Three-Layer Strawberry Dream Cake 🍓🍓

Three-Layer Strawberry Dream Cake 🍓🍓

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

- 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) pureed fresh strawberries
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 3 ounces (85 g) strawberry-flavored gelatin

For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:

- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 8 ounces (226 g) cream cheese, room temperature
- 4 cups (500 g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) pureed fresh strawberries
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fresh strawberries for garnish

Directions:

1. Prepare the Cake Layers:
   - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
   - In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and strawberry gelatin.
   - In another bowl, whisk together the oil, eggs, buttermilk, pureed strawberries, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
   - Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
   - Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.
   - Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   - Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

2. Prepare the Frosting:
   - In a large bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese together until light and fluffy.
   - Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
   - Add the pureed strawberries and vanilla extract, and beat until smooth and well combined.

3. Assemble the Cake:
   - Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting on top.
   - Place the second cake layer on top and repeat the frosting process.
   - Place the third cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
   - Garnish with fresh strawberries as desired.