Strawberry Vanilla Cake Recipe
Strawberry Vanilla Cake is the kind of show-stopping treat that combines all the joys of spring and pure comfort in one gorgeous dessert. Imagine layers of soft, fluffy vanilla cake, pillowy clouds of vanilla-cream cheese frosting, and a burst of sweet, juicy strawberries in every bite. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want to brighten an ordinary day, this cake truly brings smiles, warmth, and plenty of delicious moments to the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need
This Strawberry Vanilla Cake is built from simple, quality ingredients that each bring something magical to the finished dessert. Every component, from the cake flour to the fresh strawberries, plays a role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color you’ll fall in love with.
- Cake flour: Gives the cake its delicate crumb and lovely, tender texture.
- Baking powder: Adds the lift, making each layer beautifully airy.
- Fine sea salt: Enhances every flavor and keeps the cake from tasting flat.
- Unsalted butter (room temperature): Provides richness and a soft, buttery taste throughout.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a light, moist structure.
- Large eggs (room temperature): Bind everything together and add richness.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the crumb extra moist, so your cake remains tender even after chilling.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the cake and frosting with unmistakable warmth and aroma.
- Vanilla bean paste: Adds beautiful vanilla flecks and a more intense flavor that makes this cake stand out.
- Whole milk (room temperature): Keeps the batter creamy and the cake layers perfectly soft.
- Fresh strawberries (washed and dried, divided): You’ll need a generous amount to layer inside and decorate the cake – they bring everything to life!
- Granulated sugar (for strawberries): Helps macerate the berries, drawing out their juices and intensifying their flavor.
- Full-fat cream cheese (cold): Essential for the frosting, giving it that ultra-creaminess and a little tang.
- Confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens the frosting while keeping it super smooth.
- Vanilla extract (for frosting): Doubles up for an extra dose of vanilla in the creamy topping.
- Fine sea salt (for frosting): Rounds out and balances the sweetness of the frosting.
- Heavy whipping cream (cold): Gives the frosting its dreamy, fluffy lightness.
How to Make Strawberry Vanilla Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Cake Pans
Preheat your oven to 350º F. Spray three 8-inch round cake pans with cooking spray, then line the bottoms with parchment paper. This small step guarantees a smooth release every time, making assembly a total breeze.
Step 2: Sift and Whisk Dry Ingredients
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting is key for a soft crumb, so don’t rush this part! Set aside once thoroughly combined.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In the bowl of a stand mixer or using an electric hand mixer, cream the room-temperature butter with the sugar for about 3 minutes. You’re looking for a pale, fluffy mixture that practically glows. This is the foundation of that perfect Strawberry Vanilla Cake bite.
Step 4: Add Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed until fully blended. Once everything’s in, turn the mixer up to high and beat for an extra minute. This extra boost gives the batter gorgeous structure and lightness.
Step 5: Oil and Vanilla
Pour in the vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and vanilla bean paste. Beat the mixture until everything is well incorporated. You’ll start to smell the vanilla magic happening already!
Step 6: Alternate Dry Ingredients and Milk
With the mixer on low, add one third of the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, blend, then add half of the milk and stir. Repeat with another third of the flour, then the remaining milk, and finish with the last of the flour. Blend each addition gently and fold together until no dry streaks remain. Careful not to overmix – that’s the secret to a tender crumb.
Step 7: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared pans. Bake for 21 to 23 minutes or until the cake springs back lightly when touched, and a tester comes out clean or with just a couple crumbs. Let the cakes cool in their pans and then carefully run a knife around the edges for easy removal.
Step 8: Prepare the Strawberry Filling
Once your cakes are completely cooled, slice half (one pound) of your strawberries into flat strips and place them in a bowl. Sprinkle with granulated sugar, then gently toss to coat. Let them sit and macerate while you prepare the frosting – they’ll get extra juicy and flavorful!
Step 9: Whip Up the Frosting
In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment (or using hand beaters), beat the cold cream cheese until completely smooth. Add the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing on low until everything is incorporated. Once smooth, slowly stream in the heavy cream while the mixer runs on medium-high; keep whipping until the frosting is thick and billowy.
Step 10: Assemble Your Strawberry Vanilla Cake
Place the first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting over the top, then pipe a ridge of frosting around the edge to hold in the juicy berries. Spoon half the macerated strawberries inside this circle, holding back the syrupy juices. Add the next layer of cake, repeating the frosting and strawberry step. Finish with the final cake round, then spread frosting over the top and sides. Pipe a decorative edge if you’d like.
Step 11: Decorate With Strawberries
Slice or halve your reserved strawberries (one pound), then arrange them artfully on top of your frosted cake. This finishing touch makes your Strawberry Vanilla Cake almost too beautiful to eat… almost!
How to Serve Strawberry Vanilla Cake

Garnishes
A generous handful of sliced or whole strawberries on top makes this cake shine, but you can also sprinkle over some freeze-dried strawberry powder for a pop of color, or add a few fresh mint leaves for extra freshness. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a light dusting of confectioners’ sugar right before serving looks absolutely magical.
Side Dishes
Keep it light and refreshing with accompaniments like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a simple afternoon tea, pair your Strawberry Vanilla Cake with a tall glass of iced tea or a warm mug of milky Earl Grey. It’s a lovely contrast to the cake’s richness!
Creative Ways to Present
Individual mini cakes are a showstopper for special gatherings – just use biscuit cutters to create petite rounds from each layer! Or serve slices in mason jars for an easy, handheld treat. For a picnic, pack the components separately and assemble just before serving. However you serve it, Strawberry Vanilla Cake is bound to steal the spotlight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once you’ve enjoyed your celebration, keep any remaining Strawberry Vanilla Cake in the fridge, wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. The frosting and fresh berries stay perky for up to 3 days, and the cake remains wonderfully moist.
Freezing
If you need to make the cake ahead of time, the layers (without filling and frosting) freeze beautifully for up to two months. Wrap each cake round tightly in plastic and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then assemble your Strawberry Vanilla Cake when you’re ready to indulge.
Reheating
While this is a cake best served cold or at room temperature, if you enjoy a slightly warm bite, pop a slice in the microwave for 10 seconds. The cake softens gently and the strawberries become extra juicy. Just be cautious with the frosting – it can melt quickly!
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries in my Strawberry Vanilla Cake?
Fresh strawberries definitely give the brightest flavor and best texture for this cake, but if that’s all you have, thawed frozen berries can work in a pinch. Just be sure to drain them very well to avoid making the filling too wet.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the cake flour for your favorite gluten-free baking blend (make sure it includes xanthan gum) and proceed as usual. The result will be just as fluffy and beautiful.
What if I don’t have vanilla bean paste?
No problem. Simply use extra vanilla extract in its place. The vanilla flavor will still be rich and aromatic, though you may miss those pretty vanilla bean specks.
Can I make the cake layers in advance?
Yes, baking the layers a day or two ahead is a smart move! Wrap them tightly and store them at room temperature for up to 24 hours, or pop into the fridge for longer storage. They’ll be ready to assemble when you are.
How do I keep my Strawberry Vanilla Cake from becoming soggy?
The trick is to fully drain the macerated strawberries before layering and use a thick ring of frosting to keep the juices contained. Serve soon after assembly for the freshest, prettiest results.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like creating (and devouring!) a Strawberry Vanilla Cake from scratch. It’s such a joyful project, bursting with fresh flavors and timeless appeal. I hope you’ll gather your favorite people and make this cake the centerpiece of your next happy occasion – it really is a little slice of everyday magic!
PrintStrawberry Vanilla Cake Recipe
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Strawberry Vanilla Cake that features layers of moist vanilla cake, fresh strawberries, and a luscious cream cheese frosting. A perfect dessert for any occasion!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups cake flour, sifted
- 2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
- 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
Strawberry Filling:
- 2 pounds fresh strawberries, divided
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 10 ounces full-fat cream cheese, cold
- 1 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350º F. Spray three 8-inch round cake pans with cooking spray and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- Make the cake batter. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cream butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, oil, and vanillas. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk. Bake for 21-23 minutes.
- Make the strawberry filling. Slice half of the strawberries and mix with sugar to macerate.
- Make the frosting. Beat cream cheese, then add sugar, vanilla, and salt. Stream in heavy cream until smooth.
- Assemble the cake. Layer cake, frosting, macerated strawberries, repeat, and top with final cake layer. Frost top and sides, decorate with strawberries.
Notes
- You can add a touch of lemon zest to the strawberry filling for a citrusy twist.
- For a more intense vanilla flavor, scrape the seeds from a fresh vanilla bean pod instead of using vanilla bean paste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (assuming 12 slices)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: Strawberry Vanilla Cake, Vanilla Cake Recipe, Cream Cheese Frosting, Strawberry Filling, Dessert Recipe