There’s something magical about a cake that looks as stunning as it tastes. This Vanilla Strawberry Ombre Cake brings together soft, fluffy layers of vanilla cake in beautiful gradient shades of pink, topped with a luscious buttercream frosting. The ombre effect gives this cake a sophisticated yet playful charm, making it perfect for birthdays, bridal showers, or any special occasion.
The combination of vanilla and fresh strawberries offers a delicate balance of sweetness and fruitiness. The layers are tender yet moist, with just the right amount of buttery richness. The frosting is smooth, creamy, and enhances the overall flavor without overpowering it. Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying an ombre cake for the first time, this step-by-step guide will help you create a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress.
Not only is this cake a treat for the eyes, but it’s also versatile—feel free to play with flavors and colors. You can swap strawberries for raspberries, use different shades for the ombre effect, or add a hint of citrus zest for a refreshing twist. Let’s get started on this beautiful and delicious creation!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pink food coloring (optional, for ombre effect)
For the Frosting:
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pink food coloring (for ombre effect)
For Decoration:
- Fresh strawberries, whole and halved
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Edible gold sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Cake Layers:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
2️⃣ Create the Ombre Effect:
- Divide the batter evenly into three bowls. Leave one plain, tint the second with a small amount of pink food coloring, and tint the third with a deeper shade of pink. Stir well until the colors are uniform.
- Pour each batter into its prepared pan and 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, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3️⃣ Prepare the Frosting:
- Beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with milk, and beat until fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Divide the frosting into three bowls. Leave one plain, tint one light pink, and tint the third a deeper pink.
4️⃣ Assemble the Cake:
- Place the darkest pink cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thin layer of frosting on top.
- Repeat with the lighter pink layer and then the plain vanilla layer.
- Apply the darkest pink frosting at the bottom, the lighter pink in the middle, and the plain frosting at the top. Use an offset spatula to blend the edges for a smooth ombre effect.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries and a dusting of powdered sugar. Sprinkle edible gold for an extra touch of elegance.
Dietary Concerns:
- Contains dairy, eggs, and gluten.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use almond milk instead of whole milk.
- To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Sharing and Commenting is Caring ❤️
Baking is all about creativity and sharing joy with others! If you try this Vanilla Strawberry Ombre Cake, let us know how it turned out. Did you experiment with different colors? Add a unique twist? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Feel free to share this recipe with friends and family—it might just become their new favorite dessert! 🍰💕