Strawberry Vanilla Dream Cake Recipe
The Ultimate Strawberry Vanilla Dream Cake
If you’re looking for a beautiful cake that’s light, fluffy, creamy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, this Strawberry Vanilla Dream Cake is the perfect choice. Featuring soft vanilla sponge layers, a homemade strawberry filling, silky vanilla whipped cream, and a smooth buttercream finish, this cake is ideal for birthdays, celebrations, and special occasions.
Recipe Information
- Yield: 1 Tall 8-inch Cake (2 Layers)
- Prep Time: 35 Minutes
- Bake Time: 30–35 Minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 2 Hours
Vanilla Cake Ingredients
- 2½ cups (313 g) all-purpose flour
- 2½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1¾ cups (350 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (120 g) sour cream
Strawberry Filling
- 3 cups (450 g) fresh strawberries, diced
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Vanilla Whipped Cream Frosting
- 2 cups (480 ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
- ½ cup (60 g) icing sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 250 g mascarpone or cream cheese (optional)
Vanilla Buttercream
- 250 g unsalted butter
- 4 cups (480 g) icing sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- Pinch of salt
Decoration
- Fresh strawberries
- Strawberry halves
- White chocolate curls (optional)
- Freeze-dried strawberry crumbs (optional)
- Fresh mint leaves
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar for 4–5 minutes until light, pale, and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Finish the Batter
Combine the milk and sour cream.
Gradually add the dry ingredients and milk mixture alternately to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 6: Bake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow cakes to cool completely before assembling.
Strawberry Filling
In a saucepan, combine:
- Diced strawberries
- Sugar
- Lemon juice
Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
Mix cornstarch and water together, then stir into the strawberry mixture.
Continue cooking until thickened.
Remove from heat and cool completely.
Vanilla Whipped Cream
Beat together:
- Heavy whipping cream
- Icing sugar
- Vanilla extract
until soft peaks form.
Add mascarpone or cream cheese and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
Refrigerate until ready to use.
Vanilla Buttercream
Beat the butter until creamy.
Gradually add icing sugar while mixing.
Add vanilla extract, salt, and milk.
Beat for about 5 minutes until smooth, fluffy, and spreadable.
How to Assemble the Cake
- Place the first vanilla cake layer on a cake board or serving plate.
- Pipe a buttercream border around the edge.
- Spread a generous layer of vanilla whipped cream inside the border.
- Spoon the cooled strawberry filling evenly over the cream.
- Place the second cake layer on top.
- Apply a thin crumb coat and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
- Frost the entire cake with vanilla buttercream until smooth.
- Decorate with whipped cream swirls, fresh strawberries, white chocolate curls, and mint leaves.
Expert Tips
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
- Cool the strawberry filling completely before assembling.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before slicing.
- Brush cake layers with vanilla simple syrup for extra moisture.
- For cleaner slices, chill the cake thoroughly before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
This Strawberry Vanilla Dream Cake combines tender vanilla sponge, fresh strawberry filling, airy whipped cream, and smooth buttercream frosting into one elegant dessert. Every bite is rich, creamy, fruity, and perfectly balanced, making it a show-stopping centerpiece for birthdays, weddings, holidays, and celebrations.
Enjoy every slice of this dreamy homemade strawberry cake!
