Name: Vanilla & Strawberry Layer Cake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature (226g); 3 cups granulated sugar (600g); 1 cup carton egg whites or 7 large egg whites, room temperature (235g); 3 cups self-rising cake flour (360g); 1 1/2 cups full-fat sour cream, room temperature (360g); 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (4g); 1/4 cup vegetable or canola oil (56g); 2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature (452g; 1 lb box); 1/2 cup freeze dried strawberry powder (55g); 1/2 tsp fine salt (3g); 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (4g); 1 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice; about 1/2 small lemon (12g); 7 cups powdered sugar (907g; 2 lb bag); 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream, room temperature (160g); 1/4 cup strawberry jam (80g) (for frosting); 1/2 cup strawberry jam (160g) (for layering); Stand mixer or electric hand mixer; Whisk attachment; Paddle attachment; Greaseproof Cake Board; Spinning Cake Stand; Large Offset Spatula; Bench Scraper

This Vanilla & Strawberry Layer Cake Recipe is a true celebration of the classic pairing between creamy vanilla and bright, juicy strawberries. Imagine soft, fluffy vanilla cake layers filled and frosted with luscious strawberry buttercream frosting, all beautifully balanced and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, this cake delivers a delightful combination of flavor, texture, and color that’s sure to brighten any day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this dreamy Vanilla & Strawberry Layer Cake Recipe, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that each play a key role in the flavor, texture, and overall magic of the cake. From buttery richness to the perfect strawberry tang, every item combines to make the layers irresistible.

Unsalted butter (3 cups total): Provides a creamy base for both cake and frosting, crucial for smooth texture and flavor.
Granulated sugar (3 cups): Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender crumb.
Egg whites (1 cup or 7 large): Whipping these gives the cake its airy, fluffy structure.
Self-rising cake flour (3 cups): Adds structure and the perfect light texture.
Full-fat sour cream (1 1/2 cups): Enhances moisture and adds a subtle tang that balances sweetness.
Vanilla extract or bean paste (2 tsp): Infuses the cake and frosting with authentic vanilla flavor.
Vegetable or canola oil (1/4 cup): Keeps the cake tender and moist.
Freeze-dried strawberry powder (1/2 cup): Concentrated strawberry flavor that brightens the buttercream frosting.
Fine salt (1/2 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth in the frosting.
Lemon juice (1 Tbsp): Adds brightness to the strawberry buttercream for complexity.
Powdered sugar (7 cups): Creates the perfect silky smooth texture in the frosting.
Heavy whipping cream (2/3 cup): Lightens and softens the frosting’s consistency.
Strawberry jam (3/4 cup total): Adds bursts of real strawberry flavor and helps keep layers moist.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Vanilla & Strawberry Layer Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Fluffy Vanilla Cake Layers

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepping three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper and a little grease. This small step ensures your cakes come out cleanly and bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine 1 cup of unsalted butter and 3 cups granulated sugar. Beat on high speed with the whisk attachment for a couple of minutes to whip air into the mixture, turning it a lighter color and setting the foundation for a fluffy cake texture.

Step 3: Add Egg Whites

Pour in 1 cup of egg whites gradually and beat on medium-high. This adds lift and lightness to your cake batter, making each bite as airy as a cloud.

Step 4: Incorporate the Flour and Wet Ingredients

Slowly add half of the self-rising cake flour on low speed, just until mixed. Then, add 1 1/2 cups sour cream, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup vegetable oil, mixing until just combined. Follow with the remaining flour, being careful not to overmix to keep the softness intact.

Step 5: Bake and Cool the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between the pans, weighing them to ensure uniform layers. Bake for 34 to 35 minutes, rotating halfway through for even browning. When done, cool the pans 10 minutes before loosening the edges, then place cakes in the freezer for 45 minutes to chill thoroughly. Once cool, level the tops and trim the sides to create perfect, flat layers.

Step 6: Make the Strawberry Buttercream Frosting

While the cakes bake and cool, beat 2 cups of unsalted butter with a paddle attachment until lightened in color. Add in the strawberry powder, salt, vanilla, and lemon juice, mixing on low to incorporate. Gradually add 7 cups powdered sugar, mixing in the heavy cream halfway through to soften the frosting. Stir in strawberry jam last and adjust thickness with cream or powdered sugar as needed.

Step 7: Assemble the Vanilla & Strawberry Layer Cake Recipe

Chill the cake layers to make stacking easier and reduce crumbling. Spread a little frosting on your cake board to anchor the first layer. Layer with strawberry jam then pipe a ring of frosting to trap the jam inside, topping with more frosting. Repeat for remaining layers, flipping the top layer upside down for smoother frosting application. Chill the stacked cake briefly before covering the exterior in a generous layer of strawberry buttercream, finishing with your favorite decoration.

How to Serve Vanilla & Strawberry Layer Cake Recipe

The image shows a clear glass jar filled with bright red strawberry jam, its thick and shiny texture catching the light. The jar is tied near the top with a simple twine bow. Above the jar, a spoon holds a scoop of the chunky jam, with some jam hanging down in soft drips. In the background, there are two more similar jars also tied with twine, and a blurred bowl filled with fresh strawberries. The setup rests on a white marbled surface, with some small white flowers and a strawberry placed beside the jar, and part of a woman's hand holding the spoon visible at the top right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

This cake looks stunning adorned with fresh strawberries, little dollops of strawberry buttercream, or even a sprinkle of edible flowers for an extra special touch. The contrast of bright red berries against the soft pink frosting is almost too pretty to eat.

Side Dishes

Serve slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of fresh berry coulis for a dessert spread that enchants the palate. A light cup of tea or a fruity sparkling wine complements this cake beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this cake as mini individual cakes layered in small jars for a charming, portable treat. Alternatively, slice into petite squares and present alongside fresh fruit and a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful tea-time platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cake covered in the refrigerator, ideally in an airtight container. It will stay fresh and moist for up to 4 days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy every bite.

Freezing

This Vanilla & Strawberry Layer Cake Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual layers or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Since this cake is meant to be served chilled or at room temperature, reheating is not recommended. For best flavor and texture, bring cold cake slices to room temperature before eating.

FAQs

Can I use whole eggs instead of egg whites for this recipe?

While whole eggs add richness, this recipe relies on whipped egg whites to create that ultra-light, fluffy texture. Using whole eggs might make the cake denser.

Is freeze-dried strawberry powder necessary for the buttercream?

Freeze-dried strawberry powder gives an intense strawberry flavor without adding moisture. If you can’t find it, finely crush freeze-dried strawberries or use more jam, but your frosting might be a bit softer.

Can I substitute sour cream with yogurt?

Yes, full-fat Greek yogurt is a good substitute for sour cream and will maintain the cake’s moisture and tang.

How do I prevent the cake layers from sliding when assembling?

Chilling the cake layers before frosting firms them up, reducing crumbling and sliding. Also, piping a frosting ring around the jam helps keep layers in place.

What is the best way to decorate the cake?

Simple is often best: fresh strawberries, piped buttercream dollops, or even edible flowers all enhance the charming strawberry theme beautifully without competing with the cake’s flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cake recipe that’s both classic and show-stopping, this Vanilla & Strawberry Layer Cake Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s a joy to make and even more rewarding to share. So grab your mixers and your sweetest strawberries, because this cake is bound to become your next favorite dessert to bake for friends and family!