If you’ve been on the hunt for a cake that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, you’ve just found your new favorite. This Vanilla Strawberry Ombre Cake is a showstopper, bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special day or just want to indulge in a slice of heaven, this cake will have you feeling like a baking superstar.
Why You’ll Love This Vanilla Strawberry Ombre Cake
Let me tell you, this isn’t just another cake this is the cake of your dreams. If you love a cake that’s soft, moist, and bursting with sweet strawberry goodness, you’re in the right place. And let’s not forget the beautiful ombre effect that makes this cake look as stunning as it tastes. Trust me, you’re going to love this!
- Versatile: This cake can easily be dressed up for a birthday party, or made into a cozy dessert for an evening at home. No matter the occasion, this cake fits the bill.
- Budget-Friendly: Despite its elegant look, this cake doesn’t require expensive ingredients. You’ll likely already have most of the pantry staples in your kitchen!
- Quick and Easy: Don’t worry if you’re not a pro baker—this cake is simple to make, and you can totally master it in no time.
- Customizable: Want to tweak the flavors? Add a little extra vanilla or make the strawberry filling even more decadent. The possibilities are endless.
- Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Vanilla Strawberry Ombre Cake
Here’s the magic of this cake just a few simple ingredients come together to create something extraordinary. Let’s break it down:
- Cake Flour: The key to a light, fluffy texture. Cake flour gives this cake its dreamy softness.
- Sugar: To sweeten things up and give the cake its golden color.
- Butter: Because what’s a cake without a little buttery richness? It also helps to create that perfect texture.
- Eggs: These hold everything together and add to the cake’s structure.
- Vanilla Extract: The star of the flavor show! A good vanilla extract makes all the difference.
- Baking Powder & Salt: The essentials that help your cake rise perfectly and bring out all the flavors.
- Strawberries: The fresh, sweet berries that’ll give the cake that gorgeous ombre look and taste amazing, too.
- Heavy Cream: For the strawberry filling and to help make the frosting smooth and luscious.
- Powdered Sugar: To help thicken the frosting to the perfect consistency for piping and spreading.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking and gives your cake the perfect texture right from the start.
Prepare Your Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, cream together your butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract. In another bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk until fully combined. Be careful not to overmix—just mix until everything is incorporated.
Separate and Color the Batter
Divide the batter into three bowls. Leave one as is for the base vanilla layer. In the second bowl, fold in a small amount of pureed strawberries for a light pink color. In the third bowl, add more strawberry puree for a deeper pink hue. This is what will give the cake its beautiful ombre effect.
Bake the Cake Layers
Grease and flour your cake pans, then pour each colored batter into separate pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Strawberry Filling
While the cake layers cool, prepare the strawberry filling. In a saucepan, combine fresh strawberries and a little sugar, and cook over medium heat until the strawberries break down and become jammy. Let it cool completely.
Assemble and Frost the Cake
Once the cake layers have cooled, place the darkest pink layer on a cake stand or plate. Spread a generous layer of strawberry filling on top, then top with the lighter pink layer. Repeat with the vanilla layer, then cover the entire cake with a simple buttercream frosting. Pipe or smooth the frosting as you like for a beautiful finish.
Serve and Enjoy!
Slice into this gorgeous cake and watch your friends and family be amazed by the ombre layers and the sweet strawberry filling. You’ll be the star of the show with this one!
Nutrition Facts:
- Servings: 12
- Calories per serving: 350
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
How to Serve Vanilla Strawberry Ombre Cake
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of fresh strawberry sauce. It’s perfect for dessert after a hearty meal, or just as a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.
Additional Tips
- Fresh Strawberries: Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor, especially for the filling. If you have access to local, seasonal berries, they’ll make your cake even better!
- Chill the Cake Layers: If your frosting is melting too quickly, pop the cake layers in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before frosting them.
- Make It Ahead: The cake can be made the day before. Just store it in an airtight container and it will be just as delicious the next day.
10 FAQs
- Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend. - How long will this cake last?
It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days if stored in an airtight container. - Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?
Yes, just thaw and drain them before using them in the filling. - Can I use other fruit for the ombre effect?
Of course! You can use raspberries or blueberries for a different look and flavor. - How do I store leftover cake?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. - Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze the layers before frosting for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. - Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Yes, the frosting can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Do I need a stand mixer to make this cake?
A hand mixer will work just fine, but a stand mixer will make the process a little easier. - Can I make this cake without the strawberry filling?
Absolutely! You can skip the filling and just use the buttercream frosting for a simpler vanilla cake. - Can I use a different frosting?
Yes, you can try cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, or even a ganache for a different twist.
Conclusion
There you have it your new go-to cake for any occasion. With its beautiful ombre effect, luscious strawberry filling, and fluffy vanilla cake, this Vanilla Strawberry Ombre Cake will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Trust me, everyone will be asking for the recipe, and you’ll be thrilled to share it! Enjoy!
Print
Vanilla Strawberry Ombre Cake
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert, Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A stunning and delicious Vanilla Strawberry Ombre Cake with layers of fluffy cake and fresh strawberry filling. Perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or just because you deserve a treat. This cake is a true showstopper!
Ingredients
- Cake Flour
- Sugar
- Butter
- Eggs
- Vanilla Extract
- Baking Powder
- Salt
- Strawberries
- Heavy Cream
- Powdered Sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then add eggs one by one, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk until combined.
- Divide the batter into three bowls. Color each bowl of batter with different amounts of pureed strawberries to create ombre layers.
- Grease and flour cake pans, then pour each colored batter into separate pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Make the strawberry filling by cooking fresh strawberries and sugar in a saucepan until jammy.
- Assemble the cake by layering the darkest pink layer first, followed by strawberry filling, then the lighter pink and vanilla layers. Frost with buttercream and enjoy!
Notes
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor.
- Chill the cake layers before frosting for easier decorating.
- You can make the cake ahead and store it in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cake)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg