There’s nothing quite like a slice of vanilla cake with strawberry filling to brighten your day. This cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert blends tender vanilla layers with a sweet strawberry surprise. It’s simple enough for beginners and impressive enough for special occasions. Inspired by Miranda’s love for nostalgic bakes, this recipe turns everyday ingredients into something magical—and delicious. One bite, and you’ll understand why we’re obsessed with strawberry season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll fall in love with this vanilla cake with strawberry filling because it’s more than just dessert—it’s a memory in every bite. Inspired by Miranda’s childhood moments baking with her grandmother, this recipe blends simplicity with sweet nostalgia. It’s light, moist, and bursting with homemade strawberry flavor. Whether for birthdays, brunch, or “just because,” this cake turns ordinary days into delicious milestones. No fuss, just flavor—and plenty of smiles
Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling Recipe
This recipe is easy to follow, friendly for beginners, and absolutely delicious. Follow these steps for a bakery-worthy cake you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients
For the Moist Vanilla Cake:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (mixed)
For Optional Frosting:
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Make the Strawberry Filling
In a saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the berries break down (about 6–8 minutes). Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer until thickened. Let cool completely.
Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix just until combined.
Bake
Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Assemble the Cake
Spread cooled strawberry filling over one cake layer. Top with the second layer. Frost with whipped cream if desired
Tips for the Best Results
For the fluffiest vanilla cake with strawberry filling, don’t overmix your batter—gentle is the name of the game! Use ripe, juicy strawberries for the best flavor, and make sure the filling cools before layering (unless you’re into meltdowns). Room temp ingredients work wonders, and a touch of love never hurts. Pro tip: hide a slice for yourself. This strawberry beauty disappears fast—like, real fast.
Serving Suggestion
This vanilla cake with strawberry filling is a showstopper all on its own, but a little extra never hurt! Serve it chilled on a warm day or slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Garnish with fresh strawberries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a swirl of whipped cream. Whether it’s a brunch table centerpiece or a birthday surprise, this strawberry dessert always steals the spotlight.
Recommended Recipes
If this vanilla cake with strawberry filling made your heart skip a beat, these other sweet treats will keep the love going:
Strawberry Chocolate Cake
A rich, chocolatey dream with layers of sweet strawberries—perfect for those who love indulgent flavor combos.
Strawberry Crunch Cake Cheesecake
A hybrid masterpiece—cheesecake meets strawberry crunch cake for a dessert that’s creamy, nostalgic, and delightfully crunchy.
Strawberry Crunch Ice Cream Cake
Cool, creamy, and bursting with strawberry flavor—this no-bake favorite is perfect for warm days or special occasions.
Strawberry Daiquiri Mocktail Recipe
Refreshing and family-friendly, this fizzy mocktail brings tropical vibes with every sip—great for serving alongside cake!
Notes
Feel free to get creative with this vanilla cake with strawberry filling! Add lemon zest for a citrusy twist, swap the filling with raspberry for a tangy kick, or use almond extract instead of vanilla for depth.No matter how you customize it, the sweet, juicy strawberry center always steals the show—and your heart.
FAQ
Can you use strawberry pie filling in a cake?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, canned strawberry pie filling works well in this vanilla cake with strawberry filling recipe. Just make sure it’s not too runny to avoid soggy layers.
Does a cake with strawberry filling need to be refrigerated?
Yes—especially if you’re using fresh strawberries or cream-based frosting. To keep your moist vanilla cake with strawberry filling fresh and safe, store it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Can I add strawberries to cake mix?
Sure! Chopped fresh or frozen strawberries can be folded into boxed mix for a semi-homemade strawberry vanilla cake. Just pat them dry first to avoid extra moisture messing with your texture.
Can you use store-bought strawberry jam for cake filling?
Yes, and it’s a great shortcut. To avoid sliding layers, slightly warm the jam, stir until smooth, then let it cool before spreading it on your vanilla cake with strawberry filling.
Conclusion
The first time Miranda made this vanilla cake with strawberry filling, she was a little girl, standing on a stool beside her grandma—flour everywhere, laughter in the air. That sweet memory still lives in every slice. Now it’s your turn to create a memory. Whether it’s for a celebration or just because, this strawberry-filled treat brings joy, comfort, and maybe a few happy tears.
Print
Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling | Moist, Easy & Homemade
- Total Time: 55 min
Description
This vanilla cake with strawberry filling is soft, moist, and bursting with fruity flavor. A perfect bake for birthdays, brunches, or cozy weekends at home!
Ingredients
For the Vanilla Cake:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (mixed)
Optional Whipped Cream Frosting:
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Make the Filling:
Cook strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Once softened, stir in the cornstarch mixture. Simmer until thick, then cool completely.Prepare the Cake Batter:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease two 8-inch round pans.
Mix flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk.Bake:
Divide batter into pans and bake for 25–30 minutes. Let cool completely before assembling.Assemble:
Spread strawberry filling between layers. Frost if desired.
Notes
- Want to switch it up? Add lemon zest to the batter or use raspberry filling.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 25 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
Keywords: vanilla cake with strawberry filling