Description
Enjoy the vibrant taste of summer with this incredibly moist and fluffy cake that uses real fresh berries for an authentic flavor. This simple, one-bowl-friendly recipe delivers a beautiful pink crumb and a professional-quality finish that is perfect for any celebration.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 large egg white, room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, finely chopped and blotted
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, pulverized (for buttercream)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for buttercream)
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar (for buttercream)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF (177ºC) and grease two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans thoroughly.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, then set aside.
- In a large bowl using a handheld or stand mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the vanilla extract, then add the three whole eggs and the egg white one at a time, mixing until just combined.
- Set the mixer to low speed and add the flour mixture in two parts, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour.
- Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the finely chopped and blotted strawberries into the batter by hand.
- Divide the batter equally between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Notes
To achieve the most vibrant color and concentrated flavor in your frosting without it becoming runny, always use freeze-dried strawberry powder rather than fresh fruit puree. Additionally, make sure your cake layers are completely cold to the touch before applying the buttercream to prevent it from sliding or melting.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American