A Strawberry Vanilla Swirl Cake is a visually stunning and flavorful dessert that features layers or swirls of strawberry-flavored and vanilla-flavored batters, baked together to create a marbled effect. Often finished with frosting, glaze, or fresh strawberries, this cake is a showstopper for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to festive celebrations.
Why You Should Try
Unique Appearance: The swirled design creates a beautiful marbled effect that makes this cake visually appealing and impressive.
Versatile Recipe: This cake can be customized for various occasions, with options to use fresh strawberries, jam, or even strawberry extract. You can also adapt it with different frostings or toppings to suit your taste.
Easy to Prepare: Despite its sophisticated appearance, this cake is straightforward to make, even for beginner bakers.
Ingredients
Flour: All-purpose flour is the base ingredient, providing structure to the cake. You can also use cake flour for a lighter texture.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness to the cake batter, while powdered sugar can be used for frosting or glaze.
Eggs
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries or strawberry puree bring a natural, fruity flavor to the strawberry batter. Alternatively, you can use strawberry jam or extract for convenience.
Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
How to Choose Fresh Strawberries for the Cake
Look for Bright Red Color: Choose strawberries that are vibrant red without white or green patches, as these are signs of under-ripeness.
Check the Aroma: Fresh, ripe strawberries have a sweet and fragrant smell. If there’s no noticeable scent, they may lack flavor.
Inspect for Firmness: Pick strawberries that are firm but not hard. Avoid mushy or overly soft berries, as they may be overripe.
Go for Smaller Berries: Smaller strawberries often have a more concentrated flavor, making them ideal for baking.
Use Seasonal Strawberries: Whenever possible, use in-season strawberries for maximum flavor and sweetness.
How to Make Strawberry Vanilla Swirl Cake
Prepare the Batter: Start by creaming butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract. Gradually add dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt) alternately with milk to achieve a smooth batter.
Divide and Flavor the Batter: Divide the batter into two equal portions. For the strawberry batter, mix in fresh strawberry puree or jam, and add a few drops of red or pink food coloring if desired for a vibrant hue. Leave the second portion as vanilla or enhance it with an extra splash of vanilla extract.
Swirl the Batters: Grease and flour a cake pan or line it with parchment paper. Alternately spoon the strawberry and vanilla batters into the pan, creating layers. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the batters together gently for a marbled effect.
Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorate and Serve: Frost with vanilla buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or a simple glaze. Garnish with fresh strawberries for a beautiful finish. Slice and enjoy your Strawberry Swirl Cake!
Strawberry Vanilla Swirl Cake Frosting
Simple Strawberry Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
Ingredients: Combine softened unsalted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a small amount of milk or cream for the base.
Strawberry Flavor: Add fresh strawberry puree or freeze-dried strawberry powder to a portion of the frosting for natural strawberry flavor and a pink tint.
Mixing: Whip the butter until creamy, gradually add powdered sugar, and beat until fluffy. Divide the frosting if you want separate strawberry and vanilla layers, then layer or swirl them when decorating.
Whipped Cream or Cream Cheese Frosting
Whipped Cream: This is a lighter option for those who prefer less sweetness. Stabilize the whipped cream with a bit of gelatin or cornstarch if needed to ensure it holds its shape.
Cream Cheese Frosting: The tanginess of cream cheese frosting pairs well with the sweetness of the cake. Use softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract for a smooth and spreadable texture.
Tips for Frosting the Cake to Get a Smooth Finish
Crumb Coat: Apply a thin layer of frosting (crumb coat) and chill the cake for 15–20 minutes to lock in crumbs.
Use a Spatula: Spread the frosting with an offset spatula for smooth coverage.
Swirling Design: Use a piping bag for decorative swirls, or swirl the strawberry and vanilla frostings for a marbled look.
Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the frosted cake briefly to set the frosting for clean slices.
Baking Time and Temperature
What is the Best Oven Temperature for Swirl Cake?
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for an even rise and moist texture. Lower temperatures may result in a dense cake, while higher temperatures risk overcooking the edges.
How Long Should You Bake this Swirl Cake?
35–40 minutes for most standard-sized cakes (8-inch or 9-inch pans).
Adjust the time for different pan sizes; for cupcakes, bake for 18–22 minutes, and for bundt pans, increase the time by 5–10 minutes.
How to Check for Doneness in Swirl Cakes
Toothpick Test: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is done.
Spring Test: Lightly press the center of the cake; it should spring back.
Edges Pulling Away: The edges of the cake may slightly pull away from the pan when it’s fully baked.
Serving Suggestions
Best Sides to Serve with Cake
Fresh Fruits: Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries complement the cake’s flavors.
Ice Cream: Vanilla or strawberry ice cream enhances the dessert experience.
Whipped Cream: Serve a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on the side.
How to Decorate the Cake with Fresh Strawberries or Fruit
Top with Halved Strawberries: Arrange fresh strawberries in a circular pattern for a classic look.
Drizzle with Glaze: Use a strawberry or vanilla glaze to give the cake a glossy finish.
Add Edible Flowers or Mint: For an elegant touch, garnish with edible flowers or fresh mint leaves.
How to Serve Strawberry Swirl Cake for Parties or Special Occasions
Tiered Display: Present the cake on a tiered cake stand for a striking visual.
Mini Cake Slices: Pre-slice and serve the cake on dessert plates for easy sharing.
Themed Garnishes: Decorate the cake with elements matching the event theme, like sprinkles for birthdays or edible gold dust for weddings.
Pair with Beverages: Serve alongside champagne, tea, or a strawberry lemonade for a complete dessert course.
Customization Tips
How to Make this Cake Gluten-Free or Dairy-Free
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Ensure other ingredients like baking powder are also gluten-free.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute dairy milk with almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. Replace butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. Use a dairy-free cream or yogurt if the recipe includes these ingredients.
Can You Add Mix-Ins Like Chocolate Chips or Nuts?
Chocolate Chips: Fold in mini chocolate chips for bursts of sweetness. White chocolate chips work especially well with the strawberry and vanilla flavors.
Nuts: Add chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts for a crunchy texture. Lightly toast the nuts before mixing for enhanced flavor.
How to Make the Cake More Moist and Flavorful
Add Yogurt or Sour Cream: These ingredients enhance moisture and richness.
Use Oil Instead of Butter: Vegetable or coconut oil retains moisture better than butter.
Strawberry Puree: Incorporate fresh strawberry puree into the batter for stronger strawberry flavor and natural sweetness.
Storage and Reheating Tips
How to Store
Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration: Keep the cake refrigerated if frosted with a perishable topping like whipped cream, for up to 5 days. Ensure it’s in a tightly sealed container to prevent drying out.
Can You Freeze Strawberry Vanilla Swirl Cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake (without frosting) tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
How to Reheat a Cake Without Drying It Out
Microwave: Warm individual slices for 10–15 seconds, covering with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Oven: Wrap the cake in aluminum foil and heat at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes.
FAQs
Can You Use Cake Mix for Strawberry Swirl Cake?
Yes, using a vanilla cake mix can save time. Prepare the batter as instructed on the box and swirl in fresh strawberry puree or jam for the strawberry component.
Why Does the Swirl Not Show in My Cake?
If the batter layers mix too much, the swirl effect may fade. To avoid this, use a knife to gently swirl the batters without overmixing. A thicker batter also helps maintain distinct swirls.
How Can I Make the Strawberry Flavor Stronger in the Cake?
Use concentrated strawberry puree, freeze-dried strawberry powder, or add strawberry extract to intensify the flavor. Fresh strawberries with a natural sweetness also enhance the taste.
More Recipes
Strawberry Vanilla Swirl Cake
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Vanilla Swirl Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
- 500 g about 1 lb fresh strawberries or strawberry puree
For the Strawberry Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese room temperature
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: Start by creaming butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract. Gradually add dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt) alternately with milk to achieve a smooth batter.
- Divide and Flavor the Batter: Divide the batter into two equal portions. For the strawberry batter, mix in fresh strawberry puree or jam, and add a few drops of red or pink food coloring if desired for a vibrant hue. Leave the second portion as vanilla or enhance it with an extra splash of vanilla extract.
- Swirl the Batters: Grease and flour a cake pan or line it with parchment paper. Alternately spoon the strawberry and vanilla batters into the pan, creating layers. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the batters together gently for a marbled effect.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate and Serve: Frost with vanilla buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or a simple glaze. Garnish with fresh strawberries for a beautiful finish. Slice and enjoy your Strawberry Swirl Cake!
Simple Strawberry Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
- Ingredients: Combine softened unsalted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a small amount of milk or cream for the base.
- Strawberry Flavor: Add fresh strawberry puree or freeze-dried strawberry powder to a portion of the frosting for natural strawberry flavor and a pink tint.
- Mixing: Whip the butter until creamy, gradually add powdered sugar, and beat until fluffy. Divide the frosting if you want separate strawberry and vanilla layers, then layer or swirl them when decorating.