Strawberry Vanilla Birthday Cake Recipe

If you’re dreaming of a cake that feels like a gentle summer breeze wrapped in sweet celebration, then the Strawberry Vanilla Birthday Cake is just what you need. This delightful dessert combines soft, fragrant vanilla sponge layers with a luscious strawberry purée frosting that’s elegantly light yet packed with flavor. With its pastel hues and fresh berry brightness, it brings an air of festivity and warmth to any birthday table, making it a personal favorite I’m excited to share with you.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting the perfect Strawberry Vanilla Birthday Cake relies on a handful of simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, from the tender crumb of the vanilla sponge to the vibrancy and creaminess of the strawberry frosting.

• 2 cups cake flour: Keeps the cake tender and soft with the perfect crumb.
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder: Gives the cake the just-right rise for lightness.
• ¾ cup sugar: Adds the sweet backbone to the cake’s flavor profile.
• ½ cup vegan butter, softened: Brings rich, creamy texture while keeping it dairy-free.
• 1 cup almond milk: Maintains moistness and a subtle nuttiness in the batter.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the cake with warm, comforting vanilla aroma.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor depth.
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, puréed: The heart of the frosting, providing fresh, fruity brightness.
• 2½ cups powdered sugar: Creates the silky smooth sweetness of the frosting.
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Adds a sparkling hint of acidity to keep the frosting fresh.

How to Make Strawberry Vanilla Birthday Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

First things first, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease or line two 8-inch cake pans to ensure your cakes come out perfectly smooth and ready for stacking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened vegan butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a cake with a tender, airy crumb—the more air you incorporate here, the better!

Step 3: Add Almond Milk and Vanilla

Slowly whisk in the almond milk and vanilla extract until fully combined. This moistens the batter and infuses it with that lovely vanilla aroma that makes this cake feel like a slice of celebration.

Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in the cake flour, baking powder, and salt, being careful not to overmix. The goal is a smooth batter that still holds some airiness to keep the cake light and soft.

Step 5: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops spring back to the touch.

Step 6: Make the Strawberry Frosting

While the cakes cool, start your frosting. Beat the vegan butter and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Then, blend in the fresh strawberry purée and a splash of lemon juice until your frosting is silky and packed with burst-in-your-mouth strawberry flavor.

Step 7: Assemble and Frost

Once completely cooled, spread a generous layer of frosting on the first cake layer. Place the second layer on top and finish by frosting the entire cake, smoothing it elegantly. For an extra special touch, top with fresh strawberry slices to highlight the beautiful seasonal flavor.

How to Serve Strawberry Vanilla Birthday Cake

Garnishes

Fresh strawberry slices are a classic choice, adding a lovely natural sweetness and color contrast on top. You can also sprinkle edible flower petals or a light dusting of powdered sugar for that whimsical party vibe everyone loves.

Side Dishes

Pair your Strawberry Vanilla Birthday Cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a bowl of mixed berries. Lightly sweetened whipped coconut cream also complements the cake’s texture and keeps the dessert fresh and airy.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving your cake on a pretty cake stand surrounded by fresh flowers or even a scattering of mint leaves. For a unique twist, slice the cake into petite squares and offer them as part of a dessert buffet, inviting guests to mix and match flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Strawberry Vanilla Birthday Cake fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay moist and flavorful for up to 3 days, though it’s so good it might not last that long!

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, wrap the cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. The layers freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. However, if you’d like to warm a slice slightly, pop it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften the frosting without melting it completely.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?

Absolutely! Regular milk or any other plant-based milk will work just fine in this recipe. Almond milk adds a subtle nuttiness, but feel free to use your favorite milk.

Is this cake suitable for vegans?

Yes, when using vegan butter and almond milk, this Strawberry Vanilla Birthday Cake is completely vegan-friendly and still incredibly delicious.

Can I make the frosting without fresh strawberries?

Fresh strawberries give the best flavor and color, but you can use frozen strawberries (thawed and drained) or a good-quality strawberry jam to create a similar effect if fresh berries aren’t available.

How do I avoid the cake drying out?

Be careful not to overbake the layers. Also, keep the cake wrapped tight and refrigerated once frosted to maintain moisture and softness.

Can this cake be made gluten-free?

With some adjustments using gluten-free cake flour blends, it is possible. Just remember gluten-free flours absorb liquids differently, so you might need to tweak the almond milk quantity slightly.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Strawberry Vanilla Birthday Cake a try for your next celebration or any moment that calls for a bit of sweetness and joy. It’s a delightful combination of flavors and textures that’s simple to make and truly unforgettable. Your birthday or special occasion deserves a cake that feels as warm and inviting as this one!