Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling

Name: Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup milk; 3 large eggs; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Highlighted under: Sweet Baking Recipes

I absolutely love baking, and this Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling has become a favorite in my kitchen. It’s a delightful treat that perfectly balances the comforting flavor of vanilla with the sweetness of fresh strawberries. I’ve played around with different recipes and found that using high-quality vanilla extract truly elevates the cake’s flavor. Each bite is moist and fluffy, and the fruity filling adds a beautiful burst of color and flavor. It's perfect for birthdays or just a sweet afternoon treat!

Created by

Jessica Brown

Last updated on 2026-01-08T12:13:37.576Z

Baking this Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling brought back such nostalgic memories for me. Growing up, my family often celebrated special occasions with homemade cakes, and I wanted to recreate that warmth in my own baking. I learned that allowing the cake to cool completely before adding the filling is crucial for a perfect presentation.

Another tip I discovered is to use fresh strawberries for the filling instead of preserves. It enhances the flavor and provides a lovely contrast to the soft vanilla cake. Each slice is a delightful combination of light and fruity!

Why You'll Love This Vanilla Cake
Fluffy and moist vanilla cake paired with fresh strawberry filling
Perfect for any celebration or casual get-together
Easy to decorate with whipped cream or more fresh strawberries

Understanding Ingredients

The quality of your ingredients plays a crucial role in the outcome of your Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling. Using high-quality unsalted butter ensures a rich flavor and helps maintain the cake's moisture. Granulated sugar not only sweetens the cake but also aids in creating a tender crumb. When selecting your flour, opt for all-purpose flour for balance; it provides the right structure without making the cake too dense. Don't overlook the importance of fresh strawberries; their natural sweetness and acidity elevate the filling's overall taste.

The role of eggs in this recipe cannot be overstated. They act as a binding agent, helping to create a light, airy texture while contributing to the cake's moisture. It's best to use room temperature eggs, as they incorporate more evenly into the batter. Ensure your baking powder is fresh to achieve a proper rise; you can check its potency by adding a little to warm water to see if it bubbles. A quick check can save you from a flat cake!

Cake Assembly Tips

Assembling the cake is just as important as baking it. Once your cake layers have cooled completely, consider leveling them with a serrated knife if they have domed on top. This ensures that the cake will have a balanced, professional look and prevents it from toppling over. Apply the strawberry filling using an offset spatula for an even layer, which makes each slice more visually appealing and flavorful. A dollop of whipped cream can be added on top for an elegant finish, complementing the strawberries nicely.

For those looking to enhance the flavor, try infusing the strawberry filling with a splash of vanilla extract or a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar during cooking. This deepens the strawberry flavor and adds a sophisticated twist. When storing the assembled cake, keep it in the refrigerator to maintain freshness; if you're planning to serve it later, consider waiting to add the whipped cream until just before serving to preserve its texture.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling

For the Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup milk
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Strawberry Filling

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

For Decoration

Optional: Whipped cream, fresh strawberries

Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Baking Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Make the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, and mix until just combined.

Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Strawberry Filling

In a saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, until the strawberries soften and the mixture thickens slightly. Allow to cool.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread the strawberry filling evenly on top, then place the second cake layer on top. Optional: decorate with whipped cream and more fresh strawberries.

Enjoy your delicious Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, you can add a splash of almond extract to the cake batter for more depth of flavor.

Storage and Make-Ahead

This Vanilla Cake can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy occasions. You can bake the cake layers up to two days in advance. Once cooled, wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. When you're ready to assemble, let them come to room temperature, which helps maintain moisture and flavor. For the strawberry filling, it can be prepared a day ahead as well; simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you're ready to use it.

If you find yourself with leftover cake, here's how to store it properly. Keep the assembled cake in the fridge for up to four days, but if you have only the layers remaining, they can last for several days wrapped tightly in the fridge. If you want to freeze the cake for longer storage, wrap the layers in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months; just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cake layers turn out dry, it may be due to overmixing the batter after adding the flour. This can lead to a dense texture by developing too much gluten. Another common issue is overbaking; always check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time, as oven temperatures can vary. If the cakes are domed excessively on top, using a cake leveler or a serrated knife can help create even layers for assembly.

A runny strawberry filling can be a common issue if the strawberries have too much juice. To combat this, make sure to cook the mixture adequately, allowing it to reduce and thicken properly. If you find that your filling is still too runny after cooking, you can mix a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) into the filling and simmer briefly until it thickens. This will give you the perfect consistency for a delightful filling.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?

Yes, frozen strawberries can be used, but thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture.

→ How should I store the cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake and cool the cake a day in advance. Just fill and decorate it on the day you plan to serve.

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

For each egg, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixture as a vegan option.