Description
Sweet layers of creamy vanilla cake whisper delicate strawberry secrets in this elegant Vanilla Strawberry Ombre Cake. Delightful pink gradients blend seamlessly from pale blush to deep rose, promising a visual and flavor experience that delights dessert enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Cake Ingredients:
- 2 cups cake flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cream and Fruit Components:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups fresh strawberries
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for additional flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring an ideal baking environment for the cake layers.
- Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and voluminous, then incorporate eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
- Blend in vanilla extract to enhance the cake’s aromatic profile.
- In a separate mixing bowl, sift together cake flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure a smooth, lump-free dry ingredient base.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk to create a uniform, silky batter.
- Divide the batter evenly into three distinct bowls, then incorporate varying amounts of pureed strawberries to achieve a gradient of pink hues.
- Prepare cake pans by greasing and dusting with flour, then carefully pour each color-specific batter into its designated pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes at 350°F, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick that should emerge clean when the layers are fully baked.
- Allow cake layers to cool completely on a wire rack, preventing moisture buildup and ensuring structural integrity.
- Create strawberry filling by simmering fresh strawberries with sugar in a saucepan until the mixture reaches a thick, jam-like consistency.
- Construct the cake by positioning the darkest pink layer as the base, spreading strawberry filling between each subsequent layer, progressing from dark to light pink and finishing with the vanilla layer.
- Generously frost the entire cake with buttercream, creating a smooth, elegant finish that complements the ombre color scheme.
Notes
- Adjust strawberry puree amounts carefully to achieve a gradual color transition from pale to deep pink, ensuring each layer looks distinct and vibrant.
- Freeze cake layers for 15-20 minutes before assembling to prevent crumbling and make frosting easier, creating a more stable and professional-looking dessert.
- Substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk for a lactose-free version, maintaining the cake’s moisture and tender crumb while accommodating dietary preferences.
- Use room temperature ingredients to guarantee smooth batter mixing and even cake texture, preventing potential lumps or uneven baking.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg