Strawberry Vanilla Cake
Highlighted under: Sweet Recipe Collection
A delightful Strawberry Vanilla Cake that combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with the rich flavor of vanilla. Perfect for any occasion!
This Strawberry Vanilla Cake is a crowd-pleaser! With layers of moist vanilla sponge cake and fresh strawberries, it's perfect for birthdays, weddings, or just a sweet treat.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Light and fluffy vanilla cake paired with fresh strawberries
- Creamy vanilla frosting that complements the flavors perfectly
- Ideal for celebrations or as a delightful dessert any day
The Perfect Balance of Flavors
The Strawberry Vanilla Cake strikes a perfect balance between the sweetness of ripe strawberries and the rich, comforting taste of vanilla. Each bite offers a burst of fresh strawberry flavor, perfectly complemented by the moist and fluffy vanilla cake. This harmonious combination makes it an ideal dessert for any celebration, from birthdays to summer gatherings. The addition of fresh strawberries not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful pop of color, making the cake visually appealing.
Whether you're a novice baker or an experienced chef, this recipe is simple yet sophisticated. The straightforward steps guide you through the process of creating a cake that looks and tastes like it came from a gourmet bakery. With just a few basic ingredients, you can impress your family and friends with a stunning dessert that is sure to become a favorite.
A Versatile Dessert
One of the best aspects of the Strawberry Vanilla Cake is its versatility. While it's perfect for special occasions, you can also enjoy it as a delightful treat any day of the week. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgence. Alternatively, serve it with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack. The cake can also be modified by adding different fruits or flavorings, making it adaptable to your personal taste.
Additionally, this cake can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. It also freezes well, allowing you to prepare it in advance for unexpected guests or last-minute celebrations. The flexibility of this recipe ensures you can enjoy it whenever the craving strikes!
Tips for Success
To achieve the best results with your Strawberry Vanilla Cake, ensure that all your ingredients are at room temperature before you start baking. This will help the butter cream more easily and allow for better incorporation of the other ingredients. It's also important to measure your flour correctly; spoon it into the measuring cup without packing it down to avoid a dense cake.
When baking, keep an eye on the cakes towards the end of the baking time. Ovens can vary, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. Allowing the cakes to cool properly in the pans will help them maintain their shape and prevent breaking when you remove them.
Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients before you start.
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fresh strawberries for decoration
Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your delicious cake.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, and mix until just combined.
Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool the Cakes
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Frosting
In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread frosting on top, and add sliced strawberries. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
Decorate
Garnish the top with additional fresh strawberries and serve!
Enjoy your homemade Strawberry Vanilla Cake!
Storage and Serving Suggestions
To store your Strawberry Vanilla Cake, keep it covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
For serving, consider garnishing the cake with additional fresh strawberries and a light dusting of powdered sugar. This not only enhances its visual appeal but also adds a delightful touch of sweetness. If you're feeling creative, you can even drizzle some chocolate sauce over the top for a decadent finish.
Allergy Substitutions
This recipe can easily be adapted for various dietary needs. For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with almond milk or coconut milk, and use dairy-free butter for the frosting. There are also egg replacers available that can be used in place of eggs, making this cake suitable for vegan diets.
If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that the blend you choose is designed for baking to achieve the best texture and flavor. With these simple substitutions, everyone can enjoy this delicious Strawberry Vanilla Cake!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them before use to prevent excess moisture in the cake.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cakes a day in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature.
→ What can I substitute for milk?
You can use almond milk, soy milk, or any dairy-free alternative if desired.
Strawberry Vanilla Cake
A delightful Strawberry Vanilla Cake that combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with the rich flavor of vanilla. Perfect for any occasion!
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Sweet Recipe Collection
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fresh strawberries for decoration
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, and mix until just combined.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread frosting on top, and add sliced strawberries. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
Garnish the top with additional fresh strawberries and serve!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 30g
- Protein: 3g