Strawberry Layer Cake with Whipped Vanilla Frosting
A tender vanilla sponge layered with fresh strawberry slices and topped with airy whipped vanilla frosting. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 55 minutes layers all-purpose flour, baking powder, softened 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Strawberry Layer Cake with Whipped Vanilla Frosting take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (25 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Strawberry Layer Cake with Whipped Vanilla Frosting?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Strawberry Layer Cake with Whipped Vanilla Frosting?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Strawberry Layer Cake with Whipped Vanilla Frosting for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Strawberry Layer Cake with Whipped Vanilla Frosting?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
