Strawberry Fields Forever Cake Recipe A FromScratch Delight

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Strawberry Puree: Blend or process fresh strawberries until smooth. Strain to remove seeds if desired.
2. Prepare Cake Pans: Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper rounds.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
4. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl (or stand mixer), cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
5. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
6. Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk and strawberry puree, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
7. Fold in Freeze-Dried Strawberries: Gently fold in the ground freeze-dried strawberries.
8. Divide Batter: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
9. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Cool Cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then invert them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Prepare the Frosting: Beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
12. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined.
13. Add Flavorings: Beat in strawberry puree, vanilla extract, and salt.
14. Frost the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one cake layer with half of the frosting. Top with the second cake layer and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
15. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with fresh strawberry slices. This Strawberry Cake from Scratch Recipe can be garnished according personal preference.