Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling Recipe
A deliciously moist vanilla cake layered with a sweet and tangy homemade strawberry filling and topped with smooth strawberry vanilla frosting. Perfect for celebrations or any special occasion, this cake combines classic vanilla flavors with fresh strawberries for a delightful treat.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Vanilla Cake
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk)
Strawberry Filling
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)
Vanilla Frosting
- 1 batch of strawberry vanilla frosting (ingredients not specified)
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberry Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes to release juices.
- Make Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Add this to the strawberry mixture.
- Cook Filling: Cook over medium heat, stirring gently, until the mixture thickens and bubbles (5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and cool completely.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium for 4-5 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Combine Batter: Gradually add flour mixture in three parts, alternating with milk, starting and ending with flour. Mix until just combined and smooth.
- Bake Cake Layers: Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool Cakes: Let cool in pans 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Assemble Cake: Place one cake layer on serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting and strawberry filling over it.
- Layer and Frost: Place second cake layer on top, frost top and sides with vanilla frosting. Decorate with whole strawberries and drizzle remaining frosting if desired.
- Chill and Serve: Chill cake for 45 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure the cake layers are completely cooled before assembling to prevent melting the frosting.
- Adjust sugar in strawberry filling based on sweetness of strawberries.
- The recipe mentions 'strawberry vanilla frosting' but does not provide ingredients; a standard buttercream with strawberry puree or flavor can be used.
- Chilling the cake helps the frosting set and improves slicing.
- Using parchment paper helps with easy removal of cake layers from pans.
