Looking for a show-stopping dessert? This Vanilla Strawberry Ombre Cake is as beautiful as it is delicious. With three ombre layers ranging from soft vanilla to vibrant strawberry pink, each slice is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Topped with creamy buttercream frosting, it’s perfect for birthdays, baby showers, or any occasion that calls for a little extra magic.
The combination of fluffy vanilla cake and fresh strawberry puree gives this cake a light, fruity flavor that’s perfectly balanced by the rich buttercream. Trust us—you’ll want to make this cake again and again!
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare three 8-inch round cake pans with grease and parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well, then stir in vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients and buttermilk, alternating until fully combined but smooth.
5. Divide the batter into three bowls: leave one plain, mix ¼ cup strawberry puree into the second for light pink, and mix ¼ cup strawberry puree and a drop of food coloring into the third for dark pink.
6. Pour each batter into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
7. For the buttercream, beat butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until fluffy. Divide in half: leave one half plain and mix strawberry puree into the other half.
8. Assemble the cake by placing the darkest layer on a plate, spreading plain buttercream on top, and repeating with lighter layers.
9. Apply a thin crumb coat over the entire cake and chill for 10 minutes. Use plain frosting on top and blend pink frosting on the sides for an ombre effect, smoothing with an offset spatula.
10. Refrigerate the frosted cake for 30 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
For extra strawberry flavor, add 1 tsp of strawberry extract to the cake batter.
To ensure smooth frosting, chill the cake for 10 minutes between layers.
Garnish with fresh strawberries or edible flowers for a stunning presentation.
This Vanilla Strawberry Ombre Cake is the ultimate celebration dessert—elegant, delicious, and surprisingly simple to make. With its delicate layers and fruity buttercream, every bite is a little slice of heaven. Try it for your next special occasion and watch it become the centerpiece of your table! Looking for more cake ideas? Check out our other easy and beautiful recipes! 🎂🍓