Strawberry Vanilla Swirl Cake
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.
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.