The Strawberry Vanilla Marble Cake recipe is a soft, moist dessert that blends sweet strawberry flavor with smooth vanilla, baked into a beautifully marbled cake.
Inspired by My Baking Addiction, this Strawberry Vanilla Marble Cake is incredibly delicious and has become a go-to treat in my kitchen. I’ve made this recipe more than five times now, and every single time it disappears fast.
I created a bakery-style version the first time, then slowly added my own twist more strawberry flavor in the batter and an extra creamy vanilla topping.
Now I’m going to walk through how I make this Strawberry Vanilla Marble Cake step-by-step, just the way I do it.
Quick And Easy Strawberry Vanilla Marble Cake
Strawberry Vanilla Marble Cake has a light, fluffy texture with a sweet and smooth vanilla flavor swirled through a bright, fruity strawberry taste.
The strawberry brings a gentle tang, while the vanilla adds a creamy, mellow touch. Together, they create a soft, moist cake that melts in your mouth.
The whipped topping adds a cool, silky finish that makes each bite feel fresh. It’s quick to make, easy to love, and delivers a homemade taste that feels both comforting and fun.
This Strawberry Vanilla Marble Cake brings out the best of both flavors in a way that’s simple but full of flavor.
How To Prepare Strawberry Vanilla Marble Cake?
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 40 minutes
Course: Dessert
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American
Yield: 5 servings
Kitchen Utensils
- 2 mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric mixer or whisk
- 9×13-inch baking dish (or two 9-inch cake pans)
- Spatula
- Knife (for marbling)
- Wire cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 package (3.5 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 envelope (1.3 oz) whipped topping mix (like Dream Whip)
- 1 package (3 oz) strawberry-flavored gelatin (Jell-O)
- 1 box (15.25 oz) marble cake mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or two 9-inch round cake pans, depending on your preference.
2. Prepare the cake mix according to the directions on the package. Pour half the batter into the prepared baking dish. To the remaining batter, gently swirl in the strawberry gelatin powder (just the dry powder, do not dissolve it).
3. Pour the strawberry batter over the vanilla layer and gently swirl them together with a knife to create the marble effect. Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This will take about 30 minutes. You want the cake to be completely cooled before topping it.
5. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture thickens slightly (about 2 minutes). Set aside.
6. In a separate bowl, prepare the whipped topping mix according to the package directions (usually involves whipping it with cold milk). Once fluffy, fold it gently into the vanilla pudding mixture until smooth and creamy.
7. Spread the whipped vanilla topping over the cooled cake evenly using a spatula. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld together and the topping set nicely.
Nutrition Facts Of Strawberry Vanilla Marble Cake
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 270 |
| Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Sugar | 28g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sodium | 320mg |
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Vanilla Marble Cake
You’ll love this Strawberry Vanilla Marble Cake because the flavor is rich, the texture stays soft, and the color makes it stand out on the table.
The strawberry brings a fun, fruity twist that pairs beautifully alongside the mellow sweetness of vanilla. The marbled pattern looks like something from a bakery, but the process is easy enough for anyone to try at home.
The creamy whipped topping adds a cool, smooth layer that finishes it off just right. This Strawberry Vanilla Marble Cake has a way of disappearing fast, and once you try it, you’ll probably end up making it more than once.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy the Strawberry Vanilla Marble Cake as a delicious dessert on its own or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Adding fresh strawberries or a drizzle of strawberry sauce enhances the fruity flavor.
A cup of hot tea or coffee complements the cake nicely, making Strawberry Vanilla Marble Cake a lovely option for afternoon treats or after-dinner sweets.
Cutting the cake into squares works well for informal settings, while neat wedges are great for serving guests at parties. This cake’s balance of flavors and texture makes it a favorite for any occasion.
My Tips Tips For Success!
1. I always bring my milk and eggs to room temperature before mixing. It helps the batter blend smoothly and prevents lumps.
2. When swirling the strawberry and vanilla batters, I use a gentle, slow motion with a knife. I’ve found that overmixing ruins the pretty marble effect.
3. Cooling the cake completely before adding the whipped topping is a must. If the cake is still warm, the topping melts and gets messy.
4. Sometimes I lightly brush the baked cake with strawberry syrup. This step keeps the cake moist and adds extra flavor that guests always notice.
5. Chilling the finished cake for at least an hour makes a big difference. The flavors come together, and the topping firms up nicely.
6. Fresh strawberries on top are my favorite final touch. They add color, texture, and a burst of freshness that brightens the whole dessert.
Variations To Strawberry Vanilla Marble Cake
➢ Chocolate Swirl: Add cocoa powder or melted chocolate to part of the batter instead of strawberry gelatin for a rich chocolate-vanilla marble effect.
➢ Lemon Strawberry: Mix lemon zest and a little lemon juice into the vanilla batter to give the cake a bright citrus twist alongside the strawberry flavor.
➢ Cream Cheese Swirl: Fold in a cream cheese mixture with sugar and vanilla into the batter to create a creamy, tangy layer inside the cake.
➢ Fresh Berry Mix: Add chopped fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries into the strawberry batter for bursts of juicy fruit in every bite.
➢ Almond Extract: Replace the vanilla extract with almond extract or add a touch of both for a nutty, aromatic flavor that complements the strawberry beautifully.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Strawberry Vanilla Marble Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep it moist. If you want it to last longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it will stay fresh for about 4 to 5 days.
Before serving refrigerated cake, let it come to room temperature or warm it slightly for a softer texture. Avoid storing the cake uncovered, as it can dry out quickly.
For freezing, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag; they’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
This easy and delicious Strawberry Vanilla Marble Cake recipe is a great way to enjoy a homemade treat without much hassle.
The steps are simple, and the flavors come together beautifully for a cake that’s sure to impress. I hope this guide helps you feel confident to try it yourself soon.
Once you make it, you’ll enjoy the moist texture and fruity vanilla taste in every bite. Give it a go you won’t be disappointed!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular gelatin instead of instant?
Regular gelatin needs to be dissolved in water first, so it won’t mix into the batter the same way. Instant strawberry gelatin works best for this recipe.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can try using a gluten-free marble cake mix, but be sure to check that other ingredients like pudding mix are also gluten-free.
How long does the cake stay fresh?
Stored in the fridge, the cake stays fresh for about 3 days. After that, it may start to dry out.
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of Jell-O?
Fresh strawberries add flavor but won’t create the marble effect like the strawberry gelatin does. You could fold chopped strawberries into the batter for extra fruitiness.
Is the whipped topping necessary?
The whipped topping adds creaminess and balances the cake’s sweetness, but you can skip it or replace it with frosting if preferred.
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Strawberry Vanilla Marble Cake
Equipment
- 2 mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric mixer or whisk
- 9×13-inch baking dish,
- Spatula
- Knife (for marbling)
- Wire cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 package 3.5 oz instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 envelope 1.3 oz whipped topping mix (like Dream Whip)
- 1 package 3 oz strawberry-flavored gelatin (Jell-O)
- 1 box 15.25 oz marble cake mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or two 9-inch round cake pans, depending on your preference.
- Prepare the cake mix according to the directions on the package. Pour half the batter into the prepared baking dish. To the remaining batter, gently swirl in the strawberry gelatin powder (just the dry powder, do not dissolve it).
- Pour the strawberry batter over the vanilla layer and gently swirl them together with a knife to create the marble effect. Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This will take about 30 minutes. You want the cake to be completely cooled before topping it.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture thickens slightly (about 2 minutes). Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the whipped topping mix according to the package directions (usually involves whipping it with cold milk). Once fluffy, fold it gently into the vanilla pudding mixture until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the whipped vanilla topping over the cooled cake evenly using a spatula. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld together and the topping set nicely.
Notes
Nutrition Facts Of Strawberry Vanilla Marble Cake
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 270 |
| Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Sugar | 28g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sodium | 320mg |