Vanilla Cake With Filling Recipe || Strawberry Filling

As a cake maker, I’ve spent years perfecting my craft, and there’s nothing quite as satisfying as creating a beautiful, delicious cake from scratch.

One of my all-time favorite creations is this vanilla cake with filling recipe a timeless classic that never fails to impress.

There’s something magical about the combination of light, fluffy vanilla cake layers and a rich, creamy filling that perfectly balances sweetness and texture.

Over the years, I’ve refined this recipe to achieve a soft, moist crumb that pairs beautifully with any filling you choose, but the combination of a simple vanilla base with a luscious filling is always a winner.

In this post, I’ll walk you through every step to create this vanilla cake with filling recipe, sharing tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way to make your baking experience as enjoyable as the end result!

How To Prepare Vanilla Cake With Filling Recipe?

Recipe Overview

• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
• Total time: 50 minutes
• Course: Dessert
• Cuisine: American
• Calories: 320
• Yield: 10 servings

Kitchen Utensils

• 2 8-inch round cake pans
• Mixing bowls (preferably medium and large)
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack
• Piping bag (optional, if you’re filling the cake with a delicate cream)

Ingredients

Vanilla Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup whole milk, room temperature

Strawberry Filling:

• 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries (or frozen, thawed)
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp lemon juice (optional)
• 1 1/2 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2-3 cups powdered sugar (to taste)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2-2 tbsp heavy cream (or milk)

How To Make Vanilla Cake Filling Recipe

1. Prepare the Cake:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each.

Stir in vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, mixing until smooth.

Divide the batter evenly between the two pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Make the Strawberry Filling:

In a saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice (if using). Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries release their juices and soften, about 5-7 minutes.

If thickening is desired, mix cornstarch with a little water and add it to the strawberry mixture, cooking until it thickens, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

3. Make the Frosting:

Beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream, adjusting consistency by adding more cream if needed. Beat until fluffy and smooth.

4. Assemble the Cake:

Once the cake layers have cooled, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread the cooled strawberry filling over it.

Place the second cake layer on top, then frost the entire cake with vanilla buttercream. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Special Note

If you’re making this vanilla cake with filling recipe for a special occasion, consider experimenting with different fillings. For a fun twist, you can add a layer of fresh fruit, or even chocolate ganache, between the cake layers.

A small drizzle of warm caramel sauce on top can elevate the flavor, making it even more indulgent. Also, you can substitute the whipping cream with mascarpone cheese for a richer, more decadent filling.

Best Serving Ideas Vanilla Cake With Filling Recipe?

When it comes to serving your vanilla cake with filling recipe, there are plenty of creative ways to enhance the experience and impress your guests. Here are five great serving ideas that will elevate the flavor and presentation of your cake:

1. Fresh Berries and Whipped Cream

Top each slice of your vanilla cake with a generous handful of fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries.

The tartness of the fruit beautifully balances the sweetness of the cake and filling. A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a light and airy texture that complements the richness of the cake.

2. Drizzle with Caramel or Chocolate Sauce

For an indulgent touch, drizzle warm caramel or chocolate ganache over the top of the cake before serving.

The rich sweetness of caramel or the smoothness of chocolate enhances the vanilla flavor, making each bite more decadent. You can also drizzle some sauce around the edges of the plate for a visually appealing presentation.

3. Serve with Ice Cream

Pairing your vanilla cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (or any flavor of your choice, such as strawberry or chocolate) is a classic dessert combination.

The cold, creamy ice cream contrasts perfectly with the soft, warm cake. If you want to add some extra flair, sprinkle some crushed nuts or toffee bits on top of the ice cream.

Pro Tips

❖ Storage: Store the vanilla cake with filling recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. The strawberry filling may soften a bit after refrigeration but will still be delicious.

❖ Freezing: You can freeze the cake layers (wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before assembling.

❖ Variations: You can substitute the strawberry filling with other berries or fruit preserves for a different flavor.

Is Good Cake And Strawberry Filling Flavor Combinations?

When it comes to pairing cake with strawberry filling, there are several flavor combinations that work wonderfully together.

For a light and fruity option, try pairing vanilla cake with strawberry filling—this classic combo lets the sweetness of the strawberries shine through.

If you’re in the mood for something richer, chocolate cake with strawberry filling creates a decadent contrast between the deep, rich flavor of the chocolate and the bright, refreshing strawberries.

Conclusion

This Vanilla Cake with Filling recipe is a delightful journey into the world of baking. The light and airy cake layers, combined with the luscious filling, create a symphony of flavors and textures.

The subtle vanilla essence adds a touch of elegance, making it a versatile base for any filling or frosting.

You can customize the cake to suit any occasion, whether it’s a birthday celebration, a special anniversary, or simply a treat for yourself.

With its timeless appeal and crowd-pleasing taste, this Vanilla Cake with Filling recipe is sure to become a cherished addition to your baking repertoire.

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