Vanilla Cake with Strawberry
Vanilla Cake with Strawberry features a soft, moist vanilla cake layered with fresh strawberry filling and topped with creamy whipped yogurt frosting. This dessert offers a refreshing balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Easy to prepare using simple ingredients, it can be customized with variations and stored for several days, making it a delightful treat to enjoy any time.
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.
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.