INGREDENT
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¾ cup fresh strawberry puree (blended strawberries)
- Optional: pink food coloring (for a vibrant color)
For the Strawberry Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- ⅓ cup freeze-dried strawberries (finely crushed into powder)
- 2 tablespoons fresh strawberry puree
- 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (to adjust consistency)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
- In a small bowl, mix milk, sour cream, and strawberry puree.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and the strawberry mixture to the butter-sugar mix, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
- (Optional: Add a few drops of pink food coloring for a deeper strawberry hue.)
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
2. Make the Strawberry Frosting:
- Beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing on low speed.
- Add the crushed freeze-dried strawberries, then mix in the strawberry puree.
- Add cream or milk one tablespoon at a time until frosting is smooth and spreadable.
- Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
3. Assemble:
- Once cakes are cool, level the tops if needed.
- Spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer, then place the second layer on top.
- Frost the top and sides of the cake with remaining frosting.
- Decorate with fresh strawberries if desired.
Enjoy your moist, fruity, and delicious strawberry cake! 🍓
Let me know if you want a version with box mix or eggless options too!