Double Strawberry Cake

1. Make the Strawberry Cake:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix and strawberry gelatin.
• Add the vegetable oil, eggs, sour cream, strawberry puree, and vanilla extract. Mix with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until well combined.
• Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
• Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then remove from the pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Make the Strawberry Frosting:

• While the cakes are cooling, make the strawberry frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed.
• Add the fresh strawberry puree, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat on medium-high speed until smooth and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
• If the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream to reach your desired consistency.

3. Assemble the Cake:

• Once the cakes have completely cooled, place the first cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
• Spread a generous layer of strawberry frosting over the top of the first cake layer.
• Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining strawberry frosting.
• If desired, garnish with fresh strawberry slices or crushed graham crackers for a bit of texture and added flavor.

4. Serve and Enjoy:

• Slice and serve this vibrant, strawberry-filled cake! The combination of the moist strawberry cake and creamy frosting will make it a showstopper at any event.

Tips:

• Homemade Strawberry Cake: If you prefer to make your strawberry cake from scratch, you can substitute the box cake mix with 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 cup sugar, and the other wet ingredients (eggs, oil, etc.). Add 1 cup of pureed strawberries to the batter for flavor.
• Strawberry Puree: To make the strawberry puree, blend fresh strawberries in a blender or food processor until smooth. You can also use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available.
• For Extra Strawberry Flavor: You can add chopped fresh strawberries to the cake batter for added texture and a burst of flavor.

This Double Strawberry Cake is not only beautiful but delicious, with the perfect balance of strawberry sweetness in both the cake and frosting. It’s a treat that will have everyone asking for seconds! 🍓🍰