention to detail for perfect results.
- Category: Dessert or special treat for celebrations.
- Cuisine: Classic American with fresh, seasonal twists.
- Cost: Affordable with readily available ingredients like flour, sugar, and strawberries.
- Season: Best during strawberry season (spring/summer) but enjoyable year-round!
- Occasion: Perfect for birthdays, showers, anniversaries, or casual family gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Vanilla Strawberry Cake captures the essence of home baking at its finest—it’s comfort food elevated. The subtly sweet vanilla base lets the strawberries shine while still delivering a moist, tender texture that melts in your mouth. The frosting, whipped to perfection, adds a creamy finish without overpowering the flavors. This is a cake that looks and tastes like love in every layer.
Another reason to adore this recipe is its versatility and simplicity. Swap ingredients to make it gluten-free or dairy-free, or add your own spin with flavored frostings or fillings. Plus, it’s a great way to showcase ripe, juicy strawberries in all their seasonal glory. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just indulging with family, this cake is guaranteed to impress.
Ingredient Deep Dive
Fresh Strawberries: The star of the show! Strawberries add natural sweetness and color while balancing the richness with their tartness. Look for bright red, firm fruits without blemishes for the best results. Fresh-picked strawberries in spring or summer will truly make this cake shine.
Pure Vanilla Extract: A high-quality vanilla extract is essential for achieving that rich vanilla flavor. Pure varieties with no artificial additives elevate the taste of the sponge and frosting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much after combining wet and dry ingredients can result in a dense cake. Mix until just combined for a fluffy texture.
- Underbaking: Be sure to check the cake with a toothpick to ensure the center is cooked through.
- Skipping the Cooling Time: Frosting a warm cake will cause the frosting to melt and slide off.
Vanilla Strawberry Cake
Serves: 12 slices
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hour
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- Stand or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 4 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the diced strawberries.
- Divide batter evenly between the pans and bake for 28-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until frosting is silky smooth.
- Once the cakes are cool, frost the first layer, add the second layer, and frost the top and sides. Decorate with fresh strawberries.
Recipe Notes
- You can substitute frozen strawberries for fresh if needed, but thaw and drain them beforehand.
- For extra strawberry flavor, add a strawberry puree layer between the cake layers.
- Store the frosted cake in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other fruits besides strawberries? Yes! Blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches would work well as substitutes.
How do I store leftovers? Cover the cake with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this cake? Absolutely! Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap before frosting and freeze for up to 2 months.
Join the Conversation
Have you tried this Vanilla Strawberry Cake? Share your experience in the comments below or tag us on social media with a photo of your creation. We love seeing your masterpieces! #VanillaStrawberryCake
