Description

This nostalgic vintage strawberry cake uses a combination of fresh fruit puree and strawberry gelatin to create an incredibly moist, tender crumb with a vibrant pink color. It is a foolproof, mid-century classic that delivers a burst of sweet berry flavor in every bite, making it perfect for any special occasion.

Ingredients

2 cups white sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 (3 ounce) package strawberry flavored gelatin
4 large eggs, room temperature
2 3/4 cups sifted cake flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup whole milk, room temperature
1/2 cup strawberry puree
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, optionally lining the bottoms with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the white sugar, softened butter, and dry strawberry gelatin powder using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add the room-temperature eggs to the mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition to maintain a smooth emulsion.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the sifted cake flour and baking powder.
With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture to the batter in three parts, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour.
Gently blend in the strawberry puree and vanilla extract until the batter is a uniform pink color and fully combined.
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool in their pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes before inverting them onto the rack to cool completely.

Notes

For the most professional results, ensure your strawberry puree is thick; if using frozen berries, simmer the puree for a few minutes to reduce excess moisture before measuring. Always use room temperature ingredients to ensure the batter emulsifies correctly, as cold milk or eggs can cause the butter to clump and result in a dense texture.

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American