strawberry vanilla cake

Ingredients:

For the cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup milk

For the strawberry filling:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the vanilla buttercream frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons milk

For decoration (optional):

• Fresh strawberries, sliced

Preparation:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. While the cakes are cooling, prepare the strawberry filling. In a saucepan, combine the diced strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool.
10. For the vanilla buttercream frosting, beat the softened butter in a mixing bowl until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, beating until smooth and fluffy.
11. Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of the strawberry filling over the cake.
12. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the vanilla buttercream frosting.
13. Decorate the cake with sliced fresh strawberries, if desired.
14. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the frosting to set.
15. Slice and serve the delicious Strawberry Vanilla Cake.