Description
A nostalgic indulgence featuring fluffy cake layered with luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting, perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (hull and slice, pureed and reduced)
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 1.5 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 0.25 cup strawberry puree (cooled, additional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberries: Hull and slice 2 cups of fresh strawberries. Puree them in a food processor, strain out the seeds, and simmer the puree until it reduces by half, resulting in a slightly thickened sauce. Let it cool completely.
- Sift the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together 2.5 cups of sifted all-purpose flour, 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder, and 0.5 teaspoons of salt; set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, cream together 0.5 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 4–5 minutes.
- Incorporate the Eggs and Flavor: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Follow with the vanilla extract and cooled strawberry puree.
- Combine Ingredients: Alternate adding the dry ingredients in three parts with 1 cup of whole milk in two parts, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between two greased and parchment-lined 9-inch cake pans. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Once baked, allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans before removing and leveling the tops if necessary.
- Make Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese until smooth, then gradually add 1 cup of powdered sugar. Fold in the additional cooled strawberry puree until creamy.
- Assemble the Cake: Spread frosting between the cake layers, then coat the top and sides with frosting. Decorate with fresh strawberry slices or swirls of frosting.
Notes
For lighter options, consider substituting granulated sugar with a low-calorie sweetener or using coconut oil and dairy-free cream cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg