Dreamy Vanilla Cake with Fresh Strawberry Frosting Recipe

Sweet memories flood back whenever I whip up this delightful vanilla cake with fresh strawberry frosting that brings pure happiness to the table.

Strawberries burst with vibrant color and natural sweetness, making this dessert a true celebration of seasonal ingredients.

Soft, pillowy layers emerge from your oven, promising a delectable experience that feels both comforting and elegant.

Creamy frosting swirls atop each slice, creating a stunning visual that matches its incredible flavor profile.

Summer afternoons call for something special, and this cake delivers pure joy in every single bite.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this simple yet impressive recipe that looks like it came straight from a professional kitchen.

We promise this cake will become your new favorite dessert to share with loved ones.

Strawberry Frosted Vanilla Cake Highlights

• This vanilla cake recipe offers an easy, stress-free baking experience perfect for both novice and experienced bakers, requiring minimal ingredients and straightforward steps.
• The strawberry frosting brings a vibrant, natural sweetness that elevates the classic vanilla cake, creating a delightful flavor combination that feels both comforting and exciting.
• Ideal for gatherings, birthdays, or casual family dinners, this cake appeals to all ages with its universally loved vanilla base and fruity frosting that adds a touch of elegance.
• With just a few basic ingredients and a short baking time, this recipe transforms simple components into a beautiful, delicious dessert that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare.

Ingredients for Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Frosting

• All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cake rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's rich texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides moisture and adds a rich, creamy flavor to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Gives a classic, sweet aroma and depth of flavor.

• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, tender cake batter.

How to Bake Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Frosting

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C).

Grab your 8-inch round cake pan and give it a generous coating of butter and flour, making sure every nook and cranny is covered so your cake doesn’t stick.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re perfectly blended and free of any lumps.

Step 3: Create Cake Batter Magic

In a separate bowl, crack open your eggs and add softened butter and a splash of vanilla extract.

Beat these ingredients until they’re smooth and creamy.

Slowly introduce your dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with splashes of milk.

Stir gently until everything is beautifully combined into a silky cake batter.

Step 4: Bake To Perfection

Pour your luscious batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly.

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes.

To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center – if it comes out clean, your cake is ready to cool and be transformed into a delightful dessert.

Tips for Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Frosting

• Avoid overbaking by checking doneness early and removing the cake from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.
• Macerate fresh strawberries with a little sugar before blending into frosting to intensify their natural sweetness and create a more vibrant color.
• Ensure eggs, butter, and milk are at room temperature for smoother mixing and a more consistent cake texture.
• If the strawberry frosting is too runny, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes to help it firm up and become more spreadable.
• Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness, bringing to room temperature before serving.

Storing and Reheating Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Frosting

• Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Keep the cake covered at room temperature for 1-2 days if serving soon. Use a cake dome or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid to protect from dust and maintain freshness.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. For best results, let the cake come to room temperature naturally before serving to preserve its soft texture.

Pairing Ideas for Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Frosting

• Pair Sparkling Rosé: Complement the delicate vanilla cake with a light, bubbly rosé that enhances the strawberry frosting's sweet-tart notes.
• Serve Whipped Cream Delight: Top each cake slice with a dollop of fresh whipped cream to add extra creamy texture and balance the strawberry's brightness.
• Match Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop classic vanilla bean ice cream alongside the cake to create a harmonious flavor profile that amplifies the cake's vanilla essence.
• Enjoy Fresh Strawberry Garnish: Arrange fresh, sliced strawberries around the cake plate to highlight the frosting's natural fruit flavor and provide a beautiful visual presentation.

Variations on Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Frosting

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend, ensuring a safe option for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
• Vegan Berry Celebration: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based butter, and substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk for a completely plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Option: Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and opt for a sugar-free strawberry frosting made with cream cheese and natural strawberry puree.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk, and substitute butter with coconut oil or vegetable oil to create a dairy-free friendly cake that's still moist and delicious.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen strawberries for the frosting?

Yes, but thaw and drain them completely first to prevent excess moisture that could make the frosting runny.

• How do I prevent my cake from being dry?

Make sure not to overbake and measure ingredients precisely. Check the cake a few minutes before the recommended baking time and use a toothpick to test doneness.

• What if I don't have vanilla extract?

You can substitute with vanilla bean paste, vanilla bean seeds, or even maple syrup for a similar depth of flavor. Each will bring a slightly different taste profile to the cake.

• Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Ensure it contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help with texture.

Vanilla Cake with Fresh Strawberry Frosting Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent vanilla cake meets luscious strawberry frosting in this dreamy dessert that whispers sweet summer memories. Rich layers promise a delightful experience, inviting you to savor each blissful bite of pure culinary magic.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup milk

Leavening Agents:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Flavoring and Frosting Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and carefully coat an 8-inch round cake pan with butter and a light dusting of flour.
2. Sift together the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, ensuring an even distribution of flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream eggs, softened butter, and vanilla extract in a separate large bowl until smooth and well-blended.
4. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with gentle additions of milk to create a silky, consistent batter.
5. Transfer the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform thickness.
6. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and free of wet batter.
7. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan before removing and preparing for frosting.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and even baking, preventing lumps in the batter.
• Avoid overmixing the cake batter, which can lead to a tough, dense texture; mix just until ingredients are combined.
• Swap fresh strawberries for frozen in the frosting during off-season, but drain excess moisture to maintain proper consistency.
• For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the cake’s tender crumb.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg