Best Strawberry Layered Cake (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ For the Strawberry Cake
01 -
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 -
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
03 -
1/4 tsp salt
04 -
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 -
1 cup granulated sugar
06 -
2 large eggs
07 -
1 tsp vanilla extract
08 -
1/2 cup fresh strawberry puree (about 4-5 medium strawberries)
09 -
1/2 cup milk
10 -
1/4 cup sour cream (for added moisture)
→ For the Cream Cheese Frosting
11 -
8 oz cream cheese, softened
12 -
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
13 -
4 cups powdered sugar
14 -
1 tsp vanilla extract
15 -
Pinch of salt
→ For Decoration
16 -
Fresh strawberries, thinly sliced
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
02 -
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a larger mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, blend the fresh strawberries into a puree using a blender or food processor. Gradually add the strawberry puree, milk, and sour cream to the wet ingredients. Stir until combined. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until the batter is smooth.
03 -
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
04 -
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, a little at a time, beating until smooth after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Beat the frosting until it is light and fluffy.
05 -
Once the cake layers have cooled completely, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting over the top of the first layer. Place the second cake layer on top and gently press it down. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting. Decorate the top of the cake with thin slices of fresh strawberries for a beautiful presentation.
# Notes:
01 -
For a stronger strawberry flavor, add a few drops of strawberry extract to the cake batter.
02 -
Make sure all ingredients for the frosting are at room temperature to avoid lumps.
03 -
Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring it to room temperature before serving.