Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Vanilla Strawberry Ombre Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 51 reviews
  • Author: Elizabeth
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Vanilla Strawberry Ombre Cake is a delightful and visually stunning dessert featuring three layers of soft vanilla sponge cake tinted in varying shades of pink for a beautiful ombre effect. Each layer is baked to perfection and frosted with a creamy strawberry-infused buttercream that balances sweetness with a fresh berry flavor. Perfect for celebrations or special occasions, this cake combines classic vanilla with a hint of strawberry for a charming and delicious treat.

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 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

  1. Prepare the cake pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans to ensure the cakes don’t stick.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
  3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
  4. Add eggs and vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a smooth batter. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
  5. Combine dry and wet ingredients: Alternately add the dry flour mixture and whole milk to the wet ingredients in batches, beginning and ending with the dry mixture. Mix just until combined to keep the batter light.
  6. Create ombre layers: Divide the batter evenly into three bowls. Leave one bowl plain, add a few drops of pink food coloring to the second bowl, and more food coloring to the third bowl to create a gradient effect.
  7. Bake the cake layers: Pour each batter color into the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean.
  8. Cool cakes: Allow the cakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting to prevent melting or sliding of the icing.
  9. Prepare frosting: Beat the softened butter in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
  10. Add powdered sugar: Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar, about one cup at a time, beating well after each addition until the frosting is fluffy.
  11. Flavor the frosting: Mix in the vanilla extract, strawberry puree or extract, and a pinch of salt to enhance the taste and balance sweetness.
  12. Create ombre frosting: Split the frosting into three bowls; keep one plain, lightly tint another with pink food coloring, and intensify the pink on the third for the ombre effect.
  13. Assemble the cake: Place the darkest pink cake layer on your serving plate or cake stand. Spread a thin layer of the darkest frosting over it.
  14. Add second layer: Place the medium pink cake layer on top and frost it with the medium-colored frosting evenly.
  15. Add top layer: Position the lightest cake layer on top, then cover the entire cake with the lightest frosting.
  16. Smooth ombre effect: Using a spatula, gently blend the frosting colors from dark to light around the cake to enhance the ombre look with a smooth gradient finish.
  17. Chill and decorate: Refrigerate the finished cake for about 30 minutes to set the frosting. Optionally, garnish with fresh strawberries or sprinkles before serving.

Notes

  • For the best results, make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before beginning.
  • If strawberry puree isn’t available, strawberry extract works well for flavoring the frosting.
  • Adjust powdered sugar in the frosting to reach your preferred consistency; more sugar makes it stiffer, less makes it softer.
  • Use gel food coloring for more vibrant colors without thinning the batter or frosting.
  • The cake layers can be baked a day ahead and wrapped tightly; frost just before serving.
  • Chilling the cake before serving helps the frosting set and makes slicing cleaner.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://easycookingworld.com/vanilla-strawberry-ombre-cake-recipe/