Description
Enjoy a delicious layered cake with a moist vanilla base, creamy frosting, and fresh strawberry topping, perfect for any celebration or sweet craving!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream (optional, for consistency)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until combined. Increase the speed to medium and beat until fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat.
- Let the mixture sit for about 15-20 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their juices.
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
- Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top of the first layer.
- Carefully place the second cake layer on top and gently press down.
- Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
Notes
- For a more intense strawberry flavor, consider macerating the strawberries longer.
- You can add food coloring to the frosting for a fun twist.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes