Get ready to fall in love with this Vanilla Strawberry Ombre Cake Recipe! This showstopper dessert combines fluffy vanilla cake layers with a gorgeous gradient of strawberry pink hues, all wrapped up in silky buttercream. It’s the kind of cake that turns any gathering into a celebration, and its delicate ombre layers never fail to earn gasps of delight. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, baby shower, or just to treat yourself, you’ll be amazed at how this homemade beauty tastes as dreamy as it looks.

Vanilla Strawberry Ombre Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Vanilla Strawberry Ombre Cake Recipe is all about simple, high-quality ingredients working together for maximum flavor and that stunning pink ombre effect. Each element adds a special touch, from the richness of the butter to the natural sweetness of strawberries. Here’s exactly what you’ll need and why.

All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for tender, fluffy cake layers.
Baking powder: Gives your cakes a lovely lift and lightness.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the sweet flavors and keeps things balanced.
Unsalted butter (softened): The base for both cake and frosting, creating richness and a melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping it stay moist and soft.
Large egg whites: Whipped in for a lighter texture and that lovely white cake color.
Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to both the cake and frosting—don’t skimp on quality here!
Whole milk (room temperature): Keeps the cake extra moist and tender.
Pink or red food coloring: Use gel for the most vibrant, even color in your ombre layers.
Strawberry purée (fresh or frozen and thawed): Adds real strawberry flavor and a pretty blush to your cake layers.
Powdered sugar: Essential for a cloud-like, smooth buttercream frosting.
Heavy cream or milk: Helps achieve the perfect, spreadable frosting consistency.
Pinch of salt (for frosting): Balances the sweetness in your buttercream.
Optional: Strawberry jam for filling: Adds a delicious, fruity surprise between layers.

How to Make Vanilla Strawberry Ombre Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 6-inch or two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper—this ensures your beautiful ombre layers come out easily. Gather and measure all your ingredients before you begin, letting your butter and eggs come to room temperature for the fluffiest results. This little step makes a world of difference in the final cake.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agent is dispersed evenly, so every bite of your Vanilla Strawberry Ombre Cake Recipe is perfectly tender and light. Set this bowl aside while you move on to creaming the butter and sugar.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer or handheld mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together in a large bowl for 2–3 minutes, until it turns pale and fluffy. This step is key for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth crumb. Add in the egg whites and vanilla extract, beating just until combined. The mixture should look smooth and satiny.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, alternate adding the dry flour mixture and milk into your creamed butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently and stop as soon as everything is incorporated—overmixing can lead to a dense cake. You’re aiming for a light, smooth batter.

Step 5: Create the Ombre Magic

Divide the batter evenly among three bowls. Leave one bowl plain for your vanilla layer. In the second bowl, add a small amount of pink or red gel food coloring and about half of your strawberry purée for a soft pink hue. In the third bowl, add a bit more food coloring and the remaining strawberry purée for a bold, deep pink. Gently fold the colorings in until each batter is evenly tinted.

Step 6: Bake the Layers

Pour each colored batter into its prepared pan (if you don’t have three pans, bake in batches). Smooth the tops, then bake for 22–28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then carefully turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely. This prevents soggy bottoms and keeps the colors vibrant.

Step 7: Make the Buttercream Frosting

While your cakes cool, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well between additions. Drizzle in the vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and just enough heavy cream or milk to reach a fluffy, spreadable consistency. Give it a taste—if you like, add a touch more vanilla for extra warmth.

Step 8: Assemble and Decorate

Level your cake layers with a cake leveler or serrated knife for a professional finish. Place the darkest pink layer on your cake stand first, then spread a generous layer of frosting (or strawberry jam) on top. Add the lighter pink layer, repeat with frosting, and finish with the plain vanilla layer. Use the remaining buttercream to frost the outside of the cake, blending the colors gently for a stunning ombre effect. Chill your masterpiece for at least 20 minutes to set before slicing.

How to Serve Vanilla Strawberry Ombre Cake Recipe

Garnishes

A Vanilla Strawberry Ombre Cake Recipe loves a little extra flair! Crown your cake with fresh strawberries, edible flowers, or delicate sprinkles to complement those pretty pink layers. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few swirls of leftover buttercream makes each slice feel like a celebration.

Side Dishes

Pair your ombre cake with a bowl of fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert plate. The cake’s sweet-tart strawberry notes also go beautifully with a cup of tea or a flute of sparkling rosé for special occasions.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Vanilla Strawberry Ombre Cake Recipe into a true centerpiece by serving it on a pretty cake stand or vintage platter. For parties, slice the cake and arrange the pieces to show off the ombre effect on a long tray. Mini cake flags, fresh mint sprigs, or a drizzle of strawberry sauce will add fun and flair to your presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your celebration, cover any leftover cake slices with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, keep the cake refrigerated, especially if your kitchen is warm. The flavors often deepen and become even more delicious by the next day!

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual cake layers (unfrosted) tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. You can also freeze frosted slices by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then wrapping and storing as above. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this cake, but if you like your slice slightly warm, pop it in the microwave on low power for 10–15 seconds. This softens the cake and frosting just enough to make it taste freshly baked—perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought strawberry purée or jam?

Absolutely! If fresh strawberries aren’t in season, a good-quality store-bought strawberry purée or thick jam works beautifully in the Vanilla Strawberry Ombre Cake Recipe. Just make sure it’s not too watery for the best texture and color.

How do I get perfectly even ombre layers?

Measure your batter carefully and use a digital scale if possible. Level the tops of each cake layer before stacking, and use gel food coloring for vibrant, consistent shades. Take your time folding in the colors for a smooth gradient effect.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Check that your baking powder is gluten-free, and follow the rest of the Vanilla Strawberry Ombre Cake Recipe as written for gorgeous results.

What’s the best way to frost for an ombre look?

Start by loosely frosting the cake with a thin “crumb coat,” then apply more buttercream in sections, blending the colors slightly as you go. Use an offset spatula or bench scraper to smooth the sides, wiping the tool between colors for a soft ombre finish.

How far ahead can I make the cake layers?

You can bake the cake layers one to two days in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and frost your Vanilla Strawberry Ombre Cake Recipe. They’ll stay moist and flavorful!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to impress or just want to treat yourself to something beautiful and delicious, you can’t go wrong with this Vanilla Strawberry Ombre Cake Recipe. The stunning layers, real strawberry flavor, and silky frosting are pure joy in every bite. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your favorite celebration cake too!

Vanilla Strawberry Ombre Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Vanilla Strawberry Ombre Cake is a stunning layered dessert with three gradient pink layers infused with fresh strawberry purée and smooth vanilla flavor. Moist vanilla cake layers are frosted with creamy vanilla buttercream tinted for an ombre effect, making it perfect for celebrations, birthdays, or any special occasion. The cake offers balanced sweetness and a beautiful presentation that tastes as delightful as it looks.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large egg whites
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk, room temperature
Pink or red food coloring
½ cup strawberry purée (fresh or frozen and thawed)

For the Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Optional: strawberry jam for filling

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Instructions

Prepare Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 6-inch or two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to combine.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Add Egg Whites and Vanilla: Beat in the egg whites one at a time along with the vanilla extract, mixing until everything is fully incorporated and smooth.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Alternately add the dry flour mixture and the milk to the butter mixture in batches, mixing gently just until incorporated to maintain a light texture.
Divide and Color Batter: Divide the batter evenly into three separate bowls. Leave one bowl plain for the vanilla layer. Add a small amount of pink or red food coloring and half of the strawberry purée to the second bowl for a light pink batter. Add more food coloring and the remaining strawberry purée to the third bowl to create a deeper pink shade. Stir each bowl gently to combine.
Bake the Layers: Pour each colored batter into the prepared pans. Bake for 22 to 28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them onto wire racks to cool completely.
Make the Frosting: Beat the softened butter in a large bowl until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, about one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then add 2 to 3 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk until the frosting reaches a smooth, fluffy consistency.
Assemble the Cake: Arrange the cooled cake layers on a serving plate, starting with the darkest pink layer at the bottom, then the light pink, and finally the vanilla layer on top. Spread frosting or strawberry jam between each layer.
Frost and Decorate: Use the remaining buttercream to frost the outside of the cake. Blend the shades slightly as you frost to create a beautiful ombre effect. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for 20 minutes before slicing to set the frosting.

Notes

Use a cake leveler or serrated knife to trim the domes off the cakes to ensure even stacking.
Add fresh strawberries on top of the cake for a decorative and fresh garnish.
You can make the cake layers a day ahead and store them refrigerated, tightly wrapped to keep fresh.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American