My first attempt at making a Vanilla Strawberry Marble Cake left me feeling like all my skills were wasted because two simple flavors blended together so beautifully.
The sweet, creamy vanilla pairs perfectly with the fruity strawberry, and when swirled into a marbled cake, the result is truly magical.
This vanilla strawberry marble cake has become my favorite Vanilla Strawberry Marble Cake in the kitchen and is always a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. The recipe is easy to follow and sure to impress!
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a special occasion, or just enjoying an ordinary day, this vanilla strawberry marble cake will delight everyone. Let’s dive in and create this beautiful treat!
How To Make Vanilla Strawberry Marble Cake
Recipe Overview
This Vanilla Strawberry Marble Cake combines the classic flavours of vanilla and strawberry in a beautifully swirled design. The result is a soft, moist cake that will melt in your mouth with every bite. The recipe is easy to follow and requires only basic ingredients and kitchen tools. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this cake will impress.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Dessert
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Yield: 10-12 servings
- Calories per Serving: 250 calories (approx.)
Ingredients
To make this Vanilla Strawberry Marble Cake, you’ll need the following simple ingredients:
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 envelope whipped topping mix
- 1 box marble cake mix (you can use any brand)
- 1/2 cup butter (softened)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp strawberry essence
- 1 tsp vanilla essence
- 1/2 cup milk
- A few drops of pink food colour (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, sugar, and flour. Mix well.
- Add in the butter, eggs, and milk. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
- Now, divide the batter into two bowls. In one bowl, add the vanilla essence and mix it in. In the second bowl, add the strawberry essence and a few drops of pink food color (if you want to make the strawberry part vibrant and pretty).
- Using a spoon, alternate adding spoonfuls of the vanilla and strawberry batters to the centre of the cake pan. Once both batters are added, use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl them together to create a marbled effect. Be careful not to overmix—you want the beautiful swirls to remain intact!
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
My Secret Tips for the Perfect Marble Cake
- Don’t overmix the batter: The key to those gorgeous swirls is a light hand when combining the vanilla and strawberry batters. Just a few swirls with a knife or skewer will do!
- Add a touch of extra flavor: If you love vanilla, you can add an extra teaspoon of vanilla essence to the vanilla batter. Similarly, a dash of strawberry jam in the strawberry batter can enhance the strawberry flavor!
- Make it ahead: This cake keeps really well! If you’re preparing for a party or event, you can bake the cake a day ahead. Just store it in an airtight container.
- Storage tips: To keep your cake fresh for longer, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual slices.
Exciting Variations and Serving Ideas
- Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cake: Add a few tablespoons of cocoa powder to the vanilla batter to create a chocolate and strawberry swirl cake for a twist.
- Lemon Strawberry Marble Cake: If you’re in the mood for something a bit citrusy, replace the vanilla essence with lemon zest and a touch of lemon juice for a Lemon Strawberry Marble Cake.
- Serve it with whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for an extra indulgent treat!
Make-Ahead Tips and Storage Information
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the Batter in Advance
You can prepare the cake batter a day ahead. Divide it into two portions—one for the vanilla and one for the strawberry flavor. Cover them tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow the batters to come to room temperature before proceeding with the marbling and baking steps. - Assemble the Cake Layers EarlyIf you’re making a layered marble cake, you can assemble the layers (without frosting) a few hours before baking. Cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.
- Bake and Cool Completely
Bake the cake as directed and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can make the cake soggy.
Storage Information
- Room Temperature Storage
If you plan to serve the cake within 2–3 days, store it at room temperature. Place the cake in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. - Refrigeration For longer storage, especially if the cake is frosted with cream cheese or whipped cream, refrigerate it. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Refrigerated marble cake can last up to 5 days.
- Freezing
To extend the shelf life, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen marble cake can last up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving. - Storage After SlicingOnce the cake is sliced, the exposed edges can dry out. To prevent this, cover the cut surfaces with a piece of plastic wrap or a layer of frosting to seal in moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different flavor instead of strawberry essence?
Yes! If you don’t have strawberry essence, you can use raspberry, cherry, or even lemon for a different fruity twist.
How can I make this cake more moist?
You can add a bit of sour cream or yogurt to the batter. This will make the cake extra moist and tender.
Can I bake this cake in a Bundt pan?
Absolutely! A Bundt pan would give your marble cake a beautiful shape and make it look even more impressive for parties.
Can I add frosting to this cake?
Sure! A simple buttercream frosting or even a glaze would complement the flavors of the cake perfectly.
Conclusion
Vanilla Strawberry Marble Cake is perfect for any occasion—I truly believe that dessert is the uniting factor for people. The marbled effect highlights the flavors and creates a beautiful, elegant sheen.
Baking is simple, but a touch of sparkle makes it perfect for special occasions. You can enjoy this cake either plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and some freshly whipped cream.
Whether it’s a family gathering or a birthday party, this delicious vanilla strawberry marble cake is sure to delight. I hope you find as much joy in making this cake as I have, and I look forward to your feedback!
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Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, sugar, and flour. Mix well.
- Add in the butter, eggs, and milk. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
- Now, divide the batter into two bowls. In one bowl, add the vanilla essence and mix it in. In the second bowl, add the strawberry essence and a few drops of pink food color (if you want to make the strawberry part vibrant and pretty).
- Using a spoon, alternate adding spoonfuls of the vanilla and strawberry batters to the centre of the cake pan. Once both batters are added, use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl them together to create a marbled effect. Be careful not to overmix—you want the beautiful swirls to remain intact!
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Vanilla Strawberry Marble Cake: Best Moist Treat - July 14, 2025
- Peanut Butter Mug Cake Recipes: Fast, Easy & So Tasty! - July 13, 2025
- Perfect Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread Recipe for Holidays - July 10, 2025