Strawberry Vanilla Butter Cake

There’s something nostalgic and heartwarming about the combination of strawberries and vanilla. The soft sweetness of vanilla paired with the juicy brightness of fresh strawberries creates a cake that feels like a slice of sunshine. The Strawberry Vanilla Butter Cake is tender, buttery, and layered with creamy frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether it’s for a celebration or a simple weekend treat, this cake will win hearts at first bite.

Behind the Recipe

This cake was born from the idea of turning a simple butter cake into something extra special. I remember baking this one summer afternoon when strawberries were at their peak. The kitchen smelled like vanilla sugar and warm butter, and that aroma alone was enough to make everyone gather around. It’s a recipe that carries warmth and comfort, and every slice feels like a hug from home.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Butter cake has deep roots in European baking traditions, particularly in the United Kingdom and Germany, where rich, dense cakes became symbols of celebration. The addition of strawberries is a modern twist that adds freshness and color. In many parts of the world, this cake is now associated with summer gatherings and tea parties. It’s a timeless classic that bridges old-fashioned charm with bright, modern flavors.

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Vanilla Butter Cake

It’s the kind of dessert that feels homemade and elegant at once.

Versatile: Perfect for birthdays, brunches, or just a cozy afternoon treat.
Budget-Friendly: Uses basic pantry staples and seasonal fruit.
Quick and Easy: Simple steps with a stunning result.
Customizable: Add lemon zest, white chocolate drizzle, or extra fruit layers.
Crowd-Pleasing: A flavor combination everyone adores.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better after chilling overnight.
Great for Leftovers: Keeps moist for days, perfect with tea or coffee.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

For the best cake, every detail counts.

1. Always bring your butter and eggs to room temperature before mixing.
2. Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and color.
3. Do not overmix the batter, it keeps the texture light and tender.
4. Let the cake cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the cream.
5. For extra flavor, brush each cake layer with a light strawberry syrup before stacking.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Let’s make sure your tools are ready before we bake.
Mixing Bowls: For batter, frosting, and fruit preparation.
Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: To cream butter and sugar perfectly.
Round Cake Pans (8-inch): Ensures even layers and perfect baking.
Cooling Rack: Helps cakes cool without sogginess.
Spatula and Offset Knife: For smooth frosting application.

Ingredients in Strawberry Vanilla Butter Cake

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cake deliciously soft and flavorful.

1. All-purpose flour: 2 1/2 cups, provides structure for the cake.
2. Baking powder: 2 teaspoons, helps the cake rise beautifully.
3. Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, balances sweetness.
4. Unsalted butter: 1 cup (softened), gives richness and tender texture.
5. Sugar: 1 1/2 cups, sweetens and adds golden crust.
6. Eggs: 4 large, bind ingredients and give moisture.
7. Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons, adds warmth and depth of flavor.
8. Whole milk: 3/4 cup, keeps the cake soft and smooth.
9. Fresh strawberries: 1 1/2 cups chopped, folded into the batter for bursts of fruity flavor.
10. Heavy cream: 1 cup, for the frosting base.
11. Powdered sugar: 1 1/2 cups, sweetens and thickens the frosting.
12. Strawberry puree: 1/4 cup, adds natural color and flavor to frosting.
13. Fresh strawberries (for topping): 1 cup halved, for decoration.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your pantry.
Butter: Use margarine or plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
Milk: Substitute with almond or oat milk.
Flour: Cake flour can make it even softer.
Strawberries: Try raspberries or mixed berries when out of season.

Ingredient Spotlight

Unsalted Butter: Creates the rich, velvety base that makes every crumb melt in your mouth.
Fresh Strawberries: Add vibrant sweetness, color, and a natural aroma that pairs beautifully with vanilla.

Instructions for Making Strawberry Vanilla Butter Cake

Now let’s bring this beautiful cake to life.

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. In another, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one by one, then stir in vanilla.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk into the butter mixture, mixing gently until smooth. Fold in chopped strawberries.
4. Assemble the Dish: Divide the batter evenly between pans and smooth the tops.
5. Cook to Perfection: Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Finishing Touches: Cool completely on racks. Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and strawberry puree into a fluffy frosting.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Frost each layer, stack the cakes, and top with fresh halved strawberries.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The contrast is heavenly, buttery crumb with juicy strawberry bursts, topped with velvety frosting that’s lightly sweet and fruity. Each bite feels like spring captured in cake form.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make your cake foolproof with these quick tricks:

• Chill frosting for 15 minutes before applying for smoother layers.
• Dust chopped strawberries lightly with flour to prevent sinking.
• Use pure vanilla extract, not imitation, for richer aroma.

What to Avoid

Even a great recipe can go wrong if rushed.

• Don’t overbake or the cake will dry out.
• Avoid using frozen strawberries without draining, they add too much moisture.
• Don’t frost warm cakes, it will melt the buttercream.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 10
Calories per serving: 410

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (plus cooling time)

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This cake stays moist for up to 3 days in the fridge. You can bake the layers a day ahead, wrap them tightly, and frost before serving. The frosting also keeps well refrigerated for two days. Freeze unfrosted layers for up to a month.

How to Serve Strawberry Vanilla Butter Cake

Serve it chilled or at room temperature. Add a drizzle of strawberry syrup or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch. Pair with iced tea or a light latte for a delightful afternoon treat.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Turn leftover slices into cake parfaits layered with yogurt and fresh fruit, or crumble them into ice cream sundaes for a fun twist.

Additional Tips

For an elegant look, frost the cake lightly for a semi-naked style. Garnish with mint leaves or edible flowers for a bakery-perfect finish.

Make It a Showstopper

Add extra sliced strawberries cascading down the side and a glossy brush of strawberry glaze on top for that magazine-worthy presentation.

Variations to Try

1. Lemon Strawberry Cake: Add lemon zest and a touch of juice for brightness.
2. Chocolate Twist: Replace 1/4 cup flour with cocoa for a strawberry-chocolate version.
3. Berry Mix: Add blueberries and raspberries for a colorful mix.
4. Coconut Cream Cake: Use coconut milk and top with shredded coconut.
5. Mini Cupcake Version: Make small bite-sized portions perfect for parties.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, just thaw and drain them well to avoid extra liquid.

2. Can I make this without eggs?

Use 1/4 cup yogurt or applesauce per egg as a substitute.

3. What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

A hand mixer works perfectly fine.

4. How do I keep the cake moist?

Don’t overbake and store it tightly covered.

5. Can I make cupcakes from this recipe?

Yes, bake for about 18–20 minutes instead.

6. Can I use strawberry jam instead of puree?

Yes, but reduce the sugar slightly in the frosting.

7. How long does it last?

Up to 3 days refrigerated, or freeze for up to a month.

8. Can I make it gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

9. Can I skip the frosting?

You can, but the frosting adds flavor and moisture.

10. How can I make it look professional?

Use a turntable and an offset spatula for smooth frosting edges.

Conclusion

Strawberry Vanilla Butter Cake is pure happiness baked into layers. The rich butter crumb, the fragrant vanilla, and the fresh burst of strawberries create a dessert that’s both classic and comforting. Whether you’re baking it for someone special or simply for yourself, this cake is worth every minute spent in the kitchen. One slice, and you’ll know it’s love at first bite.

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