Classic Homemade Strawberry Cake

🍓 Classic Homemade Strawberry Cake

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Puree:

• 1 lb (450 g) fresh strawberries, hulled

• 2–3 tbsp granulated sugar (optional, based on sweetness of berries)

• 1 tsp lemon juice

For the Cake:

• 2¾ cups (345 g) cake flour (or all-purpose flour + cornstarch*)

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, room temperature

• 1¾ cups (350 g) granulated sugar

• 4 large egg whites, room temperature

• ⅓ cup (80 g) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt

• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract

• ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk, room temperature

• ½ cup (120 ml) strawberry puree (from above)

Optional for Color:

• A drop or two of pink or red food coloring (to enhance color)

For the Strawberry Frosting:

• 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, room temperature

• 3½–4 cups (440–500 g) powdered sugar

• ¼ cup (60 ml) reduced strawberry puree (thick and cooled)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

• 1–2 tbsp heavy cream or milk, as needed

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🔪 Instructions

Make the Strawberry Puree:

1. In a blender or food processor, blend the strawberries until smooth.

2. Pour into a saucepan with lemon juice and optional sugar. Simmer on medium-low for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until reduced by about half and thickened.

3. Let it cool completely before using in the cake or frosting.

Make the Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (3–4 minutes).

4. Beat in the egg whites one at a time, then add sour cream and vanilla.

5. Mix in the strawberry puree.

6. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk, starting and ending with dry. Mix just until combined.

7. If using, stir in a drop or two of food coloring.

8. Divide batter evenly between pans and smooth the tops.

9. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.

Make the Frosting:

1. Beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar gradually and mix well.

2. Add vanilla, salt, and reduced strawberry puree.

3. Adjust consistency with cream/milk as needed. Beat until fluffy.

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🍰 To Assemble:

• Level the cakes if necessary.

• Spread frosting between layers, on top, and around the sides.

• Decorate with fresh strawberries if desired.