Perfect Strawberry Cake

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped

For the Strawberry Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Steps:

For the Cake: Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: In another bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.

Step 6: Gently fold in chopped strawberries.

Step 7: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.

Step 8: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

For the Strawberry Frosting: Step 9: In a large bowl, beat softened butter until creamy.

Step 10: Gradually add powdered sugar, strawberry puree, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until smooth and well combined.

Step 11: Once the cakes have cooled completely, frost the top of one cake layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the entire cake.

Step 12: Optional: Garnish with additional fresh strawberries.

Serve and enjoy this luscious Strawberry Cake that's bursting with the fruity goodness of fresh strawberries. Perfect for any celebration or sweet moment.