Description
A stunning Vanilla Strawberry Ombre Cake that features layers of moist vanilla sponge cake with a beautiful gradient of strawberry frosting. Perfect for any celebration or a showstopper for your next gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
For the Strawberry Frosting:
- 2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 4–5 cups powdered sugar (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons strawberry puree (or strawberry extract)
- Pink food coloring (optional, for ombre effect)
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing 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.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly into three bowls. Leave one plain, add a few drops of pink food coloring to one, and add more to the third bowl for a deeper pink hue (for the ombre effect).
- Pour each color batter into its own prepared cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool completely before frosting.
- Make the frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, until the frosting becomes fluffy and smooth.
- Add vanilla extract, strawberry puree, and a pinch of salt. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Divide the frosting into three bowls. Keep one plain, add a small amount of pink food coloring to the second bowl, and more for the third bowl for the ombre effect.
- Assemble the cake:
- Place the darkest layer of cake on a cake stand or plate. Spread a thin layer of frosting over the top.
- Add the second (lighter) cake layer and frost it with the medium-colored frosting.
- Add the final (lightest) cake layer and cover the entire cake with the lightest frosting.
- Use a spatula to create a smooth, gradient ombre effect by blending the frosting from darker to lighter shades.
- Chill and serve:
- Chill the cake for about 30 minutes to set the frosting. Decorate with fresh strawberries or sprinkles if desired before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute the strawberry puree with strawberry extract for a more intense flavor if fresh strawberries are not available.
- Make sure the cakes are completely cooled before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
- This cake can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for 2-3 days. Just let it come to room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg