Barbie Pink Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing

Barbie Pink Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing

Ingredients:

For the Strawberry Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup pureed fresh strawberries (about 1 cup of whole strawberries)
• A few drops of pink food coloring (optional, for extra color)

For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen strawberries blended)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A few drops of pink food coloring (optional)

Directions:

Strawberry Cake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and strawberry puree.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
If desired, add a few drops of pink food coloring to achieve the desired color.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing:

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined.
Stir in the strawberry puree and vanilla extract. If desired, add a few drops of pink food coloring for extra vibrancy.
Assemble the Cake:

Place one layer of the strawberry cake on a serving plate. Spread a layer of strawberry cream cheese icing on top.
Place the second layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining icing.
Optionally, decorate with fresh strawberries or sprinkles.
Slice and enjoy !!