Vanilla Cake with Strawberry – A Delightful Treat

The timeless combination of vanilla cake with strawberry a classic pairing that never fails to delight. Today, I’m sharing my recipe for a moist and flavorful vanilla cake, elevated with the sweet tanginess of fresh strawberries.

This vanilla cake with strawberry classic combination brings together the light, airy texture of a vanilla cake with the fresh, vibrant sweetness of strawberries.

Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, a summer gathering, or just a cozy afternoon tea, this vanilla cake with strawberry topping will surely be a hit.

Its simplicity allows the natural flavors to shine, making it a timeless dessert that appeals to both children and adults alike.

It’s a cake that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight desserts to elegant celebrations. Follow this guide to create a cake that’s sure to be enjoyed and remembered.

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
• 9-inch round cake pans (2)
• Cooling rack
• Spatula
• Knife (for slicing strawberries)

Ingredients:

For the Vanilla Cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup whole milk

For the Strawberry Filling:

• 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp lemon juice

For the Whipped Cream Frosting:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

How To make Vanilla Cake with Strawberry

1. Prepare the Vanilla Cake Batter:

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

2. In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

3. Stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.

2. Bake the Cake:

4. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

5. Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

3. Prepare the Strawberry Filling:

6. While the cakes cool, prepare the strawberry filling. In a small bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar and lemon juice.

7. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes, allowing the strawberries to release their natural juices.

4. Make the Whipped Cream Frosting:

8. In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat, as the cream can turn to butter.

5. Assemble the Cake:

9. Place one of the cooled cake layers on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of the whipped cream frosting over the top, then arrange the sliced strawberries evenly over the frosting.

10. Place the second cake layer on top, pressing gently to adhere. Frost the top of the cake with the remaining whipped cream.

6. Garnish and Serve:

11. For an added touch, garnish the cake with whole or sliced strawberries. Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Special Note:

When making this cake, I love using the freshest strawberries I can find. They make all the difference in taste and appearance.

You can also experiment with adding a layer of strawberry jam between the cake layers for an extra burst of flavor.

Expert Baking Tips for Perfect Results Every Time

1. Measure Ingredients Accurately: 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. Room Temperature Ingredients: 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. Don’t Overmix the Batter: 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. Preheat Your Oven: 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. Use Quality Ingredients: 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.

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.

Conclusion

A vanilla cake with strawberries is a delightful combination that perfectly balances classic, comforting flavors with a fresh, fruity twist.

The light, fluffy vanilla cake serves as the ideal canvas for the sweet and tangy strawberries, creating a dessert that’s both simple and elegant.

Celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a treat, this cake is sure to impress with its delicious taste and beautiful presentation.

The combination of light vanilla cake, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream is pure bliss in every bite. I hope you enjoy making and eating this cake as much as I do!