Moist Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that combines the warmth of vanilla with the freshness of strawberries, then you’ve come to the right place! This Moist Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, enjoying a sunny picnic, or simply treating yourself after a long week, this cake is sure to bring smiles all around.

What makes this recipe truly special is how easy it is to prepare while still delivering that bakery-quality feeling. With soft cake layers, luscious strawberry compote, and creamy vanilla buttercream, this cake has quickly become a family favorite in our home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Moist: The combination of ingredients keeps the cake soft and fluffy, making each slice melt in your mouth.
• Versatile Occasions: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or even just a cozy family dinner.
• Simple Ingredients: Wholesome ingredients make it easy to whip up without any fuss.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the strawberry compote and frosting in advance for added convenience.
• Kid-Approved: Kids love the sweet strawberry filling and creamy frosting—making it perfect for family gatherings!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is part of the fun! Don’t worry; these are simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need to create your Moist Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling:

For the Cake

• 200 grams (1 1/2 cups) All-Purpose Flour (I use Gold Medal)
• 2 Tablespoons Instant Clearjel or 3 Tablespoons White Chocolate Instant Pudding Mix
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Baking Powder
• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 3/4 teaspoon Salt
• 3/4 cup Buttermilk
• 1/4 cup Water
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
• 2 1/4 teaspoons Almond Extract or additional Vanilla Extract
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Apple Cider Vinegar
• 200 grams (1 cup) Sugar
• 1 stick (4 oz) Salted Butter (at room temperature)
• 1/4 cup Vegetable Oil
• 1/4 cup Light Corn Syrup
• 1 large Egg(s)
• 2 Egg Whites
• 1/4 teaspoon Cream of Tartar

For the Fillings

• 1 x batch prepared Strawberry Compote
• 1 x batch prepared Vanilla Bakery Buttercream Frosting

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative and make this cake your own with these fun variations:

• Add Citrus Zest: Brighten up your cake by incorporating lemon or orange zest into the batter for a refreshing twist.
• Try Different Fruits: Instead of strawberries, experiment with raspberries or blueberries for different fruity flavors.
• Chocolate Lovers Unite: Swirl in some cocoa powder to make a chocolate version of your vanilla cake.
• Nutty Surprise: Fold in some chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts into the batter for an added crunch.

How to Make Moist Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pans so that the cakes come out easily after baking. This step ensures that nothing sticks and you get beautiful layers every time!

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and Instant Clearjel or pudding mix. Mixing dry ingredients first helps evenly distribute the leavening agents throughout the flour.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine buttermilk, water, vanilla extract, almond extract (or extra vanilla), apple cider vinegar, sugar, butter, vegetable oil, light corn syrup, whole egg(s), egg whites, and cream of tartar. Beat until well combined. This mixture creates a rich base full of flavor.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; it’s okay if there are small lumps! Overmixing can lead to tough cakes—so be gentle!

Step 5: Bake Your Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth out the tops. Bake in your preheated oven for about 28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The aroma wafting from your oven will be irresistible!

Step 6: Cool and Assemble

Allow your cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them onto wire racks to cool completely. Once cooled, layer them with strawberry compote and buttercream frosting between each layer.

Enjoy creating this delightful Moist Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling! It’s bound to become one of your go-to recipes for any occasion.

Pro Tips for Making Moist Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling

Baking a cake can feel like a challenge, but with these tips, you’ll be on your way to a bakery-quality dessert that impresses everyone!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing your butter, eggs, and buttermilk to room temperature helps them blend better, resulting in a smoother batter and a fluffier cake.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mixing too much can develop gluten, making your cake dense. Mix just until combined for that light and airy texture we all love.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level your flour rather than scooping directly from the bag. This prevents packing it down, which can lead to a dry cake.
• Cool Layers Completely: Allow your cake layers to cool completely before frosting. This ensures that the frosting doesn’t melt and helps maintain the beautiful layers.
• Store Properly: Keep your cake covered at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate it for longer freshness. You can also freeze it for future enjoyment!

How to Serve Moist Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling

Serving this delightful cake is as fun as baking it! With its lovely layers and vibrant filling, there are many ways to present it beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh Strawberries: Adding whole or sliced fresh strawberries on top of the cake not only enhances its appearance but also complements the strawberry filling.
• Mint Leaves: A few sprigs of fresh mint can add a pop of color and a refreshing aroma, making your dessert even more inviting.

Side Dishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: This dairy-free option offers a light sweetness that pairs perfectly with the moist vanilla cake and adds an indulgent touch.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing, vanilla ice cream provides a creamy contrast to the soft layers of the cake while enhancing the overall flavor experience.
• Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad provides a refreshing balance to the richness of the cake. Try mixing seasonal fruits like berries, melons, and citrus.
• Coffee or Tea: Serving your cake alongside a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea not only complements the flavors but also creates a cozy vibe perfect for gatherings.

Enjoy every bite of this Moist Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling—it’s truly a treat for both friends and family!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Moist Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious dessert whenever the craving strikes! Here’s how to store and preserve your cake for optimal freshness.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Place any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate the cake wrapped in plastic wrap or foil.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

• If you prefer warm cake, gently microwave individual slices for about 10-15 seconds.
• Avoid overheating to maintain moisture and texture.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe:

Can I use other fruits for filling instead of strawberries?

Absolutely! You can substitute the strawberry compote with any fruit filling of your choice, such as blueberries or raspberries, for a different flavor twist.

How do I ensure my Moist Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling stays fluffy?

To keep your cake fluffy, be careful not to overmix the batter. Mixing just until combined helps retain air bubbles that create that light, airy texture.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 3/4 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already contain it.

Is it possible to reduce the sugar in this recipe?

While you can reduce the sugar slightly, keep in mind that sugar contributes to moisture and texture. Reducing it too much may affect the final outcome of your Moist Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating this beautiful and delicious Moist Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling! It’s not only a treat for special occasions but also a delightful way to brighten any day. Remember, every slice tells a story—of creativity, love, and sweet moments shared. Enjoy baking and indulging in this scrumptious dessert; I can’t wait to hear about your experiences!