Vanilla strawberry cake

Ingredients

Vanilla Sponge

150 grams (5.3 ounces) butter (room temperature)
250 grams (8.8 ounces) sugar
50 grams (1.76 ounces) vegetable oil
310 grams (10.9 ounces) flour
3 large eggs
250 milliliters (1 cup) buttermilk
A pinch of salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

The Cream

450 grams (15.9 ounces) cream cheese
150 grams (5.3 ounces) butter (room temperature)
100 grams (3.5 ounces) powdered sugar
50 milliliters (1.69 fluid ounces) cream
Vanilla extract to taste

Additionally

Fresh strawberries (to preference)

Equipment

Mixing Bowls
You'll need multiple sizes. Stainless steel or glass works best for easy cleaning and a sturdy mix.
Electric Mixer
This is crucial for getting that fluffy texture in your butter and sugar mix. A hand mixer or stand mixer will do the trick!
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accuracy is key in baking. Use these to ensure your ingredients are spot on.
Baking Tins
Choose one with a diameter of 20cm or multiple tins between 16-18cm. Don't forget to line or grease them well!
Wire Rack
This allows your cake to cool evenly and prevents the bottom from getting soggy.
Spatula
Perfect for mixing buttermilk at the end and spreading that delicious cream cheese frosting.
Parchment Paper
A must for easy removal of cakes from the tins. They'll slide right out!

Instructions

Step 1

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 356°F (180°C). Prepare your baking tins: either one tin with a 20cm (7.87 inch) diameter or two to three tins with diameters of 16-18cm (6.30-7.09 inch). Line them with parchment paper or grease them with butter and sprinkle with flour. Properly preparing the tins will ensure your cake doesn't stick.

Step 2

Step 2: Sift the flour, baking soda, and salt together and set them aside. Sifting helps combine the ingredients and aerates the flour, which contributes to a lighter cake.

Step 3

Step 3: Beat the softened butter with the sugar until it becomes fluffy. This should take at least 5-7 minutes. Creaming the butter and sugar incorporates air for a lighter cake texture.

Step 4

Step 4: Pour in the vegetable oil and beat again until well incorporated. Oil adds moisture to the cake.

Step 5

Step 5: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until smooth. Adding eggs one at a time ensures they are thoroughly mixed for a uniform batter.

Step 6

Step 6: Add the vanilla extract and beat again. Vanilla adds depth of flavor.

Step 7

Step 7: Pour in half of the buttermilk and mix gently. Then add the dry ingredients in batches while you continue to beat the mixture. Alternating wet and dry ingredients helps to keep the batter smooth and prevents overmixing.

Step 8

Step 8: Finally, mix in the rest of the buttermilk using a spatula. Using a spatula at this stage helps to combine the ingredients without overmixing the batter.

Step 9

Step 9: Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking tins. Bake in the preheated oven at 356°F (180°C) for 35 minutes if using two tins, or at least 40 minutes if using one large tin. Check for doneness with a skewer; it should come out dry from the center. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on the cakes and test for doneness.

Step 10

Step 10: Cool the sponge on a wire rack. If desired, cut each sponge into 2 parts or into three if you have just one big sponge. Cooling on a wire rack prevents the bottom of the cake from becoming soggy.

Step 11

Step 11: For the cream, beat the butter with the powdered sugar until fluffy. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for a smoother cream.

Step 12

Step 12: Add the cold cream cheese and beat until well combined. Pour in the cream and beat again. Cream cheese should be cold to achieve a thick, stable frosting.

Step 13

Step 13: Apply the cream on each sponge layer, and add a layer of sliced strawberries. Enjoy! Make sure the cake is fully cooled before applying the cream to prevent melting.

Servings

Now that your masterpiece is ready, let's talk about serving this delightful cake. Picture this: a sunny afternoon, a cool breeze, and an elegant tea party setup. Your Vanilla Sponge Cake will be the star of the show!

✨ Tea Party Delight: Serve each slice on fine china, and don't forget to brew a pot of your favorite tea. The fruity aroma of strawberries perfectly complements a cup of Earl Grey or Chamomile.

🍨 Sundae Sensation: Looking to jazz things up? Add a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream alongside each slice. Drizzle some extra cream on top for an indulgent treat everyone will remember.

🍓 Berry Bonanza: Fresh strawberries are already a part of this recipe, but why not add a few blueberries, raspberries, or even a smattering of blackberries for a burst of flavors and colors?

Variations

Wondering how to enjoy this amazing cake even if you're on a special diet? Here are some gluten-free and vegan variations that won't compromise on flavor! 🌱

Gluten-Free Option: Replace the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend in the same quantity. Ensure your baking soda and other ingredients are certified gluten-free to keep your recipe safe.

Vegan Twist: Swap out the butter with a plant-based alternative, use dairy-free cream cheese, and substitute eggs with flaxseed or chia seed mixtures (1 tablespoon of seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg). For the buttermilk, use a plant-based milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to achieve the same consistency.

Faq

Why isn’t my sponge cake rising evenly?
It might be due to under-mixing or over-mixing the batter. Ensure all ingredients are well-blended and check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer.
How do I know when my sponge cake is done?
A skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake should come out clean. If not, bake for a few more minutes and retest.
How can I make my frosting less sweet?
Reduce the amount of powdered sugar or add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness without compromising on flavor.
Can I prepare the sponge cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the sponge cake a day ahead and store it in an airtight container. Frost it before serving for best results.
What's the secret to a fluffy sponge?
Make sure your butter is at room temperature and beat it with sugar for a good 5-7 minutes to incorporate enough air.
How do I avoid lumpy batter?
Sift all your dry ingredients and add them gradually while you continue mixing. This ensures a smooth and uniform batter.