Strawberry Layer Cake with Whipped Vanilla Frosting

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-29 · Updated 2026-05-29

A tender vanilla sponge layered with fresh strawberry slices and topped with airy whipped vanilla frosting. This American-inspired recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, layers all-purpose flour, baking powder, unsalted butter into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup, softened unsalted butter
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups, sliced fresh strawberries
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 2 1/2 tsp baking powder; set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar using a hand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Add 4 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Step 3: Reduce mixer speed to low and alternately add the flour mixture and 1 cup whole milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix in 2 tsp pure vanilla extract until just combined.
4. Step 4: Divide batter evenly among prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
5. Step 5: For frosting, chill a large bowl and beaters, then whip 2 cups heavy whipping cream with 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla bean paste on high speed until stiff peaks form.
6. Step 6: To assemble, place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread a thin layer of whipped cream, and top with 2/3 cup sliced fresh strawberries. Repeat with second layer. Place final cake layer on top and frost entire cake with remaining whipped cream. Garnish with remaining strawberries. Chill for 1 hour before serving.