How to Make Strawberry Vanilla Cake

Looking for the perfect balance between sweet vanilla and fresh strawberries? This strawberry vanilla cake is the ultimate combination of soft, fluffy vanilla cake layers and fresh, fruity strawberry flavor. With a light and moist texture, this cake is perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or just a weekend treat.

The rich vanilla cake base is made with butter, eggs, and vanilla extract, while the strawberry flavor comes from fresh strawberry puree and strawberry jam. Topped with a creamy vanilla-strawberry frosting, this cake is as beautiful as it is delicious!

The best part? It’s easy to make with simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, so you can create a bakery-style dessert right at home.

Key Benefits of Strawberry Vanilla Cake

This strawberry vanilla cake is the perfect combination of rich vanilla flavor and fresh strawberry sweetness, making it an ideal dessert for any occasion. Here’s why you’ll love this cake:

✔️ Perfect Flavor Balance – The warm, buttery vanilla cake pairs beautifully with the light, fruity strawberry flavor, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy notes.

✔️ Moist and Fluffy Texture – Thanks to butter, sour cream, and fresh strawberry puree, this cake stays soft and tender in every bite.

✔️ Naturally Flavored with Fresh Strawberries – No artificial flavors here! This cake gets its authentic strawberry taste from fresh strawberry puree and jam.

✔️ Creamy, Smooth Frosting – Made with cream cheese and whipped cream, the strawberry vanilla frosting is light, fluffy, and perfectly complements the cake layers.

✔️ Easy to Customize – Want more strawberry flavor? Add extra puree. Prefer a stronger vanilla taste? Increase the vanilla extract. This cake is easy to tweak to your preference.

✔️ Visually Stunning – With its vibrant pink hues from fresh strawberries and a smooth, creamy frosting, this cake is as beautiful as it is delicious!

This homemade strawberry vanilla cake is a crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to make and absolutely irresistible. Now, let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need!

Ingredients for Strawberry Vanilla Cake

To create this strawberry vanilla cake, you’ll need simple, high-quality ingredients that ensure a moist, flavorful, and perfectly balanced cake.

For the Vanilla Cake Layers

You can make the cake from scratch or use a cake mix for a quicker version.

Option 1: Homemade Vanilla Cake

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure while keeping the cake soft.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder – Helps the cake rise evenly.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda – Ensures a tender crumb.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and moisture.
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake perfectly.
• 4 large eggs – Provides structure and stability.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract – Gives the cake a deep, aromatic vanilla flavor.
• ¾ cup whole milk – Ensures a soft and fluffy texture.
• ½ cup sour cream – Keeps the cake extra moist and tender.

Option 2: Cake Mix Shortcut

• 1 box vanilla cake mix
• 1 cup whole milk (instead of water for extra moisture)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (instead of oil for better flavor)
• 3 large eggs

For the Strawberry Filling

• ¾ cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped – Adds natural sweetness.
• ¼ cup strawberry jam – Enhances the strawberry flavor.
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice – Brightens the flavor and balances the sweetness.

For the Strawberry Vanilla Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened – Creates a rich, creamy frosting.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – Helps with smooth consistency.
• 3 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• ¼ cup fresh strawberry puree – Adds natural strawberry flavor.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall taste.
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk – Helps achieve a creamy, spreadable texture.

For Garnishing (Optional but Recommended)

• Fresh sliced strawberries – For decoration and extra freshness.
• White chocolate shavings – Adds a delicate, elegant touch.
• Whipped cream – A light, fluffy topping to balance flavors.

With these fresh, high-quality ingredients, your strawberry vanilla cake will have the perfect balance of flavors, moisture, and texture. Now, let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions for making this cake from scratch!

How to Make Strawberry Vanilla Cake

Making this strawberry vanilla cake is simple when broken down into three key steps: baking the vanilla cake layers, preparing the strawberry filling, and making the creamy strawberry vanilla frosting. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a bakery-quality cake!

Step 1: Bake the Vanilla Cake Layers

If Using a Cake Mix:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, milk, melted butter, and eggs until smooth.
3. Divide the batter evenly between the cake pans and smooth the tops.
4. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

If Making Homemade Vanilla Cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
5. Mix in sour cream and milk, alternating with the dry ingredients, and beat until smooth.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the cake pans and smooth the tops.
7. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Filling

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine chopped strawberries, strawberry jam, and lemon juice.
2. Stir and cook for 5–7 minutes, until the strawberries soften and release their juices.
3. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely before using.

Step 3: Make the Strawberry Vanilla Frosting

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
2. Add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and mix on low speed until combined.
3. Pour in strawberry puree, vanilla extract, and heavy cream, then beat on medium speed until light and fluffy.
4. If the frosting is too soft, refrigerate for 15–20 minutes before using.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Place the first cake layer on a serving plate and spread a thin layer of frosting on top.
2. Spread the cooled strawberry filling evenly over the frosting.
3. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the strawberry vanilla frosting.
4. Smooth the frosting with an offset spatula for a professional finish.

Step 5: Decorate and Serve

1. Garnish the cake with fresh sliced strawberries and white chocolate shavings for an elegant finish.
2. Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing to allow the flavors to set.
3. Slice, serve, and enjoy your homemade strawberry vanilla cake!

Now that your cake is ready, let’s go over some pro tips and variations to make it even better!

Pro Tips for the Best Strawberry Vanilla Cake

Want to make sure your strawberry vanilla cake turns out perfectly moist, flavorful, and beautiful every time? Follow these expert tips and creative variations to enhance your cake!

✔️ Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Allow the butter, eggs, and cream cheese to sit at room temperature before baking. This ensures smooth mixing and even baking.

✔️ Don’t Overmix the Batter – Overmixing can lead to a dense, dry cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a light and fluffy texture.

✔️ Chill the Strawberry Filling Before Using – Cooling the strawberry filling before spreading it on the cake helps prevent the layers from sliding and keeps the cake stable.

✔️ Thicker Frosting for a Sturdier Cake – If your strawberry vanilla frosting is too soft, refrigerate it for 15–20 minutes before frosting the cake. You can also add an extra ½ cup of powdered sugar to thicken it.

✔️ For a More Intense Strawberry Flavor – Add a teaspoon of strawberry extract to the cake batter or frosting for a stronger strawberry taste.

✔️ Refrigerate Before Slicing – Chilling the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing will help the layers set, making it easier to cut clean slices.

Fun Variations to Try

Chocolate Strawberry Vanilla Cake – Use chocolate cake layers instead of vanilla for a decadent chocolate-strawberry combo.

Lemon Strawberry Vanilla Cake – Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the cake batter and frosting for a refreshing citrus twist.

Coconut Strawberry Vanilla Cake – Replace sour cream with coconut yogurt and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for a tropical touch.

Strawberry Vanilla Cupcakes – Make this recipe into cupcakes by baking the batter in lined cupcake tins and topping with strawberry vanilla frosting.

Layered Naked Cake – Skip fully frosting the cake and instead spread thin layers of frosting between cake layers for a rustic, elegant “naked cake” look.

Whipped Cream Frosting Alternative – For a lighter frosting, swap out the cream cheese frosting for stabilized whipped cream.

These pro tips and variations will help you customize your strawberry vanilla cake to fit your taste and elevate its flavor and presentation. Now, let’s go over the best ways to serve and store this cake!

Serving Suggestions

This strawberry vanilla cake is a versatile and elegant dessert that can be served in many delicious ways. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just indulging in a sweet treat, here are the best ways to serve and store it for maximum freshness and flavor.

Best Ways to Serve Strawberry Vanilla Cake

Chilled for the Best Texture – Since this cake contains cream cheese frosting and fresh strawberries, it’s best served slightly chilled for a smooth and creamy consistency.

With Extra Strawberry Sauce – Drizzle warm or chilled homemade strawberry sauce over each slice for an extra burst of fruity flavor.

Paired with Ice Cream – Serve with a scoop of vanilla, strawberry, or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent treat.

With a Cup of Coffee or Tea – The sweet vanilla and tangy strawberry flavors pair beautifully with a latte, cappuccino, or herbal tea.

With a White Chocolate Drizzle – Melt white or dark chocolate and drizzle over the top for an elegant touch.

Topped with Fresh Berries – Garnish each slice with fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for added color and flavor.

How to Store Strawberry Vanilla Cake

Since this cake contains cream cheese frosting and fresh strawberries, proper storage is key to keeping it fresh and delicious.

• Refrigeration (Best Option) – Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.
• Freezing (For Long-Term Storage) – Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Store for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
• Avoid Leaving at Room Temperature – Because of the dairy-based frosting, this cake should not be left out for more than 2 hours.

Make-Ahead Tips

✔️ Cake Layers – Bake the cake layers a day in advance, wrap them tightly, and refrigerate until ready to assemble.
✔️ Strawberry Filling – Make the filling up to 3 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator.
✔️ Frosting – The cream cheese frosting can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Let it soften slightly before using.

By following these serving and storage tips, you’ll ensure your strawberry vanilla cake stays fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented every time! Now, let’s wrap up with a few final thoughts before answering common questions.

Conclusion

This strawberry vanilla cake is the perfect blend of sweet vanilla flavor and fresh strawberries, making it a delicious and visually stunning dessert for any occasion. With its moist and fluffy cake layers, rich strawberry filling, and creamy frosting, this cake is a must-try for anyone who loves classic, homemade desserts.

The best part? This cake is easy to make with simple ingredients, and it’s versatile enough to customize to your taste. Whether you’re making it for a birthday, holiday, or just because, this cake is guaranteed to impress with its delicate flavors and beautiful presentation.

Now that you have the full recipe, let’s go over some frequently asked questions to help you achieve perfect results every time!

FAQs

Now that all your questions are answered, it’s time to bake and enjoy this delicious strawberry vanilla cake.