Chiffon-Style Strawberry Vanilla Cake Recipe With Filling

Strawberry Vanilla Cake Recipe is a soft, fluffy chiffon-style cake layered with fresh strawberry filling and rich strawberry buttercream.

This cake turns out incredibly moist, full of fresh strawberry flavor balanced with classic vanilla. I made this Strawberry Vanilla Cake Recipe because I love combining fruity sweetness with a light, creamy texture.

I’ve made it several times and each time it gets better. I want to say this Strawberry Vanilla Cake Recipe is worth every step. I leaned toward bakery style but added my own twist by adjusting the sweetness and using fresh strawberries throughout.

Now I’ll show up and walk through strawberry cake recipe step-by-step.

Strawberry Vanilla Cake Recipe

This Strawberry Vanilla Cake Recipe is a light, fluffy, and flavorful dessert made entirely from scratch. It features soft chiffon-style cake layers paired with a homemade strawberry filling and a creamy strawberry buttercream.

The filling is made with real strawberries, giving the cake a fresh, natural flavor that’s perfect for spring and summer occasions.

The whipped egg whites create an airy texture, while the buttercream adds just the right amount of sweetness.

Finished with fresh strawberries on top, this Strawberry Vanilla Cake Recipe is as beautiful as it is delicious ideal for birthdays, special gatherings, or anytime you want to impress with a homemade treat.

How To Prepare Strawberry Vanilla Cake Recipe?

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 people

Kitchen Utensils Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or hand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Saucepan
• Sifter
• Cake pans (8-inch round)
• Wire rack
• Offset spatula or cake knife
• Parchment paper

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Cake Filling:

• 3 cups fresh strawberries, chopped into small pieces
• ½ tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons water

For the Vanilla Chiffon Cake Layers:

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 7 large eggs, separated and at room temperature
• ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (150g)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ cup milk
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup olive oil or vegetable oil

For the Strawberry Buttercream

• 4–5 tablespoons of the strawberry cake filling
• 4 cups powdered icing sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How To Make Strawberry Vanilla Cake Recipe

To make this Strawberry Vanilla Cake Recipe just right, I’ll guide you step-by-step with clear instructions and helpful tips.

I’ve also listed some kitchen tools that make baking easier, though you don’t need every single one to succeed.

Use what’s available in your kitchen, and you’ll still end up with a wonderfully tasty and beautiful cake everyone will love!

1. Make the Strawberry Filling:

In a saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and water. Cook over medium heat while stirring constantly until thickened and glossy (about 5–7 minutes). Let cool completely. Set aside 4–5 tablespoons for the buttercream.

2. Prepare the Cake Batter:

Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Sift flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt together. In one bowl, beat egg yolks with ¾ cup of sugar, oil, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. Gradually add in the dry ingredients.

3. Whip the Egg Whites:

In a separate clean bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar until foamy. Slowly add the remaining ¾ cup sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the yolk batter in 3 additions, careful not to deflate the mixture.

4. Bake the Cake:

Divide batter evenly into two greased and parchment-lined 8-inch round cake pans. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the cakes spring back when touched and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

5. Make the Strawberry Buttercream:

Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually mix in powdered sugar. Add vanilla extract and the reserved strawberry filling (4–5 tablespoons). Beat until light and fluffy. Adjust consistency with a little milk if needed.

6. Assemble the Cake:

Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thin layer of buttercream, then spoon some strawberry filling over it (avoid edges to prevent overflow). Top with the second cake layer and frost the top and sides with the remaining buttercream.

7. Decorate and Chill:

Decorate with fresh strawberries if desired. Chill the cake for 30 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set properly.

Nutrition Facts Of Strawberry Vanilla Cake Recipe

Nutrition	Amounts
Calories	410
Total Fat	22g
Saturated Fat	11g
Cholesterol	100mg
Sodium	140mg
Total Carbohydrates	50g
Sugars	38g
Protein	5g

Why We Love This Recipe

This Strawberry Vanilla Cake Recipe stands out for its fresh ingredients, light texture, and rich flavor. The layers are soft and moist, the strawberry filling adds a natural sweetness, and the buttercream ties everything together with a smooth, fruity finish.

It feels special without being overly complicated, and the taste is fresh and satisfying. Whether shared at a gathering or made just because, it delivers something that feels homemade and thoughtful.

The mix of vanilla and strawberry creates a familiar, comforting flavor that always leaves people asking for another slice.

Recipe Tips And Techniques

1. Allow eggs to sit out before starting. This helps them mix better into the batter and improves the cake’s texture.

2. When adding whipped egg whites, use slow, gentle folding to keep the batter light. Avoid stirring or overmixing.

3. Make sure the strawberry filling is completely cool before layering or mixing into frosting. Warm filling can ruin the structure.

4. Grease your cake pans and line the bottoms with baking paper. This ensures clean removal and keeps the cake layers neat.

5. Place baked cake layers in the fridge for a short time. This makes stacking and frosting cleaner and more stable.

6. Before decorating, give the buttercream a quick taste. Add more strawberry filling or sugar if needed to fine-tune the flavor.

Why My Recipe Works

Your Strawberry Vanilla Cake Recipe works because it balances texture, flavor, and technique perfectly. Using whipped egg whites folded into the batter creates a light, airy cake that isn’t dense or heavy.

The homemade strawberry filling adds natural fruit flavor and moisture without being overly sweet or watery. Incorporating a bit of cornstarch in both the filling and cake helps achieve the right thickness and structure.

The strawberry buttercream ties everything together with creamy sweetness and a burst of fresh fruit taste. Baking at a moderate temperature ensures even cooking without drying out the cake. Altogether, these steps create a moist, flavorful, and beautifully textured dessert.

Amazing Serving Ideas for Strawberry Vanilla Cake

➤ Fresh Strawberry Garnish: Top the finished cake with halved or whole fresh strawberries. For an elegant look, fan the strawberries or place them in a spiral pattern on top. This not only enhances the appearance but adds juicy freshness to each bite.

➤ Whipped Cream Rosettes: Pipe small rosettes of lightly sweetened whipped cream around the top edge or base of the cake. It adds a touch of elegance and a light contrast to the buttercream.

➤ Drizzle of White Chocolate: Melt white chocolate and drizzle it over the top of the cake in a zigzag pattern. This adds a rich, creamy finish and complements the berry flavors beautifully.

➤ Strawberry Sauce on the Plate: When serving individual slices, drizzle strawberry sauce or purée on the plate first, then set the slice on top. It elevates the presentation and enhances the fruit flavor.

➤ Layer with Macerated Berries: Add an extra surprise between the cake layers by spooning on lightly macerated strawberries (tossed in a bit of sugar and lemon juice) along with the filling for extra juiciness and pop.

Additions

➢ Fresh Herbs: Add a teaspoon of finely chopped fresh basil or mint to the strawberry filling for a subtle, refreshing twist.

➢ Lemon Zest: Mix 1 teaspoon of lemon zest into the cake batter or strawberry filling for extra citrus brightness.

➢ Chocolate Chips: Fold mini white chocolate chips into the cake batter for pockets of sweetness.

➢ Toasted Nuts: Sprinkle chopped toasted almonds or pistachios between the layers or on top for crunch and contrast.

➢ Freeze-Dried Strawberries: Crush and fold into the buttercream for an extra burst of strawberry flavor and texture.

➢ Alcohol Infusion: Brush cake layers with a splash of strawberry liqueur, Grand Marnier, or rum for a grown-up touch.

Substitutions

● Oil: Use melted coconut oil or melted butter instead of olive or vegetable oil to change the flavor profile.

● Flour: Substitute all-purpose flour with cake flour for an even lighter crumb. Use gluten-free flour blend to make the cake gluten-free (ensure the blend includes xanthan gum).

● Sugar: Replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a natural sweetener, adjusting quantity to taste.

● Milk: Use almond milk, oat milk, or any plant-based milk to make the cake dairy-free.

● Buttercream: Swap out butter for dairy-free margarine or coconut butter for a vegan-friendly frosting (use powdered sugar suitable for vegan diets).

● Eggs: For an egg-free version, try using commercial egg replacers or aquafaba whipped to stiff peaks for the meringue part, but note texture may vary.

Storage & Make Ahead

This Strawberry Vanilla Cake Recipe can be made a day in advance to save time. Once assembled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate.

Strawberry Vanilla Cake Recipe stays fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge. Before serving, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften the buttercream.

If you want to bake ahead, the Strawberry Vanilla Cake Recipe layers can be baked, cooled completely, and wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Freeze the layers for up to 2 months.

Thaw in the fridge overnight before assembling and frosting. The strawberry filling can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

This easy and delicious Strawberry Vanilla Cake recipe is something everyone will enjoy. The combination of soft vanilla chiffon, fresh strawberry filling, and creamy buttercream creates a dessert that’s hard to resist.

Strawberry Vanilla Cake Recipe a treat that brings happiness in every bite. I hope you understand the steps clearly and give it a try soon.

Once you make it, let me know how much you loved it and how delicious it turned out. I’m sure Strawberry Vanilla Cake Recipe will become one of your favorites too.