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Strawberry Vanilla Cake Recipe

Strawberry Vanilla Cake Recipe With Jam-Filled Layers

Box mix vanilla cake layers sandwich strawberry jam filling held in place by piped frosting border, then frost completely and garnish with fresh strawberries. This ridiculously simple yet bakery-worthy cake delivers perfect vanilla-and-tart-jam contrast, transforming basic ingredients into Instagram-ready elegance without requiring fancy techniques or culinary expertise.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 18 1/4 ounce box French vanilla cake mix
  • 1 15 ounce can vanilla frosting
  • 1/3 cup strawberry jam
  • Fresh strawberries for garnish

Method
 

  1. Making this strawberry vanilla cake is effortlessly straightforward and perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing and flouring two 8 or 9-inch cake pans to facilitate easy release after baking.
  2. Prepare the 1 (18 1/4 ounce) box French vanilla cake mix exactly as directed on the package—this typically involves combining the mix with eggs, oil, and water, then beating until smooth. Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and bake according to the box instructions until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  3. Once your cake layers have cooled completely, the assembly process creates the signature strawberry-vanilla flavor combination. Place one cake layer on your serving platter, then transfer 1/4 cup of the 1 (15 ounce) can vanilla frosting into a piping bag or zip-top baggie with a corner snipped off.
  4. Pipe this frosting around the outer edge of the bottom layer, creating a border that will contain the filling. Fill the center space with the 1/3 cup strawberry jam, spreading it evenly within the frosting border. Carefully place the second cake layer on top, pressing gently to secure.
  5. Finish by spreading the remaining vanilla frosting generously over the top and sides of the assembled cake, creating smooth, even coverage. Complete your masterpiece by arranging fresh strawberries on top as garnish—you can slice them, leave them whole, or create decorative patterns depending on your preference.
  6. The contrast between the white frosting and vibrant red berries makes for a stunning presentation that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Notes

Strawberry Vanilla Cake Substitutions and Variations

Several simple substitutions can transform this basic strawberry vanilla cake into countless delicious variations that suit different dietary needs, flavor preferences, or whatever happens to be lurking in your pantry.
Want chocolate lovers to swoon? I'd swap that vanilla frosting for rich chocolate buttercream. Feeling fancy? Try cream cheese frosting instead—it pairs beautifully with strawberries. You can substitute any jam flavor: raspberry, apricot, or even lemon curd for something completely different.
For dietary swaps, use gluten-free cake mix or make it from scratch. Sugar-free jam works perfectly too, though it might be slightly runnier.
Why stop at strawberries for garnish? Fresh raspberries, sliced peaches, or even candied violets make stunning alternatives. I'm particularly fond of adding a sprinkle of toasted coconut.