Homemade Strawberry Cake

Homemade Strawberry Cake 🍰🍓

🍽️ Indulge in the sweet and vibrant flavors of this Homemade Strawberry Cake! With layers of tender, moist cake infused with fresh strawberry reduction and a luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting, this dessert is a true celebration of strawberries. The cake's texture is delightfully dense yet tender, making every bite an experience to savor!

Ingredients:

• Strawberry Cake:

• 3 cups quartered strawberries 🍓
• 3/4 cup sour cream 🍶
• 1/4 cup milk 🥛
• 4 large eggs 🥚
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 🍦
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
• 1 1/2 cups sugar 🍬
• 2 tsp baking powder 🍰
• 1/2 tsp baking soda 🍰
• 1/2 tsp salt 🧂
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature 
• 7–9 drops pink food coloring (optional) 🎨

• Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 2 cups freeze-dried strawberries 🍓
• 16 oz cream cheese, room temperature 🧀
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature 
• 10 cups powdered sugar 🍬
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 🍦
• Pinch of salt 🧂
• 3/4 cup chopped strawberries 🍓

Instructions:

1️⃣ Strawberry Reduction: Puree strawberries in a blender until smooth. Cook the puree in a saucepan over medium heat until reduced to 3/4 cup, stirring consistently to prevent burning. Let it cool.

2️⃣ Prep the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) and prepare three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper and baking spray. Combine the cooled strawberry reduction, sour cream, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Set aside.

3️⃣ Dry Ingredients: In a large mixer bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the butter, a tablespoon at a time, until the mixture resembles wet sand.

4️⃣ Mix the Batter: Add the larger portion of the egg mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix on low until combined, then increase speed to medium-high and beat until light and fluffy. Slowly add the remaining egg mixture, mixing until just combined.

5️⃣ Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the three prepared cake pans. Bake for 24-26 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few crumbs. Let the cakes cool completely.

6️⃣ Make the Frosting: Grind freeze-dried strawberries into a powder using a food processor. Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and strawberry powder, mixing until smooth. Adjust with salt to taste.

7️⃣ Assemble the Cake: Level the cake layers if needed. Place the first layer on a serving plate, spread with 1 cup of frosting, and sprinkle with half of the chopped strawberries. Repeat with the second layer. Top with the final layer and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.

8️⃣ Decorate & Serve: Pipe a decorative border around the cake and garnish with fresh strawberries. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy within 3-4 days for the best flavor and texture.