The Story & Intro
Every Christmas morning in Crete, the kitchen in my grandmother’s house felt warmer than anywhere else. The scent of vanilla floated through the air, mixing with the cool winter breeze coming from the sea. I remember standing on a wooden chair beside her, watching cream whip into soft clouds and strawberries get sliced with care. That’s where my love for layered cakes began.
Today, this Classic Christmas Strawberry Layer Cake brings all those memories rushing back. I still get flour on my hands, cream on my apron, and a smile on my face every time I make it. What I love most about this Classic Christmas Strawberry Layer Cake is how light and festive it feels. It’s not heavy like many holiday desserts, yet it still feels special enough for Christmas.
I’ve served this Classic Christmas Strawberry Layer Cake at family dinners, women’s holiday gatherings, and quiet evenings at home. Every single time, people ask for another slice. The soft vanilla sponge, fresh strawberries, and airy whipped cream work together like magic. This Classic Christmas Strawberry Layer Cake truly tastes like celebration.
Cooking has always been about more than food for me. It’s about connection. And this cake does exactly that it gathers everyone around the table with joy, laughter, and sweet memories.
Why This Cake Is a Christmas Favorite
This cake stands out because it gives you everything you want in a holiday dessert without feeling too rich. The vanilla sponge stays fluffy and tender. The strawberries add brightness and freshness. The whipped cream keeps things light and creamy.
It’s also visually stunning. Those beautiful layers show through each slice, making it perfect for Christmas photos, dessert tables, and special moments. Best of all, you don’t need professional baking skills to make it look beautiful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Vanilla Sponge Cake
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
For the Whipped Cream Filling
- 2 ½ cups heavy whipping cream, cold
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Layers
- 2 ½ to 3 cups fresh strawberries, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
For Decoration
- Whole strawberries
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Optional fresh mint leaves
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3 to 4 minutes. This step creates the soft texture of your sponge.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Now alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk to the batter. Start with the dry mixture and end with it. Mix gently and stop as soon as everything is combined.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cakes cool, prepare the whipped cream. Beat the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft, fluffy peaks form.
Slice the strawberries and gently toss them with sugar if needed.
To assemble, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of whipped cream over it, then add sliced strawberries evenly.
Repeat with the second layer.
Place the final layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream. Smooth the sides and top.
Decorate with whole strawberries and dust lightly with powdered sugar. Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cake chilled for the best flavor and texture. Use a clean sharp knife and wipe it between slices for neat layers.
This cake pairs beautifully with hot coffee, cinnamon tea, or festive hot cocoa. It also works wonderfully as a light finish after a heavy Christmas dinner.
🎄 Christmas Recipe Card 🎂
⏱️ TIME COCK
Prep: 30 minutes
Bake: 25 minutes
Chill: 1 hour
Total: About 2 hours
🧺 INGREDIENTS
Vanilla sponge cake, heavy cream, powdered sugar, fresh strawberries, vanilla extract
👩🍳 INSTRUCTION
Bake sponge → Cool → Whip cream → Slice strawberries → Layer cake → Frost → Chill
📝 NOTE
For best results, keep your cream cold before whipping.
🥗 Nutrition (Per Slice Approx.)
Calories: 340
Carbs: 38g
Fat: 20g
Protein: 5g
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Cake layers can be baked one day ahead and wrapped tightly at room temperature. The assembled cake should be refrigerated and enjoyed within two days for best freshness.
Short 100-Word Recipe Version
This Classic Christmas Strawberry Layer Cake is made with fluffy vanilla sponge, fresh strawberries, and light whipped cream. Three soft cake layers are filled with sweet cream and juicy berries, creating a refreshing and festive holiday dessert. It’s easy to assemble, beautiful to serve, and perfect after a heavy Christmas meal. Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture. This cake is ideal for family gatherings, holiday parties, or a cozy Christmas night at home.
Conclusion
This Classic Christmas Strawberry Layer Cake carries the heart of everything I love about cooking simple ingredients, shared moments, and sweet memories. Each bite reminds me of standing beside my grandmother in her warm kitchen in Crete, learning that food is love.
Whether you bake this for a crowd or just for your family, I hope it fills your home with joy, laughter, and beautiful holiday memories. From my heart to your kitchen—Merry Christmas and happy baking.