Double Strawberry Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Add strawberry puree: Fold in the strawberry puree until the batter is uniformly pink.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
2. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Strawberry Frosting

1. Puree strawberries: Blend the additional strawberries to make about 1/2 cup of puree.
2. Beat butter: In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy.
3. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with strawberry puree, beating until smooth. Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, beating until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Trim the cakes if necessary to create flat surfaces.
2. Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread a layer of frosting over the top.
3. Add the second layer and apply a crumb coat (a thin layer of frosting to seal in crumbs). Chill for about 30 minutes to set the frosting.
4. Frost the cake with the remaining frosting, creating swirls or patterns as desired.

Step 5: Decorate and Serve

1. Garnish with fresh strawberries on top for an extra touch of elegance.
2. Serve and enjoy your double strawberry cake with family and friends!

Visual Guide:

• Image 1: The creamy batter tinted pink with strawberry puree, ready for baking.
• Image 2: The baked cake layers cooling on a wire rack, golden and fragrant.
• Image 3: The process of frosting the cake, showing the smooth, strawberry-infused frosting being spread.
• Image 4: The final cake, beautifully decorated with swirls of frosting and topped with fresh strawberries.

Tips for Success:

• Ensure ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter and frosting.
• Sift the powdered sugar for the frosting to avoid lumps and achieve a silky texture.
• Chill the cake layers before frosting to make them easier to handle and reduce crumbs.

This Double Strawberry Cake is a celebration of strawberries in every bite, offering a delightful dessert experience that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.