A strawberry filling is always fun and delightful. This strawberry filling cake combines layers of soft vanilla sponge with a luscious strawberry filling. In this recipe we will be using fresh strawberries that will add a burst of flavor. And the creamy frosting ties it all together. Summer gatherings, high tea or as a birthday cake, this recipe is a definite hit! The best part lies in the fact that you can control the sweetness and flavor. It is, therefore, a healthier and tastier alternative to store-bought fillings.
Ingredients
For the vanilla cake:
- 300 gm all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 170 gm unsalted butter, room temperature
- 250 gm granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 240 ml whole milk, room temperature
For the strawberry filling:
- 400 gm fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled
- 100 gm granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 3 tbsp water (slurry)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
For the frosting:
- 450 gm unsalted butter, room temperature
- 500 gm powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3–4 tbsp milk or heavy cream
Process
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a mixing bowl.
- In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy which should take you about 3 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the strawberry filling:
- Combine strawberries and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the strawberries release their juices (about five to seven minutes).
- Mash the strawberries slightly for a chunky texture or blend for a smoother filling.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the mixture thickens (two to three minutes). Add lemon juice and let the filling cool completely.
- Beat butter in a large bowl until creamy and smooth (about two minutes).
- Gradually add the powdered sugar-- beat well between additions.
- Stir in vanilla extract and milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
Assemble the cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a thick layer of strawberry filling on top.
- Add the second cake layer and coat the entire cake with frosting, smoothing with an offset spatula.
- Decorate with fresh strawberries, swirls of frosting, or a drizzle of the leftover filling.
Tips and tricks you should keep in mind:
- Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and better cake texture.
- Adjust sugar in the filling based on the sweetness of your strawberries.
- For a thicker filling, cook a little longer or add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch.
- Cool the filling completely before assembling the cake to prevent a runny mess.
- Chill the frosted cake for 30 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
We suggest you make this Strawberry Filling Cake for birthdays too! Keep it simple yet festive and charm your guests with the simplicity of this recipe. Frost the cake smoothly and pipe swirls or rosettes along the edges. Be creative: sprinkle on some magic with edible glitter or colorful confetti. Add a touch of whimsy with chocolate-dipped strawberries or fun fondant toppers. A cheerful birthday message completes the look.
Let your imagination lead the way. Adorn the cake with a cascade of strawberries, their ruby hues glistening like tiny jewels. Introduce a playful symphony of textures—silken ganache drips, the crunch of sugared decorations, and the soft elegance of buttercream flourishes. This isn’t just a cake; it’s a sweet ode to celebration, each bite singing of joy and festivity. Let your creation dazzle, delight, and deliver an unforgettable birthday experience.