Easy recipe for vanilla cake with strawberry filling at home
Enjoy the mix of moist vanilla cake and fresh strawberry filling with this simple recipe. It’s great for summer parties, romantic moments, or when you want a tasty homemade treat. This cake is sure to wow with its easy ingredients and steps. You can make a beautiful dessert right in your kitchen.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Making a Perfect Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling
Making a vanilla cake with strawberry filling is a fun project. It mixes classic tastes and textures. You’ll need to make the cake, the strawberry filling, and the whipped cream frosting. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can make this amazing dessert at home.
The recipe has three parts: the vanilla cake, the strawberry filling, and the whipped cream frosting. Learning how to make each part is key. This ensures your cake tastes great and looks amazing. Every step, from mixing the cake ingredients to whipping the cream, is important.
This guide is for both experienced bakers and beginners. It will teach you how to make a vanilla cake with strawberry filling that will wow everyone. By using fresh ingredients and following the steps carefully, you’ll create a masterpiece that celebrates vanilla and strawberry.
Now, let’s start learning how to make a perfect vanilla cake with strawberry filling. We’ll uncover the secrets to making a dessert that will make your taste buds happy.
Essential Ingredients and Kitchen Equipment
Making a perfect vanilla cake with strawberry filling needs some key ingredients and tools. Let’s look at what you need for a successful baking journey.
Required Baking Tools
- 8-inch round cake pans
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Serrated knife
Quality Ingredients Checklist
For a moist and tasty vanilla cake, you’ll need these ingredients:
- Unsalted butter
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Buttermilk
For the strawberry filling, you’ll need:
- Fresh strawberries
- Heavy whipping cream
Ingredient Substitutions
If you need to make changes or substitutions, here are some options:
- Vegetable oil instead of olive oil
- Arrowroot starch in place of cornstarch
Using the right ingredients and tools is key to making a great vanilla cake with strawberry filling. With these essentials, you’re ready to make a delicious homemade treat.
Step-by-Step Vanilla Cake Base Preparation
Making the perfect vanilla cake base is key to a great dessert. Let’s go through the steps to make your cake moist, tender, and full of flavor.
Mixing the Wet Ingredients
First, heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a big bowl, mix 2 cups of granulated sugar and 6 oz. of unsalted butter until it’s light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully mixed before adding the next. Finally, add the 1 1/2 Tbsp. of vanilla extract.
Combining Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 1/2 tsp. baking powder, 3/4 tsp. baking soda, and 3/4 tsp. kosher salt. These ingredients help your cake rise and give it structure.
Proper Baking Techniques
Now, mix the wet and dry ingredients together. Add the dry ingredients and 2 cups of whole buttermilk to the butter mixture, mixing just until they’re combined. Don’t overmix, as it can make the cake tough.
Split the batter evenly between the three 8-inch round cake pans or two 9-inch round cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before moving them to wire racks to cool completely.
“The key to a perfect vanilla cake is in the balanced preparation of the wet and dry ingredients, followed by proper baking techniques.”
Creating the Perfect Strawberry Filling
To make a tasty strawberry filling for your vanilla cake, start with a simple macerated strawberry mix. Cut fresh, ripe strawberries and put them in a bowl. Sprinkle granulated sugar, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt over them. Gently mix until the strawberries are well coated.
Let the strawberry mix sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours. The sugar will make the strawberries juicy and syrupy. Don’t drain the liquid, as it’s the strawberry syrup that will soak and moisten the cake layers. It adds a delicious burst of strawberry cake filling flavor.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fresh strawberries, sliced | 6 cups |
| Granulated sugar | 4 tablespoons |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Kosher salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Strawberry-flavored gelatin dessert (optional) | 1 1/2 tablespoons |
If you want a thicker, more cohesive fruit filling, add a bit of strawberry-flavored gelatin dessert to the strawberries. This makes the filling stick together better when layered between the cake tiers.
“The secret to a perfect strawberry filling is allowing the berries to macerate fully, extracting their natural juices and creating a luscious, syrupy base for the cake.”
Tips for Cake Layer Assembly
Making a beautiful strawberry vanilla cake needs careful attention when putting it together. Start by cutting off the tops of your cooled cake layers. This makes them flat and even, so the layers stack well and the filling spreads out right.
Leveling Cake Layers
Use a serrated knife to gently cut off the domed tops of each cooled cake layer. This makes a flat surface. It helps the layers stack evenly and prevents the cake from looking lopsided.
Filling Application Methods
- Place the first cake layer on your serving platter or cake stand.
- Pipe a thick frosting border around the edge of the layer to contain the strawberry filling.
- Spread the prepared strawberry filling evenly within the frosting border.
- Carefully top with the next cake layer and repeat the process until all layers are stacked.
Preventing Filling Leakage
To stop the filling from leaking, make sure the frosting border is thick and continuous. This acts as a barrier to keep the strawberry filling inside the cake. Take your time and apply the frosting carefully for the best results.
By following these simple tips for leveling, filling, and sealing your cake layers, you’ll be well on your way to creating a stunning and delicious strawberry vanilla layer cake that’s sure to impress.
Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling: Expert Tips and Tricks
Baking a perfect vanilla cake with strawberry filling needs some expert advice. Follow these tips to make a homemade cake that will wow your guests.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure all your ingredients, like eggs, milk, and butter, are at room temperature. This makes them mix better, giving your cake a tender, moist texture.
Fold Egg Whites Gently: When adding whipped egg whites, fold them gently. This keeps your cake fluffy. Don’t overmix, as it can make the whites fall flat.
Cool Cakes Upside Down: Cool the baked cake layers upside down on a wire rack. This keeps them flat and prevents them from collapsing or getting domed.
Chill Before Frosting: Chill the cake with the strawberry filling in the fridge for at least an hour before frosting. This sets the layers and keeps crumbs out of the frosting.
Use a Crumb Coat: Put a thin layer of frosting all over the cake, called a crumb coat. This seals in crumbs and gives a smooth finish.
By using these baking tips, cake decorating tricks, and perfect cake techniques, you’ll make a vanilla cake with strawberry filling that will impress everyone.
Whipped Cream Frosting Preparation
Make your vanilla cake with strawberry filling even better with a luscious whipped cream frosting. This topping is light and airy, enhancing the cake’s flavors and adding a stunning look. Follow these steps for the perfect frosting and learn how to decorate your cake beautifully.
Achieving Perfect Consistency
To get a creamy whipped cream frosting, mix heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and Greek yogurt. The yogurt keeps the frosting stable, so it stays firm when you pipe or spread it. Chill your bowl and beaters in the fridge for 15 minutes before starting.
Start whipping the heavy cream on medium-high speed until it thickens. Add powdered sugar slowly and keep whipping until it’s stiff. Then, gently mix in the Greek yogurt without deflating the cream. This will give you a smooth, stable frosting for your cake.
Decorative Techniques
- Piping borders: Use a piping bag with a round or star tip for elegant borders on your cake.
- Rosette swirls: Pipe beautiful rosette swirls with a large open star tip for texture and interest.
- Smooth finish: Use an offset spatula for a sleek, modern frosting layer on your cake.
- Textured effects: Drag a fork through the frosting for a subtle, rippled pattern.
- Garnishes: Top with fresh strawberry slices, crushed graham cracker crumbs, or powdered sugar for elegance.
Chill the cake between frosting layers to keep the whipped cream’s shape and consistency. This will make your vanilla cake with strawberry filling look and taste amazing.
Storage and Serving Recommendations
Storing and serving your vanilla cake with strawberry filling right is key. It keeps the cake fresh and tasty. Follow these tips to keep your dessert perfect until the last bite.
For the best taste, keep the cake in the fridge for 3-4 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving. This way, the cake, filling, and frosting will be at their best.
Want to prep ahead? Make the cake layers 1-2 days early and keep them in the fridge. Assemble the cake within a day of serving for the best taste.
Leftover cake can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Or, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Assembled Cake (Refrigerator) | 3-4 days |
| Cake Layers (Refrigerator) | 1-2 days |
| Leftover Cake (Refrigerator) | 5 days |
| Frozen Cake Slices | 2 months |
By following these tips, your vanilla cake with strawberry filling will stay fresh and delicious. It will impress your guests and loved ones.
Conclusion
The homemade vanilla cake with strawberry filling is a delightful dessert. It combines classic flavors and textures. The moist vanilla cake, fresh strawberry filling, and light whipped cream frosting make it a true delight for any special occasion.
Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or just a sweet treat, this cake will impress. You can make it at home with the right techniques and ingredients. You can even try different fruit fillings or frostings to make it your own.
So, give this recipe a try and enjoy the perfect mix of sweet and tart. It’s a special occasion cake that shows off your baking skills. It will bring joy to your loved ones.
