A delicious and moist strawberry cake is the perfect treat for any celebration or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth. This recipe combines fresh strawberries, a fluffy sponge cake, and a creamy frosting to create a delightful dessert that’s sure to impress. Follow these easy steps to make the best strawberry cake ever!

Ingredients:

For the cake:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 2 teaspoons baking powder

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

– 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar

– 4 large eggs, room temperature

– 1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature

– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

– 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh strawberries

For the frosting:

– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

– 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– Pinch of salt

– 3 tablespoons heavy cream or whole milk

– Optional: Additional fresh strawberries for garnishing

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

4. Stir in half of the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Then add milk and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

Fold in the remaining dry ingredients by hand until just combined, ensuring not to overmix.

5. Gently fold in the chopped strawberries using a spatula or wooden spoon.

6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.

7. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting: Beat together the butter, sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt using an electric mixer on low speed. Gradually increase the speed to high, and drizzle in heavy cream or whole milk as needed to achieve a smooth but firm consistency.

9. Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake. Gently place the second cake on top and continue frosting around the sides of both layers.

10. Optional: Garnish with fresh strawberries for an extra burst of flavor.

Your delectable strawberry cake is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it as a delightful treat for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion that calls for an irresistible dessert!