A classic vanilla cake is a timeless favorite, but when you add the vibrant flavor of fresh strawberries, it becomes a show-stopping dessert.
This Vanilla Cake Recipe with Strawberries combines the soft, tender crumb of vanilla cake with the sweet and slightly tart taste of ripe strawberries, creating a delightful harmony of flavors.
Perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to special celebrations, this cake is as beautiful as it is delicious.
In this recipe, I’ll guide you through each step to ensure your cake is a masterpiece, from the perfectly balanced batter to the stunning strawberry garnish.
You’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is designed to be straightforward and rewarding, promising a dessert that will impress and satisfy every guest.
So, let’s gather our ingredients, preheat the oven, and start baking this irresistible cake!
Recipe Details And What Will Need
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Yield: 8 servings
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Cake stand or serving plate
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
For the Strawberry Filling
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Whipped Cream Frosting
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How To Make Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing the Cake
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial for a light, airy cake.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
2. Preparing the Strawberry Filling
Macarate the Strawberries: In a bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let them sit for at least 15 minutes to release their juices and develop flavor.
3. Preparing the Whipped Cream Frosting
Whip the Cream: In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat, or the cream will become grainy.
4. Assembling the Cake
Layer the Cake: Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous amount of whipped cream over the top, then arrange a layer of strawberries over the cream.
Top Layer: Place the second cake layer on top of the strawberries. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining whipped cream. Decorate with extra strawberries if desired.
Special Note
When making the whipped cream, ensure that both the bowl and beaters are well chilled to achieve the best results. Fresh, in-season strawberries will make your cake taste even more delightful.
Nutrition Facts Vanilla Cake Recipe With Strawberries
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Sugar | 25g |
| Fiber | 1g |
How To Serve Vanilla Cake Recipe With Strawberries
Serving this delightful Vanilla Cake with Strawberries is as much an art as it is a treat for the taste buds. Here are some tips to make the presentation and experience even more special:
1. Preparing The Cake For Serving
Chill the Cake: Before serving, chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the whipped cream frosting set and makes slicing easier.
Slice with Care: Use a sharp, serrated knife to cut the cake. Clean the knife between slices for a neat presentation.
2. Presentation Ideas
Garnish with Fresh Strawberries: Decorate the top of each slice with a fresh strawberry or a fan of strawberry slices.
Add a Mint Leaf: Place a small mint leaf next to the strawberries for a pop of color and a hint of fresh flavor.
Dust with Powdered Sugar: Lightly dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Can You Put Strawberries On A Cake?
Absolutely, you can put strawberries on a cake, and it’s a wonderful way to add fresh, vibrant flavors and a touch of elegance.
Strawberries not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of a cake with their bright red color but also introduce a delightful contrast in taste and texture.
Adding strawberries to your cake not only makes it more delicious but also creates a stunning presentation that is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy your beautiful and tasty creation!
What Pairs Well With Strawberry Cake?
Strawberry cake pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments that enhance its sweet, fruity flavor. A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast, while a scoop of vanilla ice cream provides a creamy, cool balance.
For a touch of elegance, serve it with a glass of chilled rosé or a light sparkling wine, which complement the cake’s fruity notes.
Fresh berries, such as blueberries or raspberries, can be scattered around the plate for added color and flavor complexity.
How Long Will Fresh Strawberries Last In A Cake?
Fresh strawberries in a cake will generally last up to two days when stored in the refrigerator. To maintain their freshness, keep the cake well-covered in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap.
This prevents the strawberries from drying out and the cake from absorbing any unwanted odors. Proper storage is key to preserving the vibrant taste and texture of the strawberries and the cake.
How Can I Store Leftover Cake?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The frosting might soften slightly, but the cake will still be perfectly delicious.
You can also freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving.
Conclusion
Creating a Vanilla Cake with Strawberries is a delightful journey that brings together classic flavors and fresh, fruity accents.
Each step, from mixing the batter to layering the strawberries, is designed to ensure your cake is as delicious as it is beautiful.
This cake is perfect for any occasion, adding a touch of elegance and a burst of summer freshness to your dessert table.
The combination of a tender, moist vanilla cake with the vibrant, juicy strawberries promises to delight every palate.
Whether you enjoy it with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or simply on its own, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Bake it today and create sweet memories that will linger long after the last slice is gone.
Vanilla Cake Recipe With Strawberries
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Cake stand or serving plate
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
For the Strawberry Filling
- 1 pint fresh strawberries hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Whipped Cream Frosting
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparing the Cake
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial for a light, airy cake.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Preparing the Strawberry Filling
- Macarate the Strawberries: In a bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let them sit for at least 15 minutes to release their juices and develop flavor.
- Preparing the Whipped Cream Frosting
- Whip the Cream: In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat, or the cream will become grainy.
Assembling the Cake
- Layer the Cake: Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous amount of whipped cream over the top, then arrange a layer of strawberries over the cream.
- Top Layer: Place the second cake layer on top of the strawberries. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining whipped cream. Decorate with extra strawberries if desired.