This Vanilla Strawberry Ombre Cake is a showstopper, offering a delightful combination of moist, flavorful cake layers and creamy frosting, all with a gorgeous ombre effect. The soft, pastel pink hues and the light, fluffy texture make this cake a perfect centerpiece for any celebration. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a special occasion, or just indulging in a sweet treat, this cake is sure to impress!

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk
• Pink food coloring (optional, for ombre effect)

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pink food coloring (for ombre effect)

For Decoration:

• Fresh strawberries, whole and halved
• Edible gold sprinkles
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cake Layers:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups flour, 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, cream the 1 cup softened butter and 2 cups granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
• Add 4 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with 1 cup whole milk, until smooth and well combined.

2. Create the Ombre Effect:

• Divide the batter evenly into three bowls.
  • Leave the first bowl plain.
  • Add a small amount of pink food coloring to the second bowl to achieve a light pink shade.
  • Add more food coloring to the third bowl for a deeper pink.
• Mix the food coloring until the colors are uniform and smooth.
• Pour each batter into its prepared pan, creating layers of light, medium, and dark pink. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Allow the cakes to cool completely in their pans before transferring to a wire rack.

3. Prepare the Frosting:

• Beat 1 cup softened butter in a bowl until creamy and smooth.
• Gradually add 4 cups powdered sugar, alternating with 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream, and continue to beat until fluffy.
• Mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
• Divide the frosting into three bowls.
  • Leave one portion plain.
  • Add a small amount of pink food coloring to the second bowl for a light pink color.
  • Add more food coloring to the third bowl to create a deeper pink.

4. Assemble the Cake:

• Place the darkest pink cake layer on a serving plate as the base.
• Spread a thin layer of frosting on top of the darkest pink layer.
• Place the medium pink layer on top of the frosted base and repeat the frosting process.
• Add the plain cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
• Begin with the darkest pink frosting at the bottom, blending into the lighter pink in the middle, and finish with the plain frosting at the top for a smooth ombre effect.

5. Decoration:

• Garnish the top of the cake with fresh strawberries (whole and halved) for a fresh and vibrant touch.
• Add a sprinkle of edible gold sprinkles for a hint of glamour.
• Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.

Enjoy Your Stunning Cake!

This Vanilla Strawberry Ombre Cake not only looks stunning but tastes absolutely delicious! The soft layers, creamy frosting, and sweet strawberries create the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying it with loved ones, this cake will undoubtedly be the highlight of the occasion.