Fresh Strawberry Cake

Introduction:

This fresh strawberry cake is a delicious and moist dessert filled with the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries. Made with layers of tender cake and finished with a luscious strawberry frosting, it’s the perfect treat for spring and summer gatherings or any time you crave a fruity dessert.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

3 cups cake flour (spooned and leveled)
3 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup salted butter (softened)
2 cups granulated sugar
6 large egg whites (room temperature)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
1 cup strawberry purée (made from fresh or frozen strawberries)

For the Frosting:

1 cup freeze-dried strawberries (finely crushed into powder)
1 cup salted butter (softened)
4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
3–4 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Fresh strawberries for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Gradually add egg whites, mixing well.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and strawberry purée.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the batter, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Frosting:
- Beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and crushed freeze-dried strawberries. Add vanilla extract and beat until fluffy.
- Adjust consistency with milk or additional sugar if needed.
Assemble:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top. Repeat with the second and third layers.
- Frost the sides and top of the cake and garnish with fresh strawberries.

Conclusion:

This fresh strawberry cake is bursting with vibrant strawberry flavor and a velvety texture that will impress any crowd. Whether for a birthday, holiday, or casual get-together, it’s a beautiful and delicious centerpiece. For best results, use ripe, in-season strawberries to maximize flavor and sweetness.