Moist Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling

$To make the moist vanilla cake, you will need: - 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature - 2 cups granulated sugar - 4 large eggs, at room temperature - 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract - 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature For the delicious strawberry filling, gather these ingredients: - 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced - ½ cup powdered sugar You will need specific tools to create this cake: - Two 9-inch round cake pans - Electric mixer - Mixing bowls (medium and large) - Whisk - Spatula - Wire rack for cooling - Serving plate Using these ingredients and equipment ensures you create a delightful moist vanilla cake with a sweet strawberry filling. It helps to prepare everything before you start. This makes the cooking process smoother and more fun. Happy baking! To start, gather your ingredients. You will need flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Dust them lightly with flour. 3. In a bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of flour, 2 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Set this aside. 4. In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of softened butter with 2 cups of sugar. Mix it until it turns light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. 5. Add 4 large eggs one at a time. Make sure each egg is mixed in well before adding the next. Stir in 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. 6. Gradually mix in the flour mixture and 1 cup of buttermilk. Alternate adding them, starting and ending with the flour. Mix gently until just combined. Now, it’s time to bake the cakes. 1. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. 2. Bake for 25-30 minutes. You can check if they are done by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, they are ready! 3. Once done, remove the pans from the oven. Let them cool for 10 minutes. 4. Carefully transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely. This keeps them moist and fluffy. While the cakes bake, prepare the strawberry filling. 1. In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of hulled and sliced strawberries with ½ cup of powdered sugar. 2. Let this mixture sit for about 15-20 minutes. The sugar will draw out the juices from the strawberries. 3. After resting, you will have a sweet, juicy filling that will add flavor and moisture to your cake. For the full recipe, remember to check the detailed instructions provided above! To make a moist vanilla cake, follow these tips: - Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring your butter, eggs, and buttermilk to room temp. This helps blend better and creates a smooth batter. - Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make your cake dense. - Add Sour Cream or Yogurt: For extra moisture, you can mix in a bit of sour cream or yogurt. This adds richness and flavor. - Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the right heat. An incorrect temperature can dry out your cake. Prepare your strawberries with these methods: - Choose Fresh Strawberries: Look for ripe strawberries that are bright red. This ensures the best flavor. - Hulling: Remove the green tops carefully. You can use a paring knife or a huller for this task. - Sugar Time: After slicing the strawberries, mix them with powdered sugar. Let them sit for 15-20 minutes. This helps draw out their sweet juices. - Taste Test: Always taste the strawberries before using them. If they are sour, add a bit more sugar to balance the flavor. Frost your cake beautifully with these tips: - Chill the Cake: Before frosting, chill the cake layers for about 30 minutes. This helps the frosting stay in place. - Use a Crumb Coat: Spread a thin layer of frosting on the cake first. This traps crumbs and creates a smooth surface for the final layer. - Pipe for Elegance: Use a piping bag to create fun designs. Simple swirls or rosettes can make your cake look stunning. - Garnish with Fresh Strawberries: Top your cake with whole strawberries or slices. This adds a nice touch and makes it look festive. For the full recipe, you can refer to the earlier section in this article. {{image_4}} If you want to change up the flavor of your vanilla cake, you have many options. Try adding lemon zest or almond extract for a fresh twist. You could also use coconut milk instead of buttermilk for a tropical taste. Chocolate lovers can mix cocoa powder into the batter for a rich chocolate cake. Each flavor adds its own charm to the cake. While strawberry filling is sweet and bright, you can experiment with other fruits. Blueberries or raspberries work great too. For a more decadent treat, consider a chocolate ganache or pastry cream. If you love nuts, a nut butter filling can add a rich, creamy layer. These fillings can make each slice a delight. Frosting is where you can get really creative. A classic whipped cream frosting is light and fluffy. If you want something richer, try cream cheese frosting. It pairs well with fruit flavors. You can also add a touch of food coloring to make the frosting pop. For a fun twist, drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce on top. Each frosting choice brings a new look and taste to your cake. For the full recipe, check out the deliciously moist vanilla cake with strawberry filling. To keep your moist vanilla cake fresh, wrap it well. Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in an airtight container. Store it at room temperature for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, refrigerate it. The cool air will help maintain its moisture. Freezing is a great way to store leftover cake. First, let the cake cool completely. Then, slice it into pieces for easy access. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap tightly. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container. This method keeps the cake fresh for up to three months. Remember to label the bag with the date. When you're ready to enjoy your cake again, reheating is key. Remove the cake from the fridge or freezer. If frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. For a quick warm-up, place a slice in the microwave. Heat it for 10-15 seconds. Check if it’s warm; avoid overheating to keep it moist. You can also warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes. Enjoy your delicious cake just like fresh! You can easily make buttermilk at home. Just mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. This will thicken the milk and give it a tangy flavor. You can also use plain yogurt or sour cream. Just thin them with a little milk to match the buttermilk's consistency. To prevent sticking, grease your pans well. Use butter or non-stick spray and coat the sides and bottom. Dust with flour after greasing. You can also use parchment paper for extra protection. Cut circles for the bottom of the pans and fit them in. This way, you can lift the cakes out easily. Yes, you can make this cake ahead of time. Bake the cakes and let them cool completely. Wrap each layer in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just thaw them in the fridge before assembling. Making the strawberry filling ahead is great too. Just keep it in the fridge until you are ready to use it. For the best taste, frost the cake close to serving time. Check the Full Recipe for more details. This blog post covered the key steps to making a moist vanilla cake with strawberry filling. We discussed essential ingredients, baking tips, and smart storage methods. You can enhance your cake with many flavors and fillings too. Remember, practice makes perfect. Enjoy experimenting with your cakes. Each attempt brings you closer to a delicious result. Happy baking!$

Moist Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling

Indulge in a slice of heaven with this deliciously moist vanilla cake filled with fresh strawberries! This easy recipe guides you through making the perfect cake, complete with fluffy layers and sweet strawberry filling. Impress your friends and family with a stunning dessert that's perfect for any occasion. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your baking game today! Enjoy every bite!

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Ingredients

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

2 ½ teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

2 cups granulated sugar

4 large eggs, at room temperature

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

½ cup powdered sugar (for the strawberry filling)

Whipped cream (for frosting, homemade or store-bought)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them generously with butter or non-stick spray and dusting them lightly with flour to prevent sticking.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, use a whisk to combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk thoroughly to ensure that all dry ingredients are evenly mixed. Set this bowl aside for later use.

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed. Continue mixing until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, which should take about 3-4 minutes.

Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully blended into the batter before adding the next. After incorporating all the eggs, stir in the pure vanilla extract until evenly combined.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the reserved flour mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and finish with the flour mixture. Mix gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.

Bake the Cakes: Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.

Prepare Strawberry Filling: While the cakes are baking, prepare the strawberry filling. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with the powdered sugar. Allow the mixture to rest for about 15-20 minutes, so the strawberries can release their delicious juices.

Cool the Cakes: Once the cakes are done baking, remove them from the oven. Let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps maintain their moisture and texture.

Assemble the Cake: After the cakes have cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Generously spoon the sugared strawberries over the top of this layer, spreading them out evenly. Place the second cake layer on top to complete the sandwich.

Frost the Cake: Use whipped cream to frost the top and sides of the cake, covering it generously and ensuring to conceal any strawberries that may be peeking out from between the layers.

Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake into 12 delightful servings. Serve immediately and relish the incredible moistness of the cake and the vibrant sweetness of the strawberry filling.

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 12 sumptuous slices

- Presentation Tips: Garnish the top of the cake with additional fresh strawberries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch. Enjoy with a dollop of whipped cream on the side!