Ingredients
For the Strawberry Puree:
- 1½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 2 tbsp sugar (optional)
For the Cake:
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- ⅓ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup milk
- ¾ cup strawberry puree (from above)
- Optional: a few drops of pink food coloring for a deeper pink hue
For the Strawberry Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3½–4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup strawberry puree (from above)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Make the Strawberry Puree:
In a blender or food processor, puree the chopped strawberries until smooth. Cook in a saucepan over medium heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and reduced to about ¾ cup. Let it cool completely.
2. Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Cream Butter & Sugar:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add oil and mix well.
5. Add Eggs & Wet Ingredients:
Beat in eggs one at a time. Then mix in sour cream, vanilla, milk, and cooled strawberry puree. (Add food coloring now if using.)
6. Combine Wet & Dry:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined—don’t overmix.
7. Bake the Cake:
Divide batter evenly between the two pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool completely.
8. Make the Frosting:
Beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in the cooled strawberry puree, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
9. Assemble the Cake:
Place one cake layer on a plate, spread frosting on top, then place the second layer and frost the top and sides. Decorate with fresh strawberries if desired.
Enjoy your beautiful and classic homemade strawberry cake – a perfect treat for spring and summer! 🍓✨ Let me know if you want a version with whipped cream or cream cheese frosting instead.