Light Strawberry Layer Cake

Ingredients and Weight:

For the Cake: * 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened * 2 cups granulated sugar * 4 large eggs * 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour * 1 teaspoon baking powder * 1 teaspoon baking soda * 1/2 teaspoon salt * 1 cup buttermilk

For the Strawberry Filling: * 2 lbs fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced * 1/2 cup granulated sugar * 2 tablespoons cornstarch * 1/4 cup lemon juice

For the Cream Cheese Frosting: * 8 oz cream cheese, softened * 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened * 3 cups confectioners' sugar * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation Time:

2 hours

Cooking Time:

45 minutes

Difficulty Level:

3

Preparation Method Steps:

For the Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Beat until just combined.
4. 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.
5. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Strawberry Filling:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Toss to coat.
2. Let the strawberries macerate for 15 minutes, or until they have released their juices.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. In a large bowl, cream together the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add the confectioners' sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla extract.

To Assemble the Cake:

1. Place one layer of cake on a cake stand or plate. Spread with half of the strawberry filling.
2. Top with another layer of cake and spread with the remaining strawberry filling.
3. Place the third layer of cake on top. Frost the cake with the cream cheese frosting.
4. Decorate with additional strawberries or other berries, if desired.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 450 per slice
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Sugar: 30g
• Protein: 5g

Dish Characteristics:

• Light and fluffy cake
• Sweet and tangy strawberry filling
• Creamy and rich cream cheese frosting
• Perfect for special occasions or everyday desserts

User Comments:

• "This cake is absolutely delicious! The strawberry filling is so flavorful and the cake is so moist and fluffy."
• "I love how easy this cake is to make. It's perfect for a crowd and it always gets rave reviews."
• "This is my favorite strawberry cake recipe. It's so light and refreshing, yet still rich and satisfying."
• "I'm not a huge fan of strawberries, but I loved this cake. The cream cheese frosting balances out the sweetness of the strawberries perfectly."
• "This cake is a showstopper! It's beautiful and tastes even better than it looks."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be sure to use ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
• If you don't have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk.
• Let the cakes cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
• Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.