Strawberry Lemonade Cake Fresh and Flavorful Delight

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cups whole milk
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 0.5 cups fresh lemon juice
• 1 cups strawberries, pureed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cups unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for frosting)
• 2 tablespoons strawberry puree (for frosting)
• 1 tablespoon milk (if needed for frosting consistency)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the lemon zest and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk and pureed strawberries, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
6. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Optionally, add a trickle of lemon juice over the cakes as they cool for added tartness.
8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
9. For the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add the powdered sugar. Mix in the lemon juice and strawberry puree.
10. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk for the desired consistency.
11. Once the cakes have completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
12. Decorate with fresh strawberries on top or along the sides for a beautiful finish.