Vanilla Cake with Strawberry is a classic dessert that brings together the rich, creamy flavor of vanilla and the fresh sweetness of strawberries. Creating this cake is part of a passion for exploring new recipes and sharing joy through food.
The main goal in making this cake was to offer something refreshing and comforting, designed especially for those who appreciate homemade treats shared among family and friends.
Vanilla cakes have been cherished for centuries, and adding strawberries enhances the experience by adding natural fruitiness.
This Vanilla Cake with Strawberry includes clear instructions, helpful tips, ideas for serving, variations, and guidance on keeping the cake fresh.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Vanilla Cake with Strawberry offers a gentle sweetness from the vanilla layers, enhanced by the bright, fruity burst of the strawberry filling.
The fresh strawberries bring a natural tartness that cuts through the richness, creating a balanced flavor. The whipped yogurt frosting adds a cool, creamy texture with a subtle tang that refreshes the palate.
Overall, the taste feels light and inviting, leaving a pleasant lingering flavor that isn’t too sweet but delightfully fresh.
Vanilla Cake with Strawberry dessert that feels both comforting and vibrant, appealing to those who appreciate a harmonious blend of flavors.
How To Prepare Vanilla Cake with Strawberry?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Yield: 8 servings
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 8-inch round cake pans (2)
- Cooling rack
- Spatula
- Knife (for slicing strawberries)
Ingredients
Strawberry Cake Filling
- ½ Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 Tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cups fresh strawberries, chopped into small pieces, (may sub frozen)
- 2 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 Tablespoons water
Vanilla Cake
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 4 large egg whites fresh, room temperature
- 1 tsp salt decrease to 1/2 tsp if using salted butter
- ¼ cup canola oil or vegetable oil
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- ¾ cup whole milk, room temperature
- 1 ½ cup sugar
Whipped Yogurt Frosting
- 1 cup powdered sugar add more to taste for sweeter frosting
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream 35%, cold
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt cold
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
How To make Vanilla Cake with Strawberry
Step 1 – Make the Strawberry Filling
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir and let them begin to break down for about 5–7 minutes.
Step 2 – Thicken the Filling
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth. Pour this into the simmering strawberries. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens—this should take about 1–2 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and let cool completely.
Step 3 – Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inches round cake pans. You can also line the bottoms with parchment paper for easier release.
Step 4 – Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 5 – Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy—this should take about 3–4 minutes.
Step 6 – Add Egg Whites and Vanilla
Add in the egg whites one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 7 – Add Oil and Milk
With the mixer on low, slowly pour in the oil and then alternate adding the flour mixture and the milk in three additions, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined—do not over mix.
Step 8 – Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 9 – Cool Completely
Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes, and then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10 – Make the Whipped Yogurt Frosting
In a large chilled bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add in the powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Continue to beat until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the cold Greek yogurt until fully combined and smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired.
Step 11 – Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of the cooled strawberry filling on top, then add a generous layer of whipped yogurt frosting. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides with the remaining frosting.
Step 12 – Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps set the frosting and filling. Garnish with fresh strawberries on top if desired.
Notes
Make sure all your refrigerated ingredients (eggs, milk, yogurt, cream) are at the right temperature as specified. This cake is mildly sweet and pairs beautifully with the tartness of strawberries and the tang of Greek yogurt. You can make the strawberry filling and cake layers a day in advance.
Why My Recipe Works
This Vanilla Cake with Strawberry succeeds by combining well-chosen ingredients that enhance each other’s qualities. The vanilla cake remains soft and fluffy due to careful mixing and proper ingredient proportions.
The strawberry filling adds freshness and moisture, preventing the cake from feeling dry. The whipped yogurt frosting adds a creamy, slightly tangy finish that balances the sweetness.
Paying attention to details like room-temperature ingredients and proper baking times ensures the final result has the right texture and flavor.
Together, these factors create a harmonious dessert that tastes fresh, light, and thoughtfully made.
How To Decorate And Serve This Recipe
To decorate this Vanilla Cake with Strawberry, start by spreading a smooth layer of the whipped yogurt frosting over the top and sides of the cooled cake.
Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to create gentle swirls or patterns for a homemade look. Add fresh strawberries on top whole or sliced for a pop of color and extra freshness.
A few mint leaves can add a nice touch and enhance the presentation. When serving, slice the Vanilla Cake with Strawberry carefully to keep the layers intact.
This Vanilla Cake with Strawberry is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, making it refreshing and delicious.
Expert Baking Tips for Vanilla Cake with Strawberry
1. Always use proper measuring tools for dry and wet ingredients. For dry ingredients, spoon them into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. For liquids, use a liquid measuring cup and check at eye level.
2. Bring ingredients like butter, eggs, and milk to room temperature before baking. This ensures they mix together smoothly, resulting in a better texture and rise in your baked goods.
3. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense baked goods. Mix just until the ingredients are combined, especially after adding flour. This keeps your cakes and cookies light and tender.
4. Always preheat your oven before placing your baked goods inside. This ensures they cook evenly and as intended. An oven thermometer is helpful to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature.
5. High-quality ingredients make a noticeable difference in the flavor and texture of your baked goods. Use real butter, pure vanilla extract, and fresh ingredients whenever possible to achieve the best results.
Variations For Vanilla Cake With Strawberry
✔ Lemon-Infused Vanilla Cake: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cake batter and a splash of lemon juice to the strawberry filling for a bright citrus twist.
✔ Chocolate Vanilla Cake: Swirl melted dark chocolate into half of the vanilla batter before baking, creating a marbled effect and a richer flavor.
✔ Berry Mix Filling: Replace or add to the strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry filling that adds complexity.
✔ Coconut Whipped Frosting: Swap the whipped yogurt frosting for coconut whipped cream for a tropical flavor and dairy-free option.
✔ Almond Vanilla Cake: Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the batter and sprinkle sliced toasted almonds on top of the frosting for a nutty crunch.
What Flavour Goes With Vanilla Cake?
Vanilla cake pairs beautifully with a wide range of flavors due to its subtle and versatile taste. Fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a sweet and tangy contrast.
Rich flavors like chocolate, caramel, and coffee create a decadent combination, while citrus flavors such as lemon or orange brighten the cake’s natural sweetness.
Can You Put Strawberries On A Cake?
You can absolutely put strawberries on a cake! Strawberries add a fresh, sweet, and slightly tangy flavor that complements many types of cakes, especially vanilla, chocolate, and sponge cakes.
You can use them as a filling between layers, as a topping for decoration, or even mix them into the batter for a burst of fruity flavor in every bite.
Fresh strawberries not only enhance the taste but also add a vibrant, colorful touch to your cake, making it look as good as it tastes.
Proper Storage
To keep the Vanilla Cake with Strawberry fresh, store it in the refrigerator covered loosely with plastic wrap or in an airtight container.
This helps maintain the moisture of the cake and the freshness of the strawberry filling and whipped yogurt frosting. The Vanilla Cake with Strawberry will stay good for up to 3-4 days when refrigerated.
Before serving, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly. Avoid freezing, as the whipped yogurt frosting may separate or lose its texture after thawing.
FAQs For Vanilla Cake With Strawberry
How long will this cake stay fresh?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly or placed in an airtight container, the cake remains fresh for about 3 to 4 days. The strawberry filling and whipped yogurt frosting keep the cake moist, but its best enjoyed within this time frame for optimal taste and texture.
Can frozen strawberries be used for the filling?
Frozen strawberries can be used as a convenient alternative. It’s important to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before cooking the filling to prevent it from becoming too watery and to achieve the right consistency.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, this cake can be made gluten-free by swapping all-purpose flour for a high-quality gluten-free baking blend. This substitution usually works well without altering the texture too much, but it’s important to follow the blend’s instructions for best results.
Can I replace Greek yogurt in the frosting with regular cream or cream cheese?
Using regular cream alone won’t provide the same tangy flavor and slightly thick texture that Greek yogurt offers. Cream cheese can be used as an alternative for a richer frosting, but it will change the taste and texture, making it denser and less light.
What’s the best way to prevent the cake from drying out?
Avoid over baking by checking the cake a few minutes before the recommended time. Once baked, allow it to cool completely before wrapping or covering it to trap moisture. Storing in the refrigerator helps maintain freshness due to the frosting and filling.
Conclusion
This Vanilla Cake with Strawberry brings together simple ingredients to create a delicious and refreshing Vanilla Cake with Strawberry that I truly enjoyed making.
The process is enjoyable and the results are rewarding, offering a delightful treat to share. I hope the clear instructions and helpful ideas shared here make it easy for you to prepare this Vanilla Cake with Strawberry at home.
Trying out different variations and presentation tips can add a personal touch. I’m confident this Vanilla Cake with Strawberry will bring you satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment as it did for me.
Vanilla Cake with Strawberry
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 8-inch round cake pans (2),
- Cooling rack
- Spatula
- Knife (for slicing strawberries)
Ingredients
Strawberry Cake Filling
- ½ Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 Tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cups fresh strawberries chopped into small pieces, (may sub frozen)
- 2 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 Tablespoons water
Vanilla Cake
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 4 large egg whites fresh room temperature
- 1 tsp salt decrease to 1/2 tsp if using salted butter
- ¼ cup canola oil or vegetable oil
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- ¾ cup whole milk room temperature
- 1 ½ cup sugar
Whipped Yogurt Frosting
- 1 cup powdered sugar add more to taste for sweeter frosting
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream 35% cold
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt cold
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
Step 1 – Make the Strawberry Filling
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir and let them begin to break down for about 5–7 minutes.
Step 2 – Thicken the Filling
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth. Pour this into the simmering strawberries. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens this should take about 1–2 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and let cool completely.
Step 3 – Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inches round cake pans. You can also line the bottoms with parchment paper for easier release.
Step 4 – Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 5 – Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy this should take about 3–4 minutes.
Step 6 – Add Egg Whites and Vanilla
- Add in the egg whites one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 7 – Add Oil and Milk
- With the mixer on low, slowly pour in the oil and then alternate adding the flour mixture and the milk in three additions, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined do not over mix.
Step 8 – Bake the Cake
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 9 – Cool Completely
- Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes, and then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10 – Make the Whipped Yogurt Frosting
- In a large chilled bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add in the powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Continue to beat until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the cold Greek yogurt until fully combined and smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired.
Step 11 – Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of the cooled strawberry filling on top, then add a generous layer of whipped yogurt frosting. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides with the remaining frosting.
Step 12 – Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps set the frosting and filling. Garnish with fresh strawberries on top if desired.