Triple-Layer Strawberry Cake

Ingredients and Weight:

• All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250g)
• Granulated sugar: 1 1/2 cups (300g)
• Baking powder: 2 teaspoons (10g)
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (2g)
• Unsalted butter, softened: 1 cup (2 sticks) (227g)
• Eggs: 3 large
• Milk: 1 cup (240ml)
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon (5ml)

For the Strawberry Filling:

• Strawberries, hulled and sliced: 3 cups (450g)
• Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (100g)
• Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons (16g)
• Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon (15ml)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Cream cheese, softened: 8 ounces (227g)
• Unsalted butter, softened: 1/2 cup (1 stick) (113g)
• Powdered sugar: 2-3 cups (250-375g)
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon (5ml)

Preparation Time:

• 30 minutes

Baking Time:

• 25-30 minutes

Difficulty Level:

• 3/5 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and eggs until light and fluffy.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Stir in vanilla extract.
5. Divide batter evenly among prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. While cakes are cooling, make the strawberry filling. In a saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened.
7. To make the cream cheese frosting, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
8. Once cakes are completely cool, assemble the cake. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread with half of the strawberry filling. Top with another cake layer and spread with cream cheese frosting. Repeat layers.
9. Decorate the top of the cake with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, if desired.

Nutritional Information (per slice):

• Calories: 500
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Protein: 10g

Dish Characteristics:

• Moist and fluffy triple-layer strawberry cake
• Sweet and tangy strawberry filling
• Creamy and smooth cream cheese frosting
• Perfect dessert for any occasion

User Comments:

• "This cake was amazing! The flavors were perfect and the presentation was beautiful."
• "I made this for my son's birthday and he absolutely loved it. It was a big hit with all the guests."
• "The cake was easy to make and turned out so well. I will definitely be making it again."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
• If the strawberry filling is too thick, add a little water or milk.
• If the cream cheese frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar.
• Let the cakes cool completely before assembling to prevent the frosting from melting.
• Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.