Ingredients:
For the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pureed fresh strawberries (about 12-15 strawberries)
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup strawberry jam (optional, for extra flavor)
For the frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream (adjust for consistency)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries (for texture)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the cake batter:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients in batches, alternating with the pureed strawberries and buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
- If using, fold in the strawberry jam for an extra burst of strawberry flavor.
2. Bake the cakes:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake 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 before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Prepare the frosting:
- Beat the cream cheese and butter together in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until smooth and fluffy.
- Add heavy cream (if needed) to achieve a spreadable consistency, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Gently fold in the chopped strawberries for added texture.
4. Assemble the cake:
- Once the cakes are fully cooled, place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
- Spread a layer of frosting on top of the first cake layer.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
5. Serve and enjoy:
- Garnish with additional fresh strawberry slices or whole strawberries on top if desired.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy the moist, flavorful strawberry cake!
This cake is guaranteed to be a hit with its perfect balance of sweetness and fresh strawberry flavor.