Description

A stunning Southern-style layer cake that captures the authentic essence of summer with sun-ripened fruit and a velvet-like crumb. This scratch-made masterpiece relies on fresh and freeze-dried strawberries to achieve a vibrant, natural flavor perfect for any celebration.

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 large egg white
1 cup whole milk
1.5 cups fresh strawberries, finely chopped and blotted dry
1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, pulverized (for buttercream)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease and flour two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents.
Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar for about 3 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
Add the vanilla extract, then incorporate the eggs one at a time, followed by the egg white, scraping the bowl frequently.
On low speed, alternate adding the dry flour mixture and the milk to the batter, starting and ending with the flour.
Blot the chopped strawberries with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, then gently fold them into the batter using a flexible spatula.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For the most consistent results, ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature to prevent the batter from curdling. If your fresh strawberries are particularly juicy, tossing them in a tablespoon of flour before folding can help them stay suspended in the batter rather than sinking to the bottom.

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern American