Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

For the Strawberry Cake:

• 2 ½ cups cake flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup whole milk
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ¼ cups fresh strawberries, pureed

For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed and strained
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 5 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Fresh strawberries for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans, then line the bottoms with parchment paper.

2. Make the Cake:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Mix in the vanilla extract.
• In a separate bowl, combine the milk, sour cream, and strawberry puree.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the strawberry mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
• Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.

3. Bake the Cake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Make the Frosting:

• In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating on low speed until incorporated.
• Add the vanilla extract and the strawberry puree, beating on medium speed until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.

5. Assemble the Cake:

• Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of frosting over the top.
• Repeat with the second and third layers, then frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
• Garnish with fresh strawberries.

6. Serve:

• Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to set.
• Slice and enjoy your fresh strawberry cake!

Tips:

• Strawberry Puree: For the strawberry puree, simply blend fresh strawberries until smooth. You can strain the puree to remove seeds if desired.
• Storage: Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

This cake is perfect for spring and summer celebrations or any time you’re in the mood for a fresh and fruity dessert!