Description

This classic Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling is a delightful homemade dessert perfect for any occasion. Moist and fluffy vanilla cake layers are generously filled with fresh strawberry slices mixed with sugar to create a fresh, sweet, and tangy filling. This recipe is user-friendly and yields a beautiful, flavorful cake sure to impress your family and guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 large eggs
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk

Strawberry Filling

2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
¼ cup granulated sugar

Instructions

Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two round cake pans to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air for a lighter cake texture.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to create a smooth batter. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with whole milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cake.
Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cakes are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Prepare Strawberry Filling: While the cakes bake, combine sliced strawberries with ¼ cup sugar in a bowl. Let it sit so the sugar draws out the natural juices, creating a sweet syrup for the filling.
Cool and Assemble: Let the cake layers cool completely in their pans on wire racks. Once cooled, spread the strawberry filling evenly between the two layers and stack them to create the layered cake.

Notes

For best results, use fresh, ripe strawberries for a vibrant flavor and natural sweetness.
You can substitute buttermilk for whole milk to add tanginess and extra moisture to the cake.
If you prefer, you can whip heavy cream to make a strawberry whipped cream filling instead of just strawberries and sugar.
Ensure cakes are fully cooled before adding the filling to prevent soggy layers.
Store the assembled cake in the refrigerator, ideally covered, to keep the strawberries fresh.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cake)
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 25 g
Sodium: 180 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
Trans Fat: 0.2 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 5 g
Cholesterol: 95 mg

Keywords: vanilla cake, strawberry filling, homemade cake, layered cake, dessert recipe, strawberry cake