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Strawberry and Vanilla Layer Cake with Strawberry Jam Frosting Recipe

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3.9 from 29 reviews

This Strawberry and Vanilla Cake is a luscious layered dessert featuring moist vanilla cake layers filled and frosted with a creamy strawberry cream cheese frosting, fresh strawberry slices, and a swirl of seedless strawberry jam. Perfectly balanced with a light, fluffy texture and vibrant berry flavors, this cake is an elegant treat for special occasions or anytime you crave a classic yet refreshing dessert.

Ingredients

Frosting

  • 2 (8-oz) packages cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • ½ cup seedless strawberry jam
  • ¾ cup chilled heavy whipping cream

Cake

  • 3 cups cake flour
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 ½ cups sugar
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 7 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 6 tablespoons plus ⅓ cup seedless strawberry jam
  • 2 ¼ pounds strawberries, hulled and sliced (about 6 cups), divided

Instructions

  1. Make the Frosting: Beat the cream cheese and butter in a large bowl using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, scraping down the bowl sides occasionally. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar followed by the ½ cup of strawberry jam until well incorporated.
  2. Whip Cream: In a separate chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Cover and chill for a couple of hours until firm enough to spread without sliding off the cake.
  3. Prepare Cake Pans and Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Butter and flour three 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda until evenly combined.
  5. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, which should take a few minutes.
  6. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. Then beat in the vanilla extract.
  7. Incorporate Sour Cream and Dry Ingredients: Add the sour cream and beat for 30 seconds to blend. Then add the flour mixture in three additions, beating after each addition just until combined.
  8. Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the cake tops are light golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool in pans for 10 minutes.
  9. Cool Cakes: Run a sharp knife around the edges to loosen the cakes, then invert onto wire racks to cool completely. Using a serrated knife, gently trim any domed tops for an even surface.
  10. Assemble Cake Layers: Place one cake layer bottom side up on a cake plate. Spread 2 tablespoons of strawberry jam over it, then spread ¾ cup of frosting on top. Arrange ¾ cup of the sliced strawberries evenly over the frosting. Repeat this layering process two more times with the second and third cake layers, jam, frosting, and strawberries. Place the final cake layer on top, bottom side up.
  11. Frost the Cake: Spread 2 cups of frosting over the entire cake in a thin crumb coat layer, then frost the cake completely with the remaining frosting for a smooth finish.
  12. Decorate with Jam Swirls: Stir the remaining ⅓ cup of strawberry jam to loosen it, then spoon teaspoonfuls onto the cake top and sides. Use the back of a spoon to swirl the jam decoratively into the frosting.
  13. Chill if Needed: If not serving immediately, refrigerate the cake until ready to cut and serve. This helps the frosting set and keeps the cake fresh.

Notes

  • Ensure the cream cheese and butter for the frosting are fully softened to avoid lumps.
  • Using chilled heavy cream ensures better volume and stiff peaks when whipped.
  • Trimming the cake tops creates a flat surface for easier and neater stacking.
  • Seedless strawberry jam provides a smooth texture and vibrant strawberry flavor without seeds.
  • Chill the assembled cake to allow the frosting to firm up for cleaner slicing.

Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/strawberry-and-vanilla-layer-cake-with-strawberry-jam-frosting-recipe/