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Vanilla Strawberry Ombre Cake Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Vanilla Strawberry Ombre Cake is a visually stunning and deliciously moist layered cake featuring soft vanilla sponge layers tinted in beautiful pink ombre shades. The cake is frosted with a creamy strawberry buttercream that complements the subtle strawberry flavor. Perfect for special occasions and celebrations, this recipe yields a 12-serving cake with an impressive gradient effect that will wow your guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 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

Frosting Ingredients

  • 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 the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose 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 and granulated sugar together using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, indicating air has been incorporated for a tender crumb.
  4. Add eggs and vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mix, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor depth.
  5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture in portions, alternating with the whole milk. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
  6. Create ombre batter: Divide the cake batter evenly into three separate bowls. Leave one plain for the lightest layer, add a few drops of pink food coloring to the second bowl for a medium shade, and add more drops to the third bowl for the darkest pink layer to achieve the ombre effect.
  7. Bake the cakes: Pour each color batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
  8. Cool the cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely on wire racks before frosting to ensure the frosting doesn’t melt.
  9. Prepare the frosting base: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy, setting the foundation for the buttercream.
  10. Add powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition, until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.
  11. Flavor the frosting: Stir in the vanilla extract, strawberry puree, and a pinch of salt until fully incorporated to balance the sweetness and infuse strawberry flavor.
  12. Create ombre frosting: Divide the frosting evenly into three bowls. Leave one plain, add a small amount of pink food coloring to the second bowl, and add more coloring to the third bowl for the darkest shade to mirror the cake layers.
  13. Assemble the cake: Place the darkest pink cake layer on a cake stand or serving plate. Spread a thin, even layer of the corresponding darkest frosting on top.
  14. Add the middle layer: Place the medium shade cake layer on top and frost it evenly with the medium-colored frosting layer.
  15. Add the top layer: Place the lightest cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with the lightest shade of frosting, smoothing the sides and top.
  16. Create the ombre effect: Use a spatula to blend the frosting gently from darker shades at the bottom to lighter shades at the top, creating a smooth gradient ombre appearance.
  17. Chill and serve: Refrigerate the assembled cake for about 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set. Decorate with fresh strawberries or sprinkles if desired. Slice and serve chilled for best taste and presentation.

Notes

  • Ensure all ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
  • You can substitute strawberry puree with strawberry extract if fresh strawberries are unavailable, adjusting the quantity to taste.
  • Adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting to achieve desired consistency; more sugar for stiffer frosting, less for softer.
  • To prevent cakes from sticking, prepare pans thoroughly or line with parchment paper.
  • The ombre effect works best with gel food coloring as it imparts vibrant color without thinning the batter or frosting.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and milk with vegan alternatives.
  • Store the finished cake in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within 3-4 days for freshness.

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