Description
This delightful Vanilla Strawberry Ombre Cake features soft vanilla layers tinted in beautiful ombre shades of pink, paired with a luscious strawberry-infused buttercream frosting. Perfect for special occasions, this cake combines classic vanilla flavor with a hint of fresh strawberry for a stunning 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
- Prepare the cake pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture 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 until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure full integration. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture alternately with the whole milk to the butter mixture. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cake.
- Create ombre batter: Divide the batter evenly into three separate bowls. Leave one plain, add a few drops of pink food coloring to the second, and more drops to the third bowl to create a gradient of pink shades for the ombre effect.
- Bake the cake layers: Pour each colored batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes: Remove the pans from the oven and allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then transfer them to wire racks to cool fully before frosting.
- Make the frosting base: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until it is smooth and creamy using an electric mixer.
- Add powdered sugar: Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar by adding about one cup at a time, continuing to beat until the frosting is fluffy, smooth, and no lumps remain.
- Flavor the frosting: Mix in the vanilla extract, strawberry puree or extract, and a pinch of salt to balance sweetness and enhance flavor. Beat until fully combined and creamy.
- Create ombre frosting: Divide the frosting evenly into three bowls. Leave one plain, tint the second with a small amount of pink food coloring, and use more food coloring in the third to achieve three shades from light to dark pink for the ombre finish.
- Assemble the cake – bottom layer: Place the darkest pink cake layer onto a cake stand or serving plate. Spread a thin, even layer of the darkest shade of frosting over the top to help layers stick together.
- Second layer assembly: Carefully add the middle shade pink cake layer on top of the first. Frost it evenly with the medium pink frosting layer.
- Top layer assembly: Place the lightest pink cake layer on top. Cover the entire cake with the lightest frosting shade for a beautiful transition.
- Create the ombre effect: Using a spatula, gently smooth and blend the frosting around the cake, transitioning from the darkest to the lightest shades to achieve a seamless ombre gradient.
- Chill and decorate: Refrigerate the assembled cake for about 30 minutes to let the frosting set firmly. Optionally, garnish with fresh strawberries or sprinkle decorations before serving.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter after adding the flour to keep the cake light and tender.
- Use fresh strawberry puree for a natural strawberry flavor, or strawberry extract as an alternative.
- Adjust the amount of food coloring to achieve your preferred ombre intensity.
- Ensure cakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- Chilling the cake helps the frosting set and makes slicing cleaner.
