Alright, royal watchers and baking enthusiasts—get your aprons ready! We’re diving into the sweet, fluffy, and totally wholesome cake that Meghan Markle baked for Archie’s first birthday. Yes, THE Meghan Markle. Duchess, style icon, and now, your new favorite baker.
When little Archie turned one, Meghan decided to skip the store-bought cake and whip up something homemade, simple, and filled with love. The result? A light, airy vanilla sponge layered with fresh strawberries and whipped cream—classic, elegant, and totally delicious. And the best part? You don’t need a royal kitchen to make it!
So, if you’re looking to bake a cake that’s duchess-approved, kid-friendly, and Instagram-worthy, keep reading.
Meghan’s Strawberry & Whipped Cream Birthday Cake
What You’ll Need:
For the sponge cake:
• 225g (1 ¾ cups) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 115g (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 200g (1 cup) sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 240ml (1 cup) whole milk
For the filling & topping:
• 480ml (2 cups) heavy whipping cream
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 450g (1 lb) fresh strawberries, sliced
Let’s Bake Like a Duchess!
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper (because nobody wants a cake that sticks!).
2. Make the Sponge
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar until it’s light, fluffy, and almost as smooth as Meghan’s hair. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Now, slowly mix in the flour mixture and milk, alternating between the two. Start and end with flour—because baking science.
3. Bake That Beauty
Divide the batter evenly between the two pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Whip It Up
In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Don’t overdo it—you want it light and airy, just like a duchess-approved dessert should be.
5. Assemble with Love
Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous amount of whipped cream on top, then arrange a layer of sliced strawberries. Add the second cake layer, then frost the entire cake with more whipped cream. Decorate with extra strawberries on top—because pretty cakes make people happy.
6. Chill & Serve
Pop the cake in the fridge for at least an hour before serving (if you can resist!). This helps the flavors meld together and keeps the cream from sliding away like a royal scandal.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
- Simple & elegant – Just like Meghan’s style!
- Light & fresh – No heavy frostings, just pure deliciousness.
- Perfect for any occasion – Birthdays, brunches, or a Tuesday afternoon snack.
Rumor has it Prince Harry loved this cake, and honestly? We get it. One bite, and you’ll feel like royalty too!
So, whether you’re baking for a birthday or just want to channel some Markle magic in your kitchen, give this cake a try. And don’t forget to snap a pic—because if it’s not on Instagram, did it even happen?
As ever, happy baking!
