Ingredients
For the Strawberry Cake:
- 2 ½ cups cake flour (or all-purpose flour, sifted)
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup strawberry puree (blend fresh strawberries)
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup sour cream (for extra moisture)
- 1–2 drops pink food coloring (optional, for a more vibrant pink color)
For the Strawberry Buttercream:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup strawberry puree, strained to remove seeds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional, for smoother frosting)
- ½ teaspoon salt (balances the sweetness)
For Garnish:
- Fresh strawberries, halved or whole
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare the Cake Pans
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Make the Cake Batter
- In a bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Add egg whites one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
3. Incorporate Wet & Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the flour mixture, alternating with buttermilk, strawberry puree, and sour cream.
- Mix just until combined—do not overmix!
- Add a couple of drops of pink food coloring if you want a deeper pink hue.
4. Bake the Cake Layers
- Divide the batter evenly between the three cake pans.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Make the Strawberry Buttercream Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat butter until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes).
- Add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed.
- Pour in the strawberry puree, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Beat on high for 2-3 minutes until fluffy.
- If needed, add 1 tablespoon heavy cream for a smoother consistency.
6. Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a cake stand or plate.
- Spread a generous layer of strawberry buttercream on top.
- Repeat with the second and third cake layers.
- Frost the entire cake with the remaining buttercream.
7. Garnish & Serve
- Decorate with fresh strawberries on top.
- Chill for 30 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Serve and enjoy this delicate, fruity, and creamy dessert!
Notes
Tips for the Best Strawberry Buttercream Cake
✅ Use fresh strawberries – They add natural sweetness and vibrant flavor to the buttercream.
✅ Room temperature ingredients – Ensures a smooth batter and even baking.
✅ Sift the flour – Helps keep the cake light and fluffy.
✅ Strain the strawberry puree – This keeps the frosting silky smooth.
✅ Chill before slicing – Helps the layers set for neater slices.