Name: Vanilla Strawberry Ombre Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup whole milk; Pink food coloring (optional, for ombre effect); 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 2–3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pink food coloring (for ombre effect); Fresh strawberries, whole and halved; Edible gold sprinkles; Powdered sugar for dusting

Jump to Recipe

This Vanilla Strawberry Ombre Cake is a show-stopping dessert that combines the sweetness of vanilla with the fresh, fruity taste of strawberries. With its stunning ombre layers, soft crumb, and silky frosting, this cake is perfect for special occasions, birthdays, or any time you want to impress your guests. The delicate layers of cake are beautifully shaded in soft pinks, transitioning into a light vanilla tone, creating a visually stunning treat that is as delicious as it is beautiful.

The cake itself is wonderfully moist and rich, thanks to the combination of butter and whole milk. The frosting, made with creamy butter and powdered sugar, is smooth, buttery, and perfectly sweet, providing the ideal balance to the cake’s flavors. Topped with fresh strawberries and edible gold sprinkles, this cake has a touch of elegance, making it ideal for everything from casual family gatherings to more formal celebrations.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice, this Vanilla Strawberry Ombre Cake is easy to make and will surely steal the spotlight at any event. Its beautiful ombre design and delightful flavors will have everyone asking for a second slice!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this Vanilla Strawberry Ombre Cake! First, its stunning ombre effect makes it a perfect centerpiece for any occasion. But it’s not just the looks that will win you over—this cake delivers on taste too. The moist and fluffy vanilla cake pairs wonderfully with the rich buttercream frosting, while the fresh strawberries bring a burst of flavor and freshness. Plus, it’s a simple yet sophisticated recipe that’s easy to customize to your preferences. Whether you add more color to the ombre effect or top it with other fruits, this cake is both beautiful and delicious.

Not only is this cake great for special occasions, but it’s also surprisingly easy to make. The layers of cake come together quickly, and the frosting is smooth and simple to work with. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, you’ll find joy in making this recipe. It’s the perfect way to celebrate any event or enjoy a sweet, homemade treat!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Unsalted butter, softened
Granulated sugar
Large eggs
Vanilla extract
Whole milk
Pink food coloring (optional, for ombre effect)

For the Frosting:

Unsalted butter, softened
Powdered sugar
Milk or heavy cream
Vanilla extract
Pink food coloring (for ombre effect)

For Decoration:

Fresh strawberries, whole and halved
Edible gold sprinkles
Powdered sugar for dusting

Variations

Flavored Cake Layers: For a twist, try adding a touch of lemon zest or almond extract to the cake batter for a unique flavor.
Buttercream Flavor: Mix in a little strawberry puree or jam into the buttercream frosting for an even stronger strawberry flavor in the frosting.
Color Gradient: Experiment with different shades of pink to create a more dramatic ombre effect or use pastel colors for a softer look.
Vegan Version: Substitute the butter for vegan butter, use plant-based milk, and replace the eggs with a flaxseed egg substitute for a vegan version of this cake.
Decorative Toppings: Top the cake with additional fruits like raspberries or blueberries, or sprinkle some chopped pistachios for added texture.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour three round cake pans. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 2: Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternately add the flour mixture and whole milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined and smooth.

Step 3: Create the Ombre Effect

Divide the batter evenly into three bowls. Add pink food coloring to one bowl, a little more to the second bowl, and leave the third bowl plain for the lightest layer. Mix each bowl until you reach the desired shade of pink.

Step 4: Bake the Cake Layers

Pour each color of batter into the prepared cake pans, ensuring each layer is in a separate pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Prepare the Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating after each addition. Add milk or heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach a spreadable consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract. Divide the frosting into two bowls, adding pink food coloring to one and leaving the other plain.

Step 6: Assemble the Cake

Once the cake layers have cooled completely, place the darkest pink layer on a cake plate. Spread a thin layer of frosting over the cake. Place the medium pink layer on top, frosting again, and then place the lightest pink layer on top. Frost the entire cake with the plain frosting first, creating a crumb coat, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to set the crumb coat.

Step 7: Add the Ombre Frosting

After the crumb coat has set, frost the cake with the colored buttercream, using the darkest pink frosting at the bottom and gradually transitioning to the lightest pink at the top for the ombre effect. Smooth the frosting using a spatula.

Step 8: Decorate the Cake

Top the cake with fresh strawberries, both whole and halved, and sprinkle with edible gold sprinkles for a touch of elegance. Dust the cake with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Softening Butter: Make sure your butter is softened before beating it with sugar. If it’s too hard, it won’t cream properly and will affect the texture of the cake.
Ombre Effect: For a more distinct ombre effect, use several shades of pink, blending them from dark to light, ensuring a smooth gradient.
Leveling the Cake Layers: If your cake layers have domed on top, level them with a serrated knife so they stack evenly.
Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add more milk or cream to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency. If it’s too runny, add more powdered sugar.
Fresh Strawberries: To prevent the fresh strawberries from making the frosting soggy, make sure to place them on top just before serving.

How to Serve

Serve your Vanilla Strawberry Ombre Cake chilled or at room temperature for the best texture. Slice and serve as a showstopper for birthdays, celebrations, or as a delightful afternoon treat with a cup of tea or coffee.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will keep the cake fresh and the frosting firm.

Freezing

To freeze the cake, wrap the individual cake layers tightly in plastic wrap, followed by foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the layers in the refrigerator overnight, then frost and assemble.

Reheating

While this cake is best served chilled, if you prefer to warm it slightly, you can microwave individual slices for about 10-15 seconds to soften the frosting and enjoy a slightly different texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter, but it may affect the flavor and texture slightly.

2. Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the frosting in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Let it come to room temperature before using.

3. Can I add more food coloring to the cake for a more vibrant ombre?

Absolutely! Feel free to add more food coloring to achieve a more intense gradient effect.

4. Can I use a different flavor for the cake?

Yes, you can replace vanilla extract with almond extract or citrus zest for a unique flavor twist.

5. Can I decorate the cake with something other than strawberries?

Yes, you can use other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or even edible flowers for decoration.

6. Can I make this cake without the ombre effect?

Yes, you can make a classic vanilla cake without the ombre effect if you prefer a simpler presentation.

7. How can I make the frosting smoother?

To get smoother frosting, ensure your butter is softened to room temperature and sift the powdered sugar before adding it.

8. Is there an alternative to edible gold sprinkles?

Yes, you can use other decorative sprinkles or even edible glitter to add some sparkle.

9. Can I make this cake in advance?

You can bake the cake layers in advance and store them at room temperature, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 days before assembling.

10. Can I use dairy-free butter for the frosting?

Yes, you can substitute dairy-free butter to make the frosting vegan or dairy-free.

Conclusion

This Vanilla Strawberry Ombre Cake is the perfect dessert for anyone looking to impress their guests with both stunning visuals and delicious flavors. With its moist layers of cake, rich buttercream frosting, and the sweet touch of fresh strawberries, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether for a special occasion or just a treat for yourself, this cake combines beauty and taste in a way that will leave everyone asking for the recipe!