Classic Homemade Strawberry Cake

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

  1. 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.
  2. Mix dry ingredients:
    In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. 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.
  4. Add eggs and flavorings:
    Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each. Add the vanilla extract.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. Garnish:
    Decorate with fresh strawberries if desired. Chill for about 30 minutes for the frosting to set before slicing.

Would you like me to write a short description for this cake too? 🍓✨

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