Delightful Strawberry Cake

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Reduction:
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Cake:
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup strawberry reduction (from above)
For the Strawberry Buttercream:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup strawberry reduction (from above)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

method

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Reduction
In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down and the mixture thickens, about 20-25 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool completely. You should have about 1/2 cup of strawberry reduction.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream and milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Gently fold in the strawberry reduction until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven 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 before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Prepare the Strawberry Buttercream
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the strawberry reduction, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, and beat until light and fluffy.

Step 6: Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of strawberry buttercream on top. Repeat with the second and third layers. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining buttercream. Decorate with fresh strawberries if desired.