Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling

Name: Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup whole milk; 4 large eggs; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Highlighted under: Modern Baking Inspiration

I absolutely love baking this Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling, and it never fails to impress! The rich vanilla flavor combined with the fresh, sweet strawberry filling creates a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday party or just a treat for the family, this cake is sure to be a hit. I especially enjoy the process of making it, from whipping up the silky batter to layering it with luscious strawberries. Trust me, once you try this cake, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Created by

Linnea Porter

Last updated on 2026-01-07T10:41:35.928Z

Baking this Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling has been a joyful experience for me, as it combines my love for classic flavors with a refreshing twist. I remember the first time I made it for a family gathering—everyone was blown away by how moist and delicious it was. The trick is to let the cake cool completely before adding the filling, which ensures that everything stays in place and doesn't ooze out.

During my baking adventures, I discovered that using fresh strawberries instead of frozen really elevates the taste. The bright, vibrant flavor melds beautifully with the vanilla, making every bite a perfect balance of sweetness. Plus, it's a straightforward recipe that allows room for creativity if you want to add more fruit or a different flavor to the filling!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Delicate vanilla flavor paired with sweet strawberry filling
Moist, fluffy texture that everyone raves about
A gorgeous centerpiece for any dessert table

      

The Role of Ingredients

The choice of vanilla extract in this recipe is crucial for achieving that rich flavor. For a more intense experience, consider using pure vanilla extract instead of imitation. Vanilla bean paste can also add delightful specks to your cake, enriching both its taste and visual appeal. Each ingredient in the batter plays a role; for instance, the butter contributes to the cake’s moisture, while the eggs provide structure. Be sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming, which aerates the mixture and helps produce a fluffy texture.

When selecting strawberries for the filling, freshness is key. Look for vibrant, red strawberries with a slight sheen; these are typically the sweetest. If fresh strawberries are not available, you can opt for frozen ones. However, be sure to thaw and drain excess moisture to prevent a soggy filling. The sugar and lemon juice not only enhance the flavor but also help draw out the juices from the strawberries, creating a perfect consistency for the filling. The cornstarch thickens the mixture, ensuring it spreads beautifully without making the cake soggy.

Layering Techniques

Layering your cake is where you can get creative! Use a serrated knife to level the tops of each cake layer before stacking them so they sit evenly. This step helps maintain balance and makes for a visually appealing dessert. I recommend placing a dollop of strawberry filling on the plate first; this anchors the bottom layer and prevents sliding. As you add the filling between layers, ensure it’s evenly distributed to avoid bulging edges, which might happen if one side has more filling than the other.

For an added touch, consider adding whipped cream between the layers along with the strawberry filling. The cream adds richness and contrasts beautifully with the tartness of the strawberries. If you plan on decorating the cake, keeping the layers chilled will make frosting easier. Store the assembled cake in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before applying frosting—this helps set the filling and keeps it from oozing out when you cut the first slice.

Ingredients

For the Vanilla Cake

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup whole milk
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

For the Strawberry Filling

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with flour.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into two greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Strawberry Filling

In a saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat. Cook for 5 minutes until the strawberries begin to soften. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread the strawberry filling evenly on top, then place the second layer on top. Optionally, frost with whipped cream or your favorite frosting.

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a hint of almond extract to the vanilla cake batter. It complements the strawberries beautifully!

Make-Ahead Tips

Preparing the vanilla cake layers in advance is a great time-saver. Once baked and cooled, wrap the layers tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze them for up to a month. When you’re ready to assemble, simply thaw the layers in the fridge overnight. This method enhances the flavors and makes the cake easier to manage for layering and decorating.

You can also make the strawberry filling a day ahead. Once it cools down, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, resulting in a more intense strawberry experience. Just give it a quick stir before spreading it on the cake. This makes the assembly process quicker and helps you manage time on special occasions.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cake layers sink in the middle, it might be due to underbaking or opening the oven door too early during the baking process. For best results, keep the oven door closed for the first 20 minutes of baking and use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature. It’s also important to bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs—this indicates doneness without being overbaked.

For a filling that’s too runny, ensure that the cornstarch mixture is well combined and cooked thoroughly. It should become thick and glossy while cooking on medium heat. If you find yourself with an overly thick filling, a splash of water or additional lemon juice can loosen it up. Similarly, if the filling has cooled too much and is difficult to spread, gently warming it on the stove for a couple of minutes should help achieve the desired consistency.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?

Fresh strawberries work best for flavor and texture, but if you must, you can use frozen. Just ensure they're fully thawed and drained.

→ How do I store the cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and assemble them when you're ready to serve.

→ What frosting goes well with this cake?

A light whipped cream or cream cheese frosting pairs wonderfully with the vanilla and strawberry flavors.