Classic Homemade Strawberry Cake

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Puree:

• 1½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
• 2 tablespoons sugar (optional, depending on strawberry sweetness)

For the Cake:

• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• ⅓ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup strawberry puree (from above)
• A few drops red or pink food coloring (optional)

For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3–3½ cups powdered sugar
• ⅓ cup strawberry puree (from above)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Make the Strawberry Puree:
   • Blend the strawberries until smooth.
   • Pour into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 15–20 minutes until reduced by half (to about ¾ cup). Let cool.
2. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, or line with parchment paper.
3. Prepare Cake Batter:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
   • In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
   • Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in sour cream and vanilla.
   • Mix in the strawberry puree and food coloring (if using).
   • Add dry ingredients in 2 parts, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
4. Bake:
   • Divide batter evenly between pans.
   • Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
   • Let cakes cool in pans 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
5. Make Frosting:
   • Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
   • Add powdered sugar gradually, then mix in cooled strawberry puree, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
   • If frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar. If too thick, add a splash of milk.
6. Assemble:
   • Level the cake layers if needed.
   • Spread frosting between layers, on top, and around the sides.
   • Decorate with fresh strawberries if desired.

Refrigerate for 30 minutes before slicing for clean cuts.

Let me know if you want a version with strawberry filling or made into cupcakes! 🍓🧁