Vanilla Cake With Strawberry Filling: The Dreamy Dessert Your Sweet Tooth Deserves

A Slice of Joy: Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling

Let’s be real—life gets hectic. Between the endless to-do lists, grocery runs, school pickups, and trying to remember if you drank water today (please go sip some!), sometimes we all need a little indulgence. Enter this dreamy vanilla cake with strawberry filling. It’s like a love letter to your taste buds, and it comes with all the nostalgic, homemade comfort of grandma’s baking—just with a little extra flair.

This cake is sweet but not too sweet, classic yet refreshing, and perfect for birthdays, brunches, or let’s be honest—Tuesday night when you just need cake.

And if you’re the kind of person who gets excited about soft, tender vanilla cake layers snuggled around a bright, homemade strawberry filling and blanketed in fluffy whipped cream frosting? Then friend, you’re in exactly the right place.

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Why You’ll Love This Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling

• It’s made to impress but easy to love. You don’t need to be a pastry chef to make this masterpiece, but you will feel like one.
• Real strawberries = real flavor. No artificial goo here—this filling is made from fresh berries, simmered down with love and a splash of lemon.
• Whipped cream frosting that won’t quit. This dreamy cloud-like topping has cream cheese to keep it stable, so it stays luscious and lovely (even after the party’s over).
• Perfect for layering love. Whether it’s your niece’s birthday, Mother’s Day, or a romantic “just because” moment, this cake fits the bill beautifully.

Ingredients :

For the Strawberry Filling (Make this ahead—2 hours to 5 days works!)

• 2½ pounds fresh strawberries, washed, stemmed, and divided
• 1 cup water
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
• Optional: A drop or two of red food coloring if your strawberries need a little boost

Prepare the light and airy whipped topping in advance, allowing up to six hours for it to chill and develop the perfect fluffy texture before use

• 4 cups heavy whipping cream
• ¾ cup powdered sugar, divided
• 16 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• ¾ teaspoon almond extract
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

For the Vanilla Cake Layers (Make up to 24 hours ahead)

• 4 cups bleached cake flour (like Swan’s Down)
• 8 ounces unsalted butter, cool but pliable
• ⅔ cup virgin coconut oil, solid but at room temperature
• 2¼ cups granulated sugar
• 2½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup egg whites, room temperature (about 8 large eggs)
• 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 cups cultured low-fat buttermilk, room temperature

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Let’s Bake This Beauty

1. Start with the Strawberry Filling

In a medium pot, combine 2 cups of chopped strawberries with the water, sugar, cornstarch, salt, and lemon juice. Bring it to a simmer while stirring constantly until it thickens—like a cozy jam. Remove from heat, fold in the remaining chopped strawberries, and let it cool completely. (Store it in the fridge if making ahead!)

2. Make the Cake Layers

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease three 8-inch cake pans.
Cream together the butter, coconut oil, and sugar until it’s all smooth and fluffy (kind of like your favorite cozy sweater, but edible).
Add egg whites slowly while beating, then stir in vanilla and almond extracts.
Add the flour mixture and buttermilk one at a time, starting and ending with the flour.
Divide evenly into pans and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.

3. Whip Up the Frosting

In one bowl, beat the cream cheese, vanilla, almond extract, and salt until smooth. Add half the powdered sugar.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and remaining powdered sugar to soft peaks.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until it’s beautifully fluffy. Chill until ready to use.

4. Assemble with Love

Place one cake layer on a stand. Pipe a ring of frosting around the edge to form a “dam” and spoon in some strawberry filling. Repeat with the next layer(s), then frost the whole cake like the frosting goddess you are. Garnish with fresh strawberries or edible flowers if you’re feeling fancy.

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Tips for Success (And Sanity)

• Strawberry Filling Hack: If berries are out of season, frozen strawberries will work—just thaw and drain them well first.
• Make Ahead Like a Pro: You can make each element ahead and assemble the day you need it. Your future self will thank you.
• Want Taller Cake Vibes? Use six thinner layers instead of three thicker ones. More layers = more drama (the good kind).
• Storage: This cake needs refrigeration, but it actually tastes even better on day two.

Absolutely! Here’s the continuation of the recipe article, picking up right where we left off with a friendly, engaging voice tailored to the audience and following your structure:

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How to Make This Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling

🍓 Step 1: Make the Strawberry Filling

Do this at least 2 hours before assembling the cake.

1. Take half of your fresh strawberries and chop them up. Leave the rest whole—you’ll use them later.
2. In a saucepan, combine water, cornstarch, sugar, and salt. Stir over medium heat until it thickens. (Think cozy pudding vibes.)
3. Add your chopped berries and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir frequently so it doesn’t stick.
4. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and food coloring if you’re going for that extra pop of pink.
5. Let it cool completely. It’ll thicken more as it cools—and your patience will be rewarded.

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🎂 Step 2: Bake the Vanilla Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans—or line them with parchment for easy cleanup (and sanity-saving).
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter, coconut oil, and sugar until light and fluffy. (This is your arm workout for the day unless you’ve got a stand mixer. Lucky you!)
3. Beat in the egg whites gradually, followed by vanilla and almond extracts.
4. In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt with a whisk.
5. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the flour.
6. Pour evenly into your prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes. They’re done when a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Let them cool completely before assembling. Trust me—warm cake and whipped cream don’t play nice.

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🍰 Step 3: Whip Up the Frosting

1. Beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
2. Slowly add powdered sugar and beat until combined.
3. Add vanilla, almond extract, and salt.
4. Using a different mixing bowl, vigorously beat the heavy cream until it thickens and develops a light, airy texture with gentle peaks that hold their shape but still have a slight curl at the tips.
5. Add remaining powdered sugar and beat to stiff peaks.
6. Fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture gently until combined.

Now you have a light and fluffy whipped cream frosting that’s sweet, creamy, and slightly tangy to go with the strawberry filling.

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🧁 Step 4: Assemble the Magic

1. Carefully position the initial layer of cake onto a decorative serving plate, ensuring it sits evenly and securely as the foundation for the next delicious additions.
2. Pipe a border of frosting around the edge (this keeps the strawberry filling from sneaking out).
3. Spoon a generous layer of strawberry filling in the center and spread evenly.
4. Repeat with the second layer.
5. Add the final layer of cake, then frost the top and sides with the whipped cream frosting.
6. Decorate with the remaining whole strawberries—or go wild with sprinkles if you’re feeling festive!

Pop the whole cake in the fridge for at least an hour to firm up before slicing.

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💡 Tips for the Best Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling

• Room temp is your friend. Don’t skip it—it helps everything blend beautifully.
• Whip it real good. Beat that cream until stiff peaks form or your frosting may droop like Monday morning motivation.
• No buttermilk? Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and let sit 5 minutes. Boom: DIY buttermilk.
• Worried about pink overload? Don’t be. The natural strawberry hue plus a touch of food coloring makes it look as good as it tastes.

If you’re new to baking or looking to refine your skills, consider these 10 baking tips for perfect cakes to ensure your cake turns out light and fluffy.

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🙋‍♀️ FAQs About Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling

Can I use store-bought strawberry jam instead of homemade filling?

You can, especially if you’re tight on time. Just look for one with real fruit and fewer added sugars. That said, the homemade strawberry filling adds a fresher, more vibrant flavor that’s hard to beat.

Can I substitute almond extract in this recipe?

Yes! If almond extract isn’t your thing (or you’re baking for someone with a nut allergy), just leave it out or add an extra splash of vanilla. You’ll still get a rich, delicious vanilla cake flavor.

What’s the best way to transport this cake?

Chill it first—cold frosting holds everything together better. Then pop it in a cake carrier or a deep-sided box. If you’ve got a long drive, toss an ice pack or two under the box to keep it cool.

Can I make this vanilla cake with strawberry filling gluten-free?

Sure can! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a good-quality gluten-free baking blend (with xanthan gum included). Texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will still be spot-on.

Craving more gluten-free goodness? Don’t miss our Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake Recipe for a rich and satisfying treat.

How do I avoid soggy cake layers from the filling?

Make sure your strawberry filling is fully cooled and thickened before assembling. That frosting dam around the edge of each layer? It’s your secret weapon. Keeps everything right where it belongs.

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Some recipes are just for eating, but this one? It’s for remembering. This vanilla cake with strawberry filling isn’t just pretty to look at—it’s layered with flavor, love, and a little bit of “wow” in every bite. Whether you’re baking it for a birthday bash or just because you’re craving something special, this cake turns ordinary moments into sweet celebrations.

Life gets messy. Schedules get packed. But with a slice of homemade cake and strawberries in the mix, things somehow feel a little more doable—don’t you think?

So grab your apron, crank up your favorite playlist, and get ready to fall in love with this showstopper of a dessert. Your kitchen’s about to smell like pure joy.