Vanilla Layer Cake with Strawberries

This Vanilla Layer Cake with Fresh Strawberries is a delightful blend of tender vanilla cake, rich whipped cream, and the natural sweetness of juicy strawberries. With its elegant layers and fresh fruit, this cake is a showstopper that’s perfect for celebrations, summer parties, or a weekend treat. The combination of light and airy cake with the luscious whipped cream creates a dessert that’s both decadent and refreshing. The simplicity of the ingredients lets the natural flavors shine through, making it a versatile cake that can be customized with your favorite seasonal fruits. Serve it as a centerpiece for a birthday or simply enjoy it as a delightful dessert with afternoon tea. It’s a recipe that’s sure to impress family and friends with its classic charm and delicious taste.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups whole milk, room temperature
3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cakes cool, prepare the whipped cream by beating the heavy cream and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form.
Once the cakes are cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of whipped cream over the top and arrange a layer of sliced strawberries. Place the second cake layer on top and spread the remaining whipped cream over the top and sides. Decorate with additional strawberry slices if desired.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes (includes cooling time)

Kcal: 430 kcal | Servings: 12 servings

The History and Inspiration Behind the Recipe

The Vanilla Layer Cake has deep roots in baking traditions around the world. It originated as a simple yet elegant dessert during the 18th century, when vanilla became more widely available outside of Europe. As sugar production expanded, the art of cake-making evolved, and the humble vanilla cake became a staple of birthday celebrations, weddings, and family gatherings. What makes the Vanilla Layer Cake stand out is its delicate crumb and rich, buttery flavor, which acts as the perfect canvas for creative variations and fillings.

Strawberries, often considered the “jewel of summer,” pair beautifully with vanilla’s subtle floral notes. This combination is beloved for its balance of sweetness and freshness, offering a taste that’s both nostalgic and satisfying. The use of fresh strawberries in the recipe brings a vibrant, natural sweetness and a pop of color that instantly elevates the cake’s presentation. Together, vanilla and strawberries create a dessert that feels luxurious yet approachable.

Healthier Ingredients, Better Taste

While cakes are generally indulgent treats, this recipe emphasizes fresh, natural ingredients, making it a lighter option compared to some more decadent desserts. Here’s why this Vanilla Layer Cake with Fresh Strawberries is a balanced choice:

Fresh Strawberries: Strawberries are packed with vitamins, particularly vitamin C, which supports immune health and skin vitality. They also contain antioxidants like anthocyanins, which can help combat inflammation and promote heart health. Using fresh strawberries instead of a sugary filling means you get to enjoy the benefits of real fruit without unnecessary additives.
Whipped Cream: Unlike heavier frostings like buttercream or fondant, the whipped cream used in this recipe is airy and light. It provides richness without overwhelming the palate, allowing the flavors of the cake and strawberries to shine through. Additionally, heavy cream, when whipped properly, has a lower sugar content compared to many store-bought frostings, making it a more natural choice.
Vanilla: Pure vanilla extract, as opposed to artificial vanilla flavoring, gives the cake a more authentic taste. Vanilla is known for its calming properties and can enhance the overall flavor profile of the cake, making it taste richer and more aromatic.

What Makes This Recipe the Best

There are plenty of reasons why this Vanilla Layer Cake with Fresh Strawberries stands out from the crowd:

Moist and Tender Texture: The secret to this cake’s perfect texture lies in the balance of ingredients and the mixing method. By alternating the addition of flour and milk, the cake batter remains light, and the resulting layers bake up tender and moist. The use of whole milk adds richness, while the softened butter provides a smooth, velvety crumb.
Versatility: This recipe is incredibly versatile, making it easy to adapt to different occasions and dietary needs. You can add a layer of lemon curd for a citrus twist or switch out the strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or a mix of seasonal fruits. It’s even possible to make it gluten-free by substituting with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
Impressive Presentation: With its two layers of golden vanilla cake, fluffy whipped cream, and vibrant red strawberries, this cake makes a stunning visual impact. It’s the kind of dessert that makes people say “wow” when you bring it to the table. Yet, despite its beautiful presentation, it’s surprisingly easy to assemble, requiring only basic cake-decorating skills.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This cake can be made ahead in parts, which is ideal for those who want to plan in advance. The cake layers can be baked and frozen for up to a month, and the whipped cream and strawberries can be added a few hours before serving. This makes it a great option for entertaining or when you need to save time on the day of an event.
Crowd-Pleaser: Vanilla and strawberries have universal appeal, making this cake suitable for a wide range of tastes. It’s perfect for those who appreciate the simplicity of classic desserts, but it’s also special enough to impress those with a more discerning palate. Whether served at a birthday party, a baby shower, or a summer BBQ, it’s a recipe that will have guests coming back for seconds.

Tips for Success

To ensure your Vanilla Layer Cake with Fresh Strawberries turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring that your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature allows for better incorporation into the batter, leading to a smoother texture. It also helps the cake rise more evenly.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a dense cake. Mix just until the flour is incorporated, and if you see a few small lumps, that’s okay—they’ll smooth out during baking.
Whipping the Cream: For the best results, chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping the cream. This helps the cream to thicken faster and hold its shape longer. Adding powdered sugar not only sweetens the cream but also helps stabilize it, so it stays fluffy even when refrigerated.
Choosing the Best Strawberries: Opt for strawberries that are bright red and have a sweet fragrance. They should be firm to the touch but not overly hard. Avoid strawberries with white or green patches, as these indicate they are not fully ripe.

The Experience of Making and Enjoying

Baking this cake is not just about the end result; it’s about the experience of creating something beautiful from scratch. As you whip up the batter, you’ll be enveloped in the warm, comforting aroma of vanilla. Once the cakes are baking, your kitchen fills with that delightful scent, reminiscent of classic home baking. When you assemble the layers with fresh strawberries and clouds of whipped cream, it’s a hands-on process that’s both fun and rewarding.

The first bite is a moment of pure bliss. The cake is soft and moist, with the lightness of whipped cream cutting through its richness. The strawberries add bursts of juiciness and a slight tang, creating a balanced flavor that’s sweet but not cloying. Each mouthful is a perfect harmony of textures—airy cake, creamy topping, and succulent fruit. It’s a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a summer’s day, yet elegant enough for a special celebration.

Perfect Pairings

Pair this cake with a glass of chilled prosecco or a refreshing strawberry lemonade for a perfect summer dessert experience. If you’re serving it during cooler months, a hot cup of vanilla chai or coffee would complement the vanilla notes beautifully. You can also serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra indulgent touch.

Conclusion

This Vanilla Layer Cake with Fresh Strawberries is more than just a dessert—it’s a tradition in the making. Its classic flavors, simple preparation, and stunning presentation make it a recipe that’s sure to be passed down, shared, and enjoyed for years to come. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this cake is a wonderful addition to your repertoire. It’s a treat that celebrates the joy of baking and the pleasure of gathering with loved ones to share something truly delicious.