Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- ½ cup whole milk
- A few drops of red food coloring (optional, for a pinker color)
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
- ½ cup strawberry puree (from fresh strawberries)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the strawberries:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. Puree the chopped strawberries in a blender or food processor. Measure out ¾ cup of the puree for the cake batter and set aside. - Mix dry ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. - Cream butter and sugar:
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. - Add eggs and flavorings:
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each. Add the vanilla extract. - Combine:
On low speed, add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the milk and sour cream. Mix until just combined. Gently fold in the strawberry puree. If you’d like a more vibrant pink color, add a few drops of red food coloring. - Bake:
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. 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. - Make the frosting:
Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the sifted powdered sugar gradually, then mix in the strawberry puree and vanilla. Beat until fluffy. - Assemble:
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top, then place the second cake layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. - Garnish:
Decorate with fresh strawberries if desired. Chill for about 30 minutes for the frosting to set before slicing.
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