Dreamy Strawberry Velvet Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting Recipe

Sweet strawberry velvet cake dreams come alive with a decadent twist that will make taste buds dance.

Delicate pink layers whisper promises of summer’s most luscious fruit.

Soft crumbs melt perfectly against creamy vanilla bean frosting, creating a dessert both elegant and comforting.

Subtle strawberry essence weaves through each tender slice, bringing unexpected depth to classic cake traditions.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike will adore this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

Seasonal strawberries elevate this dessert from ordinary to extraordinary with minimal effort.

You can create restaurant-quality magic right in your own kitchen.

Strawberry Velvet Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting Charm

• Craft a Stunning Dessert: Create a showstopping cake that looks like it came straight from a professional bakery, with minimal culinary skills required.
• Burst with Fresh Flavor: Packed with real strawberries and vanilla bean, this recipe delivers an authentic, vibrant taste that feels luxurious and homemade.
• Perfect for Celebration Moments: Ideal for birthdays, bridal showers, summer gatherings, or any special occasion that deserves a gorgeous, crowd-pleasing centerpiece dessert.
• Customize with Ease: Swap strawberries for other seasonal fruits or adjust frosting consistency to match your personal preference, making this recipe wonderfully adaptable.

Ingredients for Strawberry Velvet Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting

• Cake Flour: A soft, finely milled flour that creates a tender and delicate cake texture.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps to create a light, soft crumb.
• Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake achieve a light and airy consistency.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a moist cake texture.
• Buttermilk: Contributes to the cake's tenderness and provides a slight tangy flavor.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake remains moist and soft.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor to the cake.
• Fresh Strawberries: Brings a burst of fruity flavor and natural sweetness to the cake.

• Butter: Creates a creamy, smooth base for the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve the right frosting consistency.
• Heavy Cream: Makes the frosting light and fluffy.
• Vanilla Bean Seeds: Offers an intense, pure vanilla flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the vanilla flavor of the frosting.

• Fresh Strawberries: Adds a beautiful and delicious finishing touch to the cake.

How to Bake Strawberry Velvet Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a cozy 350F (175C). Grab two 9-inch round cake pans and give them a quick spray with cooking oil, then dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Cake flour
• Sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Toss in softened butter and blend until the mixture looks like crumbly sand.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

• Buttermilk
• Vegetable oil
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until silky smooth.

Step 4: Add Fruity Goodness

Gently fold chopped strawberries into the batter, being careful not to crush them.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter between the prepared pans. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 6: Cool Down

Let the cakes rest in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 7: Whip Up Vanilla Bean Frosting

• Heavy cream
• Vanilla bean seeds
• Vanilla extract

Whip until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Step 8: Build Your Masterpiece

Place first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Carefully position the second cake layer. Frost the entire cake, covering top and sides completely.

Step 9: Final Flourish

Decorate with fresh strawberries for a stunning finish.

Step 10: Slice and Savor

Cut into this dreamy Strawberry Velvet Cake and enjoy every delectable bite!

Pro Tips for Strawberry Velvet Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting

• Boost Strawberry Flavor: Add a tablespoon of strawberry preserves or jam into the cake batter for an extra burst of fruity taste.
• Prevent Fruit Sinking: Toss chopped strawberries in a light dusting of flour before folding into the batter to prevent them from sinking during baking.
• Create Smoother Frosting: Ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for a silky-smooth vanilla bean frosting that spreads effortlessly.
• Keep Cake Moist: Brush cake layers with simple syrup before frosting to lock in moisture and enhance the cake's tenderness.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute dairy ingredients with almond milk, coconut cream, and vegan butter to make this cake accessible for those with dietary restrictions.

Variations for Strawberry Velvet Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting

• Gluten-Free Berry Cake: Replace cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum for better texture and binding.
• Vegan Strawberry Cake: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based butter, coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and dairy-free milk for buttermilk.
• Low-Sugar Berry Delight: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, reduce overall sweetness, and incorporate almond flour for a lower-carb option.
• Dairy-Free Strawberry Cake: Swap butter with coconut oil, use almond milk for buttermilk, and create frosting with coconut cream and powdered sugar alternative.

Pairing Ideas for Strawberry Velvet Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting

• Savor Sweet Harmony: Perfect Pairings
• Complementary Dessert Wine: Select a chilled moscato or rosé wine to enhance the strawberry's delicate sweetness and complement the cake's rich vanilla frosting.
• Refreshing Beverage Match: Brew a light lavender Earl Grey tea that will highlight the cake's fruity notes while providing a subtle floral counterpoint to the dessert.
• Palate-Cleansing Accompaniment: Serve a small scoop of lemon sorbet alongside the cake slice to cut through the richness and refresh the taste buds with its bright, citrusy essence.
• Unexpected Flavor Booster: Add a sprinkle of toasted almond slivers on the plate to introduce a delightful crunch and nutty undertone that elevates the cake's texture and flavor profile.

Storage Advice for Strawberry Velvet Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting

• Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and preserve moisture.
• Carefully wrap the entire unfrosted cake layers in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.
• Cut individual slices, wrap each separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Store for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving.
• Warm refrigerated cake slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.

Strawberry Velvet Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting FAQs

• What makes buttermilk important in this recipe?

Buttermilk helps create a tender, moist cake texture and adds a subtle tangy flavor that enhances the overall taste of the strawberry velvet cake.

• Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best flavor and texture, but if using frozen strawberries, thaw and drain them completely to prevent excess moisture in the cake batter.

• How do I ensure the vanilla bean seeds are evenly distributed in the frosting?

Gently scrape the vanilla bean pod and mix the seeds thoroughly while beating the frosting to ensure an even distribution of vanilla flavor throughout the frosting.

Strawberry Velvet Cake With Vanilla Bean Frosting Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 55-60 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Heavenly strawberry velvet cake delivers pure dessert magic with rich crimson layers and silky vanilla bean frosting. Creamy, elegant slices promise delightful indulgence that transports you straight to sweet paradise.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups cake flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Liquid and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and preparing two 9-inch round cake pans with grease and flour.
2. Create the cake base by sifting dry ingredients together, ensuring a uniform mixture of cake flour, sugar, leavening agents, and salt.
3. Incorporate softened butter into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse, sandy texture.
4. Whisk wet ingredients separately, blending buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract into a smooth liquid mixture.
5. Merge wet and dry ingredients, stirring gently until a uniform batter forms without overmixing.
6. Carefully fold chopped strawberries into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.
7. Divide the batter equally between prepared cake pans, ensuring smooth surface distribution.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick that should emerge clean when inserted into the cake’s center.
9. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks for complete cooling.
10. Prepare frosting by whipping softened butter until creamy and light.
11. Gradually integrate powdered sugar, beating thoroughly after each addition to create a smooth consistency.
12. Enhance frosting with heavy cream, vanilla bean seeds, and vanilla extract, whipping until fluffy and spreadable.
13. Assemble the cake by placing first layer on serving plate and spreading a generous frosting layer.
14. Position second cake layer and coat entire cake with remaining frosting, creating an even, smooth finish.
15. Decorate with fresh strawberries as a final garnish before serving.

Notes

• Choose ripe, sweet strawberries for the most vibrant flavor and color in your cake.
• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to create a smoother, more even cake batter.
• Gently fold strawberries into the batter to prevent them from sinking and maintain their texture.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute cake flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and add 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum.
• To make the cake less sweet, reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup and add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.
• Freeze leftover cake slices individually for up to 2 months, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 255 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg