A soft and airy vanilla cake layered with fluffy whipped cream frosting and topped with fresh, juicy strawberry slices. This simple yet elegant dessert is ideal for birthdays, gatherings, or a light treat to celebrate the season’s best strawberries.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This strawberry cake offers a delightful balance of light vanilla sponge and fresh fruit, paired with the richness of whipped cream. It’s easy to prepare with basic pantry ingredients, requires no complicated techniques, and delivers a bakery-style cake right from your kitchen. Its fresh and delicate flavor makes it perfect for spring and summer occasions, or anytime you want a crowd-pleasing dessert.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the cake:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk
For the topping:
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fresh strawberries, sliced
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour mixture, alternating with the milk, until the batter is smooth and combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack.
- Whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the whipped cream evenly over the cooled cake.
- Arrange the fresh strawberry slices decoratively around the edge and on top of the cake.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 8 servings.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving
Variations
- Replace the vanilla cake with a sponge cake or chiffon base for an even lighter texture.
- Use other fresh berries such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries along with strawberries for a mixed berry topping.
- Add a layer of strawberry jam between the cake and whipped cream for extra strawberry flavor.
- Incorporate lemon zest into the cake batter for a hint of citrus.
Storage/reheating
Store the strawberry cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The whipped cream topping may begin to lose its structure after this period. This cake is best enjoyed fresh and does not require reheating. Freezing is not recommended due to the whipped cream topping and fresh fruit.
FAQs
How do I ensure my cake is light and airy?
Cream the butter and sugar thoroughly until light and fluffy, and avoid overmixing once the flour is added to keep the texture tender.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance. Assemble with whipped cream and strawberries shortly before serving for the best texture.
What can I use instead of fresh strawberries?
You can substitute fresh strawberries with other fresh berries or use canned or frozen (thawed and drained) strawberries.
Can I use a different pan size?
Yes, you can use a 9-inch pan for a thinner cake, adjusting the baking time slightly.
How do I keep the whipped cream from deflating?
Use cold cream and chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping. Add powdered sugar, as it helps stabilize the cream.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
Can I use store-bought whipped topping?
Yes, store-bought whipped topping can be used as a shortcut, though fresh whipped cream offers better flavor.
How long will the cake stay fresh?
The cake is best enjoyed within 2-3 days when stored in the refrigerator.
Can I add a filling between cake layers?
Yes, you can slice the cake horizontally and add whipped cream, jam, or pastry cream between layers.
Can I make cupcakes instead of a whole cake?
Yes, divide the batter into cupcake liners and bake at the same temperature for about 18-22 minutes.
Conclusion
This strawberry cake is a timeless and elegant dessert that highlights the beauty and flavor of fresh strawberries paired with light vanilla cake and whipped cream. Whether served at a family gathering or as a sweet treat on a warm day, it promises to impress with its simplicity and freshness.
Print
Strawberry Cake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A soft and airy vanilla cake layered with fluffy whipped cream frosting, topped with fresh, juicy strawberry slices for a simple yet elegant dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla. Gradually add flour mixture, alternating with milk, until combined.
- Pour batter into the pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
- Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Spread over cooled cake.
- Top with fresh strawberry slices arranged around the edge.
Notes
- For extra flavor, brush the cake layers with a little strawberry syrup before frosting.
- Best served the same day for freshest taste and texture.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
