Description
Bright, fragrant, and unapologetically pink, this strawberry cake features a tender crumb infused with fresh strawberries and a silky strawberry buttercream, making it the perfect summer dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups cake flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
- ½ cup strawberry puree
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for buttercream)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup strawberry puree (for buttercream)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for buttercream)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk, if needed)
- Pinch of salt (for buttercream)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round pans.
- Whisk together cake flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- Beat softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Whisk together whole milk and sour cream in a small bowl. Alternately add dry ingredients and milk mixture to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in strawberry puree and finely chopped strawberries.
- Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Beat softened butter for the frosting until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until combined. Stir in strawberry puree, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Adjust consistency with heavy cream if needed.
- Frost one layer, add the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake.
Notes
For lighter options, dairy alternatives can be used in the recipe. Store the frosted cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American