This light and flavorful cake is perfect for celebrating spring and summer! It features a moist vanilla cake layered with fresh strawberry filling and a creamy frosting.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: a few drops of pink food coloring
For Decoration:
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cake Layers:
- 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, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- In a small bowl, combine the buttermilk.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then invert them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Strawberry Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries release their juices and begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Add to the strawberry mixture.
- Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the filling thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely.
3. Prepare the Frosting:
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Beat in heavy cream and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
- If desired, add a few drops of pink food coloring and mix until evenly colored.
4. Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, level them with a serrated knife if necessary.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
- Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the cake layer.
- Top with the second cake layer.
- Frost the entire cake with the prepared frosting.
- Decorate the top of the cake with sliced fresh strawberries.
5. Serve:
- Slice and serve your delicious Fresh Strawberry Cake!
- Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator.