Description
This cake with strawberry filling recipe combines fluffy vanilla layers, a sweet and tangy strawberry filling, and a rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any special occasion, this cake is as delicious as it is beautiful. Simple steps and common ingredients make it easy to create a show-stopping dessert at home.
Ingredients
Scale
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For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (sliced and lightly mashed)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons strawberry-flavored gelatin
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Make the Cake Layers
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk. Start and end with the dry mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely.
Prepare the Strawberry Filling
- Combine the mashed strawberries and sugar in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the strawberry gelatin until dissolved. Let the filling cool completely before using.
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla extract.
Assemble the Cake
- Level the cake layers with a serrated knife, if needed.
- Place the first cake layer on a serving plate. Pipe a border of frosting around the edge and spread a layer of strawberry filling inside the border.
- Repeat with the second layer. Top with the final layer and frost the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
- Decorate with fresh strawberries or other garnishes as desired. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Storage: Refrigerate the cake in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before assembling.
- Filling Substitutes: You can use high-quality strawberry jam if fresh strawberries are unavailable.
- To keep the filling from soaking into the cake, always pipe a frosting barrier around the edges.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Cuisine: American