Strawberry Bloom Vanilla Cake

Strawberry Bloom Vanilla Cake is a delightful dessert that brings joy to gatherings and celebrations. The fragrance of fresh strawberries and sweet vanilla fills the air as you slice into this beautiful cake. I remember the first time I had a slice at my friend’s birthday party; the layers were soft, and the whipped cream frosting was light and airy. People love this kind of cake not just for its taste, but also for the memories it creates around celebrations. Whether it’s a birthday, a family gathering, or just a delightful weekend treat, this cake is worth trying. It’s simple, yet elegant enough to impress anyone!

Why Make This Recipe

This Strawberry Bloom Vanilla Cake is special for many reasons. First, it’s surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers. The ingredients are straightforward and can be found in most kitchens. The warm sweetness of vanilla and the fresh burst of strawberries create a flavor combination that is simply irresistible. Moreover, this cake is perfect for family gatherings, where everyone can come together to share a slice and make memories.

Furthermore, this recipe has a personal touch. Each layer of the cake tells a story, from gathering fresh strawberries at a local market to sharing a slice with loved ones. Baking this cake becomes a joyful activity. It’s about creating something beautiful and delicious for those you care about. Plus, the process of mixing the batter and assembling the cake adds a sense of pride, knowing you made something special from scratch. Everyone will be asking for seconds!

How to Make Strawberry Bloom Vanilla Cake

Making Strawberry Bloom Vanilla Cake is an enjoyable journey, starting from the moment you gather your ingredients. The kitchen fills with the aroma of vanilla as you mix the batter, and the excitement builds as the layers bake to perfection.

You’ll begin by creaming the butter and sugar, which gives the cake its fluffy texture. The smell of this blend is like a warm hug, making your kitchen feel inviting. Then, it’s time to add the eggs and vanilla, which makes everything taste even better.

After that, the key step is alternating the dry ingredients with the milk mixture. This helps keep the batter light and airy. When everything comes together, you’ll want to divide the batter into the pans evenly.

Once the layers are baked and cooled, the fun part begins! Spreading the fluffy whipped cream on the first layer and adding fresh strawberries feels like decorating a work of art. Finally, you’ll add the second layer, crumb coat the whole cake, and then frost it generously.

When you cut into the cake, the layers will shine with the vibrant color of the strawberries, and you will see the fluffy white cream peeking out. The final touch of mint leaves adds a fresh note that brightens the presentation. The anticipation of serving this cake, with its beautiful layers and delightful taste, is what makes baking so satisfying.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of your cake. It gives the cake structure and helps it rise.

• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder: This helps the cake expand and become fluffy. It’s essential for that light texture.

• 1/2 tsp baking soda: Works with the baking powder and adds extra fluffiness.

• 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances the overall flavors in the cake.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temp: Gives a rich, creamy texture and adds moisture. Using room temperature butter helps it mix better.

• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar: Sweetness is essential! It adds flavor and helps with the cake’s light texture.

• 4 large eggs, room temp: Eggs provide moisture and help structure the cake. Make sure they are room temperature for best results.

• 1 tbsp vanilla extract: Adds a delicious, sweet flavor that everyone loves.

• 1 cup whole milk, room temp: This keeps the batter nice and smooth. Again, make sure it’s at room temperature for easy blending.

• 1/4 cup sour cream: Adds extra moisture and keeps the cake tender.

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream, chilled: This is what makes the frosting so rich and whipped to perfection.

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream to balance flavors.

• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting): Enhances the flavor of the frosting.

• Optional: 2 tbsp cream cheese for stability: This makes the frosting hold up better, especially in warmer weather.

• 2 1/2 cups fresh strawberries (about 25–30 medium berries): These are the star of the show! They add natural sweetness and beautiful color.

• A few mint leaves for center garnish: Adds a refreshing touch that brightens up the cake’s look.

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly when it goes in.

2. Prepare your pans: Grease and line two 8-inch round pans with parchment paper. This prevents the cake from sticking to the pans.

3. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this bowl aside. This step is important because it distributes the leavening agents evenly.

4. Cream butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, beat the room temperature butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This may take about 3–4 minutes with a hand or stand mixer. It’s key to this step because it adds air to your batter, making it lighter.

5. Add eggs and vanilla: Crack in your eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps incorporate the eggs fully into the mixture. Stir in the vanilla extract, which gives that lovely aroma.

6. Combine mixtures: In another bowl, mix sour cream and milk. Next, gradually add the dry flour mixture and the milk mixture to the butter mixture. Do this in three parts, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Gentle mixing is important here; don’t overmix!

7. Divide batter: Once the batter is smooth, divide it evenly into the two prepared pans. Use a spatula to level the tops.

8. Bake the layers: Place the pans in the oven and bake for 28–32 minutes. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready!

9. Cool the cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely before frosting.

10. Make whipped cream frosting: In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form. If you choose to add cream cheese for stability, beat that in as well.

11. Assemble the cake: Place one cooled cake layer on a cake board or plate. Spread a generous amount of whipped cream frosting on top. Layer fresh, sliced strawberries over the frosting, then gently place the second layer on top.

12. Crumb coat the cake: Apply a thin layer of whipped cream frosting all over the cake to seal in any crumbs. Chill the cake for about 20 minutes.

13. Frost the cake: Once chilled, frost the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream frosting. Make sure it’s smooth and beautiful!

14. Decorate: Slice the remaining strawberries and arrange them on top of the cake in circular layers. Sprinkle a few mint leaves or place a whole berry in the center for decoration.

15. Chill again: Chill the cake in the refrigerator for 30–60 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.

How to Serve Strawberry Bloom Vanilla Cake

Strawberry Bloom Vanilla Cake can be served in various delightful ways. It’s perfect for birthday parties, summer gatherings, or simply as a special treat for family. For breakfast, enjoy a slice with a cup of coffee or tea. For dessert, pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful combination.

You can also serve it alongside fresh fruit or a light salad if you want a well-rounded meal! This cake is a crowd-pleaser, so don’t be shy about bringing it to potlucks or picnics. It’s sure to bring smiles and compliments!

How to Store Strawberry Bloom Vanilla Cake

If you have leftovers (which is unlikely but possible!), here’s how to store your Strawberry Bloom Vanilla Cake.

• Refrigerate: Store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days.

• Freeze: If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze slices. Make sure the cake is completely cool. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, and then in foil. This prevents freezer burn. It can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer.

• Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen slice, take it out of the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing it on the counter, as the texture of the cake may change.

Tips to Make Strawberry Bloom Vanilla Cake

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. This helps everything mix together smoothly.

2. Don’t Overmix: When adding in the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense.

3. Use Parchment Paper: Lining your pans with parchment paper helps the cake come out easily and keeps it from sticking.

4. Check for Doneness: Remember to use a toothpick to check if the cake is done baking; it should come out clean from the center.

5. Chill Firmly: Chill the cake after applying the crumb coat to make frosting easier and cleaner.

Variation

If you’d like to mix things up with your Strawberry Bloom Vanilla Cake, here are some ideas:

1. Lemon Zest: Add some lemon zest to the batter for a refreshing citrus note that balances the sweetness of the strawberries.

2. Nut Alternatives: You can sprinkle chopped nuts, like almonds or pecans, in the frosting for an added crunch.

3. Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just check to ensure it has xanthan gum for better results.

4. Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for frosting and almond milk instead of whole milk.

FAQs

Q: Can I make Strawberry Bloom Vanilla Cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cake layers ahead of time. Once cooled, you can store the layers wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge for 2-3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Frost it just before serving for the best texture.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat it?
If you have leftover cake and wish to enjoy it warm, the best way is to slice a piece and microwave it for about 10-15 seconds. This revives the softness without making it dry.

Q: Can I use a different flour or sugar?
Yes! You can use almond flour for a gluten-free version, but keep in mind that it might change the texture and density of the cake. For sugar, you can substitute with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute for a lower calorie option.

Enjoy making and sharing your Strawberry Bloom Vanilla Cake. It’s a sweet treat filled with love and care, perfect for any occasion! Happy baking!