🧾 Ingredients (Makes 1 two-layer cake)
For the Cake:
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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¼ teaspoon salt
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½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
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1 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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½ cup whole milk (or buttermilk for extra tenderness)
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½ cup strawberry puree (about 5–6 fresh strawberries blended into a puree)
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Red food coloring (optional, to enhance the pink color)
For the Strawberry Frosting:
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1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
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4 cups powdered sugar
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½ cup strawberry puree (use the same one from the cake)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake Layers:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans (or line with parchment paper).
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–5 minutes).
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Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and add the vanilla extract.
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Stir in the strawberry puree until combined.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
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If you want a deeper pink color, add a few drops of red food coloring and mix until you achieve the desired shade.
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Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Make the Strawberry Frosting:
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In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy and smooth.
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Gradually add the powdered sugar, about ½ cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
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Add the strawberry puree and vanilla extract. Continue beating until smooth and fluffy.
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If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
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Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
3. Assemble the Cake:
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Place the first cake layer on a cake plate or stand.
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Spread a generous layer of strawberry frosting over the top of the first layer.
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Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
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If desired, garnish with fresh strawberries or chocolate shavings for an extra touch!
4. Serve and Enjoy!
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Allow the cake to set for 10–15 minutes before slicing to ensure the frosting firms up slightly.
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Slice, serve, and enjoy the sweet, fruity goodness of your homemade strawberry cake! 🍓🍰
🌟 Tips & Variations:
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For extra flavor: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cake batter to bring out the strawberry flavor.
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For an even more intense strawberry flavor: You can fold in some chopped fresh strawberries into the cake batter before baking.
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Make it a layered cake: You can also add whipped cream or cream cheese frosting in between the layers for added richness.
Would you like a specific decoration idea for the cake, or perhaps a variation of strawberry cake (like with cream cheese frosting or in cupcake form)? Let me know!
