Strawberry Vanilla Easy Cake Recipe: A Delightful Duo of Flavors
There’s something magical about the combination of sweet, juicy strawberries and fragrant vanilla. This strawberry vanilla easy cake is the perfect dessert for spring and summer, when fresh strawberries are at their peak, though it’s delicious year-round with frozen fruit too. It’s light, moist, and just sweet enough a cake that feels fancy yet requires minimal effort. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this easy recipe will impress your taste buds without stressing you out in the kitchen.
Recipe Overview
This recipe combines a classic vanilla cake base with fresh (or frozen) strawberries for a fruity twist. It’s a one-layer cake that comes together quickly and bakes in under 40 minutes. The vanilla lends warmth and softness to the batter, while the strawberries add bursts of tart, juicy flavor throughout. The result is a beautiful, tender cake that pairs wonderfully with whipped cream, vanilla glaze, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar. You can bake it in a round, square, or loaf pan, making it as versatile as it is delicious.
Key Features:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Servings: 8-10
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Ingredients Details
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 1/2 cups | Provides the structure |
| Granulated sugar | 3/4 cup | Sweetens and adds moisture |
| Baking powder | 1 1/2 tsp | Leavening agent |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp | Enhances flavor |
| Unsalted butter | 1/2 cup (1 stick) | Softened; adds richness |
| Eggs | 2 large | Room temperature; binding and texture |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp | Adds classic vanilla flavor |
| Milk | 1/2 cup | Moisture and light texture |
| Fresh strawberries | 1 cup, chopped | Can substitute frozen (thawed and drained) |
| Optional lemon zest | 1 tsp | Adds a citrusy brightness (optional but great) |
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Strawberry Vanilla Cake
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square pan, or line it with parchment paper. This helps the cake release easily once baked. While the oven preheats, measure and prep your ingredients, including washing, hulling, and chopping your strawberries into small pieces.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes with a hand or stand mixer. Creaming properly incorporates air into the batter, which is essential for a light and soft cake. Don’t skip this step it sets the stage for the perfect texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and, if using, the lemon zest. Mixing the eggs well ensures the batter stays emulsified and evenly distributed. Vanilla and lemon together create a fragrant, flavorful base that complements the strawberries beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two to three parts. Mix on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing as it can lead to a tough cake—a gentle hand ensures a tender crumb.
Step 5: Add Milk and Fold in Strawberries
Pour in the milk slowly while mixing on low speed until the batter is smooth. Once combined, use a spatula to gently fold in the chopped strawberries. Be careful not to overmix here; you want the berries to be evenly distributed without breaking them down too much.
Step 6: Transfer and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden on top and slightly pulling away from the edges of the pan.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can dust it with powdered sugar, drizzle with vanilla glaze, or serve with a dollop of whipped cream. The cake also stores well in the fridge for up to three days.
Topping Ideas for Extra Flair
- Strawberry Glaze: Mix powdered sugar with strawberry puree for a simple pink drizzle.
- Vanilla Icing: Combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for a classic glaze.
- Fresh Berries and Mint: Garnish the top with sliced strawberries and mint leaves.
- Whipped Cream: Light, fluffy, and perfect for warm weather servings.
Baking Tips for Success
- Room Temp Ingredients: Help the batter blend more smoothly.
- Don’t Overmix: Especially after adding flour and fruit.
- Check Early: Start checking for doneness around 33 minutes.
- Let It Cool: A warm cake is delicate and may fall apart when removed too soon.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry and vanilla are a match made in dessert heaven, and this easy cake recipe brings them together in perfect harmony. It’s ideal for novice bakers, busy home cooks, or anyone looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Light, fruity, and full of flavor, this cake is versatile enough for celebrations or simple family dinners. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe anytime you want something sweet, fresh, and delightfully easy to make.
