If you’re on the lookout for a dessert that’s both timeless and utterly delightful, then let me introduce you to the Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling Recipe. This luscious cake combines moist, tender vanilla layers with a vibrant, fresh strawberry filling that bursts with summery sweetness. It’s the kind of treat that instantly becomes a family favorite, perfect for celebrations or just elevating an ordinary day. Every bite is a harmonious dance of creamy, fruity, and fluffy goodness that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly sophisticated.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From fresh strawberries that bring bright juiciness to the tender cake crumb to the creamy blends that add richness and depth, you’ll see how simple basics transform into an extraordinary dessert.
- Fresh strawberries: These provide the natural sweetness and vibrant color that make the filling irresistible and fresh.
- Water: Helps to soften and cook down strawberries for the perfect filling consistency.
- Cornstarch: Acts as the thickening agent to give the filling that glossy, perfect texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling and the cake itself, balanced carefully for flavor.
- Kosher salt: A pinch brings out the sweetness and balances the flavors throughout.
- Lemon juice: Adds a zingy brightness that enhances the natural strawberry flavor.
- Red food coloring (optional): Gives the filling a vibrant red hue if desired, without affecting the taste.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to soft peaks, it adds luxurious lightness to the frosting.
- Powdered sugar: Used both in the filling and frosting to ensure smooth sweetness.
- Cream cheese: Provides a tangy creaminess that complements the strawberries perfectly.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses both cake and frosting with warming, aromatic notes.
- Almond extract: A small touch that adds subtle depth and a lovely nutty fragrance.
- Cake flour: The key for tender, delicate cake layers with a fine crumb.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture, crucial for the cake’s soft texture.
- Virgin coconut oil: Gives the cake a moist crumb and gentle undertone.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Leavening agents that create the perfect rise and lightness.
- Egg whites: Whipped to incorporate air, making the cake airy and spongy.
- Low-fat buttermilk: Adds tenderness and subtle tanginess to the cake batter.
How to Make Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Filling
Begin by washing and stem-ming the fresh strawberries, then slice half of them. In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, water, sugar, salt, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries release their juices and soften, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in cornstarch dissolved in a little water to thicken the mixture, cooking until glossy and thickened. Add red food coloring if you want that classic bright red color. Remove from heat and allow it to cool completely; this luscious strawberry filling is the heart of the cake’s fresh flavor.
Step 2: Whip the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat the cream cheese with half of the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with the remaining powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, then add vanilla and almond extracts plus a pinch of kosher salt. This frosting is airy yet tangy, creating the perfect complement to the sweet strawberry filling and the delicate vanilla cake layers.
Step 3: Bake the Vanilla Cake Layers
Preheat your oven as directed and prepare your pans. Mix the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together, then set aside. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, coconut oil, and sugar until fluffy. Add egg whites one at a time, then the vanilla and almond extracts. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined to keep the batter light and tender. Divide evenly into prepared pans and bake for about 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let them cool completely.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a thick layer of strawberry filling generously on top. Add another cake layer and repeat with the strawberry filling. Top with the final cake layer and cover the entire cake with the whipped cream cheese frosting. This assembly creates those beautiful layers where the creamy tang meets the fruity freshness and soft vanilla cake, making every slice a wonderful experience.
How to Serve Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh strawberries on top or a light dusting of powdered sugar makes the cake look as irresistible as it tastes. For an extra special touch, fresh mint leaves or edible flowers elevate the visual appeal and invite your guests to dive right in.
Side Dishes
This Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling Recipe pairs wonderfully with a simple scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a refreshing glass of sparkling lemonade. Light fruit salads or a few roasted nuts on the side bring some contrasting textures and flavors that complement the cake beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For celebrations, try layering the cake in individual clear cups with strawberry filling and frosting for personal portions. Or cut the cake into petite squares to create bite-sized treats perfect for a tea party. You can also drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top for a rich twist that impresses guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cake covered tightly in the refrigerator to maintain freshness for up to 3 days. The frosting keeps it moist, while the strawberry filling continues to infuse flavor making each slice just as delightful as when freshly served.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake layers before assembly wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to one month. Once thawed and assembled with filling and frosting, enjoy within 24 hours for best texture and flavor. Avoid freezing the fully assembled cake as the filling may affect the texture.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed chilled, but if you prefer, let the refrigerated cake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the cream cheese frosting slightly and bring out the full flavors.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?
While fresh strawberries give the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen if fresh aren’t available. Just thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking the filling to avoid it becoming too watery.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
You can substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary slightly in texture. Be sure to use a blend that includes xanthan gum for structure.
How far in advance can I prepare this cake?
You can bake the cake layers and prepare the filling and frosting up to two days in advance. Assemble the cake on the day you plan to serve for the freshest taste and best presentation.
Can I make the filling less sweet?
Absolutely! Simply reduce the sugar in the filling to suit your taste. The natural tartness of strawberries combined with lemon juice helps balance sweetness nicely.
What if I don’t have coconut oil—can I substitute it?
Yes, you can use more unsalted butter or a mild vegetable oil in place of coconut oil. The cake might lose a subtle hint of flavor but will still be moist and tender.
Final Thoughts
Making this Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling Recipe brings a wonderful opportunity to create a dessert that’s both stunning and delicious. It’s a recipe that invites you to celebrate fresh ingredients and simple techniques, all wrapped up in a cake that’s as joyful to make as it is to eat. I absolutely encourage you to give it a try and watch it become a beloved recipe in your own kitchen!
