Strawberry cake is a delightful dessert featuring the fresh, sweet taste of berries combined with a soft, fluffy cake.

Perfect for family gatherings, birthdays, or summer parties, its vibrant look and delicious flavor make it a standout treat.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder

- ½ teaspoon salt

- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar

- 4 large eggs

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- ½ cup whole milk

- 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed

- 1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Strawberry Frosting:

- 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped

- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

- 4 cups powdered sugar

- 2 tablespoons heavy cream

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions for the Cake Batter:

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them lightly and dusting with flour to prevent sticking.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until the texture is light and airy, about 3-4 minutes.

Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one by one, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until well blended.

Mix the Strawberry Puree: In a small bowl, combine the pureed strawberries with the lemon juice and set aside.

Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk and strawberry puree. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.

Prepare the Pans: Evenly distribute the batter between the two prepared pans, smoothing the surface with a spatula.

Bake: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Strawberry Frosting:

Beat the Butter: In a medium bowl, whip the softened butter until smooth and creamy.

Add the Sugar: Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

Mix in Cream and Vanilla: Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.

Incorporate the Strawberries: Gently fold in the finely chopped strawberries.

Assemble the Cake:

Frost the First Layer: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of strawberry frosting over the top.

Add the Second Layer: Place the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing it out evenly.

Decorate: Garnish with fresh strawberries for a beautiful finish.

This strawberry cake combines fresh fruit with a fluffy cake and luscious frosting, making it perfect for any special occasion. Enjoy each bite of this fruity, creamy delight, Lykkers!