Strawberry Vanilla Joy Cakes

Name: Strawberry Vanilla Joy Cakes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 cakes
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup milk; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Sweet Dessert Recipes

I absolutely adore making these Strawberry Vanilla Joy Cakes whenever I want to brighten up a gathering or just indulge my sweet tooth. The delightful combination of fresh strawberries and smooth vanilla makes each bite a heavenly treat. As I bake these cakes, the sweet aroma fills my kitchen, and I can hardly wait to share them with family and friends. They’re easy to whip up but bursting with flavor, making them the perfect dessert for any occasion. Trust me, once you try them, you won't be able to resist asking for more!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-18T12:52:27.907Z

When I first baked these Strawberry Vanilla Joy Cakes, I was surprised at how quickly they came together. The trick is to use fresh strawberries, which not only enhance the flavor but also add moisture, ensuring each cake stays soft and tender. I found that folding the strawberries into the batter gently preserves their structure and gives delightful bursts of fruitiness in every bite.

Another detail I love is the touch of vanilla extract. It elevates the cakes from ordinary to extraordinary. Each time I serve these up, I watch as eyes light up and smiles appear, proving that the simplest recipes can bring the most joy. I also recommend letting them cool slightly before serving for the best texture!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Deliciously tender cakes bursting with fresh strawberry flavor
A perfect balance of sweetness from strawberries and creamy vanilla
Ideal for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations

      

Understanding Ingredients

The combination of all-purpose flour and granulated sugar creates a tender crumb in your Strawberry Vanilla Joy Cakes. When baked, the butter provides richness, while eggs lend structure and moisture. Opting for unsalted butter ensures you have better control over the sweetness, allowing the fresh strawberries and vanilla flavors to shine through. As for the milk, it not only adds moisture but also helps in achieving a lighter cake texture.

Using fresh strawberries is key to the flavor profile of this recipe. Their sweetness and natural juices permeate the cake, creating a burst of flavor in each bite. If fresh strawberries aren't available, frozen strawberries can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture in the batter. Remember, the freshness of your ingredients directly impacts the overall taste of the joy cakes.

Baking Tips for Success

To ensure perfect baking, properly preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature promotes even cooking and helps achieve that beautifully golden edge. During the baking process, keep an eye on your cakes, particularly after the 20-minute mark; every oven is different. When the cakes are done, they should bounce back when lightly pressed and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. Overbaking can result in dry cakes, so check often toward the end of the baking time.

When mixing your batter, take care not to over-mix after adding the dry ingredients. Over-mixing can lead to cakes that are tough instead of tender, which is not what we want. Instead, mix until just combined—visible streaks of flour should be fine. If you prefer a different sweetness level, feel free to adjust the sugar; reducing it by a couple of tablespoons can still yield delightful cakes without compromising the texture.

Ingredients

For the Cakes

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup fresh strawberries, diced

For the Frosting (optional)

1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.

Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk until everything is well incorporated.

Fold in Strawberries

Gently fold in the diced strawberries to the batter, taking care not to over-mix.

Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly among the muffin tins, filling each liner about 2/3 full. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Frost

Let the cakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla to make a frosting, then spread or pipe it onto the cooled cakes.

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the frosted cakes or garnishing with whole strawberries.

Serving and Enjoying

These Strawberry Vanilla Joy Cakes are versatile when it comes to serving. Enjoy them plain for a delightful treat, or elevate your presentation with the optional frosting of whipped cream for an indulgent experience. I love adding a sprinkle of fresh strawberry slices on top right before serving, which not only enhances the visual appeal but also reinforces the delightful strawberry flavor.

For a fun twist, pair these cakes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or serve them with a drizzle of chocolate sauce. They also make for a fabulous brunch item alongside coffee or tea. Alternatively, you can slice them in half and layer them with cream and fresh strawberries for a mini strawberry shortcake experience.

Make-Ahead and Storage

These cakes can be made ahead of time, making them a fantastic option for parties or gatherings. Once cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. However, if you plan to keep them longer, you can freeze the un-frosted cakes. Wrap each cake tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.

If you choose to frost the cakes, store any leftovers in the refrigerator to maintain the whipped cream's texture. When it comes to reheating, a quick 10-15 seconds in the microwave can help revive the cakes if they have been refrigerated. Just be careful not to overheat them to avoid a dry texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but make sure to thaw them and drain excess moisture before folding them into the batter.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

→ What can I use instead of heavy cream for frosting?

You can use coconut cream or a dairy-free whipped topping for a lighter option.