Homemade Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling is a classic dessert that never fails to impress. With its light, fluffy layers of vanilla cake complemented by a sweet and tangy strawberry filling, it’s the kind of cake that brings people together. Imagine a gorgeous slice with the vibrant blush of strawberries peeking through, topped with a generous layer of frosting—it feels like a hug in cake form. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting an afternoon tea, or simply craving something sweet, this cake fits beautifully into every occasion.

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When I first made this cake, I was attending a friend’s summer barbecue. I needed a showstopper dessert but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. I stumbled upon this recipe, and upon the first bite, I realized I had arrived at something special. The combo of rich vanilla and fresh strawberries is heavenly, and honestly, it was a hit that made me the star of the day. I’m excited to share this delightful recipe with you. Let’s get baking!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Vanilla Cake With Strawberry Filling
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Vanilla Cake With Strawberry Filling

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With a total cook time of around 2 hours, it’s manageable even for beginners.
Irresistible Flavor: The fluffy vanilla cake pairs wonderfully with the refreshing strawberry filling; it’s a taste sensation!
Eye-Catching Appeal: Layers of cake and pink strawberry filling create an impressive dessert that dazzles at any gathering.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for celebrations or a casual family dinner—this cake suits any occasion.
Diet-Friendly Options: Substitute the frosting to make it dairy-free or swap in gluten-free flour to cater to dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: This gives the cake its structure. You can use cake flour for a lighter texture.
2 teaspoons baking powder: It helps the cake rise and become fluffy. Ensure it’s fresh for the best results.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness of the cake; don’t skip it.
1 cup unsalted butter softened: Adds moisture and richness. Make sure it’s room temperature for easy creaming.
1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetness is key—this helps create a beautiful crumb.
4 large eggs: They bind the batter together and add structure. Remember to use room temperature eggs for even mixing.
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract: This adds that classic vanilla flavor that’s essential. Opt for high-quality extract.
1 cup whole milk or buttermilk: For moisture; buttermilk adds a slight tang that makes the cake even tastier.
2 cups fresh strawberries hulled and sliced: The star of the show! Fresh strawberries give vibrant flavor and color.
½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste): For the strawberry filling, depending on the sweetness of your berries.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the flavor of the strawberries; fresh is best.
2 tablespoons cornstarch: This helps thicken the strawberry filling, giving it a nice texture.
1 container strawberry frosting: Use your favorite brand, like Betty Crocker, for ease. Feel free to make your own too!

How to Make Vanilla Cake With Strawberry Filling

Prepare the Strawberry Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, ½ cup granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes to release the juices.
Thicken the Filling: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Add this mixture to the strawberries in the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring gently, until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Set aside.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 ½ cups granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes.
Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract.
Add Dry Ingredients and Milk: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with 1 cup whole milk (beginning and ending with the flour). Mix until just combined and smooth.
Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread the cooled strawberry filling over the first layer.
Frost the Cake: Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the strawberry frosting. Decorate with whole strawberries on top and drizzle with any remaining frosting if desired. Chill for about 45 minutes before serving.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice and enjoy your delicious vanilla cake with strawberry filling! This delightful cake is sure to impress.

Storing & Reheating

Store your Vanilla Cake With Strawberry Filling at room temperature for up to 2 days, tightly covered. If you want to keep it fresh longer, refrigerate it for up to a week in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bring it to room temperature before serving to revive its moisture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overmixing once you add in the flour mixture; it can result in a dense cake.
Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal mixing.
If your strawberries aren’t very sweet, add a little extra sugar to the filling to balance the flavors.
For additional flavor, try adding a splash of almond extract to the batter or filling.
If you prefer a lighter frosting, consider whipped cream or a cream cheese-based frosting.

It’s no exaggeration to say that this Vanilla Cake With Strawberry Filling is a crowd-pleaser that’ll make anyone feel special. The combination of moist vanilla layers and luscious strawberry filling offers something truly delightful. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings or frostings; maybe you’ll discover a combination that suits your taste perfectly. Get ready for compliments and happy faces as you slice into this beautiful cake—because everyone deserves a little sweetness in their lives!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Just store them tightly wrapped at room temperature, and assemble the cake when you’re ready to serve. The strawberry filling can also be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated.

What if my strawberries are out of season?

If fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can use frozen strawberries. Just ensure they are thawed and drained well before using. You may want to increase the sugar slightly to enhance the flavor.

How do I prevent my cake from sticking to the pan?

Make sure to grease the cake pans well with butter and dust with flour or use parchment paper. Allowing the cakes to cool for a few minutes before inverting helps reduce sticking.

Can I use a different frosting?

Certainly! You can use buttercream, whipped cream, or even cream cheese frosting if you prefer. Each will bring a different flavor profile to the cake.

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