Description

Looking for a show-stopping dessert? This Vanilla Strawberry Ombre Cake is as beautiful as it is delicious. With three ombre layers ranging from soft vanilla to vibrant strawberry pink, each slice is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Topped with creamy buttercream frosting, it’s perfect for birthdays, baby showers, or any occasion that calls for a little extra magic.

The combination of fluffy vanilla cake and fresh strawberry puree gives this cake a light, fruity flavor that’s perfectly balanced by the rich buttercream. Trust us—you’ll want to make this cake again and again!

Ingredients

• For the Cake:
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen, blended)
• Pink or red food coloring (optional)
• For the Buttercream Frosting:
• 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp heavy cream or milk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup strawberry puree (for the pink layers)

Preparation Method

Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Alternate Mixing:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until fully combined, but don’t overmix—the batter should be smooth and fluffy.

Create the Ombre Layers:
Divide the batter evenly into three bowls:

First bowl (Vanilla): Leave it plain for the lightest layer.
Second bowl (Light Pink): Add ¼ cup strawberry puree and mix until just combined.
Third bowl (Dark Pink): Add ¼ cup strawberry puree and a drop of pink or red food coloring for a deeper color.
Bake the Layers:
Pour each batter into a prepared cake pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Buttercream Frosting:
Beat the butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, mixing until light and fluffy. Divide the frosting in half:

Leave one half plain (for the top layer and crumb coat).
Mix the strawberry puree into the other half for a pink ombre effect.
Assemble and Frost the Cake:
Place the darkest cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a thin layer of plain buttercream on top. Repeat with the lighter layers, working from darkest to lightest.

Apply a thin crumb coat over the entire cake and chill it for 10 minutes to set. Once chilled, use the plain frosting for the top and blend the pink frosting on the sides for a beautiful ombre effect. Smooth with an offset spatula for a professional finish.

Chill and Serve:
Refrigerate the frosted cake for 30 minutes before slicing to help set the layers. Serve and enjoy!

Tips and Conclusion

For extra strawberry flavor, add 1 tsp of strawberry extract to the cake batter.
To ensure smooth frosting, chill the cake for 10 minutes between layers.
Garnish with fresh strawberries or edible flowers for a stunning presentation.

This Vanilla Strawberry Ombre Cake is the ultimate celebration dessert—elegant, delicious, and surprisingly simple to make. With its delicate layers and fruity buttercream, every bite is a little slice of heaven. Try it for your next special occasion and watch it become the centerpiece of your table! Looking for more cake ideas? Check out our other easy and beautiful recipes! 🎂🍓