This Vanilla and Strawberry Cake Recipe is the perfect treat to brighten any occasion, combining the classic richness of vanilla with the sweet, fruity burst of strawberries.
Paired with a luscious strawberry buttercream frosting, crafted from freeze-dried strawberry powder and a touch of jam, this cake offers a delightful balance of creamy sweetness and tangy fruitiness.
The vibrant pink frosting not only adds a beautiful pop of color but also enhances the flavor, making every bite a blissful experience.
In this post, I’ll walk you through every step of the recipe, from the preparation to the final decoration, so you can make this stunning cake at home.
Why You Will Choose Vanilla And Strawberry Cake Recipe?
You’ll choose Vanilla and Strawberry Cake Recipe because it offers the perfect blend of flavors and textures in every bite.
The soft, fluffy vanilla cake serves as a delicious base for the fresh, fruity strawberry filling, while the smooth vanilla buttercream ties everything together with richness and sweetness.
It’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing dessert that works for any occasion, from birthdays to casual gatherings. Plus, the vibrant colors and delightful flavors make it an elegant yet simple treat everyone will love.
How To Prepare Vanilla And Strawberry Cake Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Yield: 5 servings
Kitchen Utensils You’ll Need
To make this Vanilla and Strawberry Cake, you’ll need the following kitchen utensils:
- Mixing bowls
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cake pans (two 8-inch round pans)
- Cooling rack
- Offset spatula or butter knife
- Parchment paper (optional)
- A knife for slicing strawberries
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons (28.4 g) butter, room temperature
- 1 ½ tablespoons (21 g) neutral oil
- 3 tablespoons (56.75 g) sour cream, room temperature
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons (28.4 g) butter, room temperature
- ⅞ cup (157.5 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk (or buttermilk for tanginess)
For the Strawberry Buttercream Frosting:
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- ¼ cup freeze-dried strawberry powder (27.5 g)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ tablespoons powdered sugar
- ½ tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons strawberry jam (40 g)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
How To Make Vanilla And Strawberry Cake Recipe
1. For the Cake:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the sour cream, oil, and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
5. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk: With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. For the Strawberry Buttercream Frosting:
1. Cream the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Strawberry Powder and Sugar: Add the freeze-dried strawberry powder, salt, and powdered sugar. Mix until fully incorporated.
3. Add Lemon, Jam, and Vanilla: Add the lemon juice, strawberry jam, and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until smooth and fluffy. If the frosting seems too thick, add a teaspoon of milk to reach your desired consistency.
4. Frost the Cake: Once the cake is fully cooled, spread a generous amount of strawberry buttercream frosting over the top and sides of the cake. You can also pipe decorations on top if you like. Serve and Enjoy!
Special Notes
➤ Make Ahead: You can prepare the strawberry compote a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The whipped cream frosting is best made on the day you plan to serve the cake.
➤ Flavored Variations: If you want to add a twist, try using other berries like raspberries or blueberries instead of strawberries. The same method applies to these fruits!
➤ Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
Best Decorating Ideas
1. Themed Cake Decorations
Sprinkles and Edible Glitter: Add a playful touch with colored sprinkles or edible glitter, especially on the sides or top for some fun sparkle.
Custom Toppers: For birthdays, you could add a custom cake topper such as a “Happy Birthday” sign, fondant figures, or even a small figurine related to a theme.
2. Fondant Accents
Fondant Flowers or Ribbons: If you want a more polished, sophisticated look, try making fondant flowers (like roses or daisies) or fondant ribbons to decorate the cake.
Fondant Roses and Leaves: Use fondant to make delicate roses and leaves, which you can arrange on top of the cake for an elegant finish.
3. Chocolate Shavings or Sprinkles
Chocolate Shavings: Use a vegetable peeler to create chocolate curls or shavings from a chocolate bar. Scatter them on top for a luxurious touch.
Chopped Nuts: Add chopped almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts around the sides of the cake for a bit of texture and a hint of nuttiness.
Tips For The Best Vanilla And Strawberry Cake
1. Fresh, ripe strawberries will give your cake the best flavor. If strawberries aren’t in season, you can substitute with other berries or use a high-quality strawberry jam.
2.Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until everything is combined.
3. Be sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for the best results. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to seize or curdle.
How To Store Leftovers
To store leftover vanilla and strawberry cake recipe, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.
Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to keep the frosting fresh and prevent it from drying out.
For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices by wrapping them in plastic wrap and foil, then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature or in the fridge overnight.
Final Thoughts
This Vanilla and Strawberry Cake recipe is a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with the comforting flavor of vanilla.
It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, a family gathering, or just a sweet indulgence. The layers of moist, fluffy cake paired with the rich, creamy frosting create a dessert that’s both beautiful and delicious.
So, the next time you’re craving a cake that’s both elegant and satisfying, try this vanilla and strawberry cake. I promise it will become one of your go-to recipes for sweet celebrations. Enjoy!
More Delicious Vanilla Cakes You’ll Love
French Vanilla Roulade Cake Recipe
Coconut Vanilla Bean Cake || Tropical Treat
Deliciously Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Mousse Filling
Sourdough Vanilla Cake Recipe || Buttercream Frosting
How to Make Vanilla Bourbon Cake Recipe
Vanilla And Strawberry Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cake pans (two 8-inch round pans)
- Cooling rack
- Offset spatula or butter knife
- Parchment paper (optional)
- A knife for slicing strawberries
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons 28.4 g butter, room temperature
- 1 ½ tablespoons 21 g neutral oil
- 3 tablespoons 56.75 g sour cream, room temperature
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons 28.4 g butter, room temperature
- ⅞ cup 157.5 g granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk or buttermilk for tanginess
For the Strawberry Buttercream Frosting:
- ½ cup 113 g unsalted butter, room temperature
- ¼ cup freeze-dried strawberry powder 27.5 g
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ tablespoons powdered sugar
- ½ tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons strawberry jam 40 g
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
For the Cake:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the sour cream, oil, and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
- Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk: With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Strawberry Buttercream Frosting:
- Cream the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
- Add Strawberry Powder and Sugar: Add the freeze-dried strawberry powder, salt, and powdered sugar. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Add Lemon, Jam, and Vanilla: Add the lemon juice, strawberry jam, and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until smooth and fluffy. If the frosting seems too thick, add a teaspoon of milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake is fully cooled, spread a generous amount of strawberry buttercream frosting over the top and sides of the cake. You can also pipe decorations on top if you like. Serve and Enjoy!