Strawberry Cake

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My father-in-law requested strawberry cake for his birthday. An internet search brought up so many recipes that included strawberry jello. Using jello probably results in a pinker color and more pronounced strawberry flavor than this cake, but I prefer not to use jello. This cake was delicious, so I wanted to keep it for later by posting it here.

Strawberry Cake

12 medium strawberries, hulled
1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) salted butter, room temperature
3 cups granulated sugar
5 large eggs, room temperature
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup whole milk, room temperature
½ cup buttermilk, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Preheat the oven to 350º F. Prepare three 9-inch round cake pans with nonstick baking spray or prepare with butter and flour. Remove any excess flour.

Blend the strawberries in a blender on medium speed until pureed, about 3 minutes. This should result in three-fourths cup strawberry puree. Set aside.

Cream the butter until light and fluffy with an electric mixer. Slowly add the sugar one cup at a time, making sure to fully incorporate each cup before adding another. Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to fully incorporate each egg before adding another.

Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt. Pour milks, vanilla, and the strawberry puree into a measuring cup and whisk together with a fork. Add to the butter mixture, alternately with the milk mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.

Gently stir all ingredients until well combined. Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl, making sure to have all ingredients mixed well.

Evenly distribute the cake batter between the cake pans and place the pans into the preheated oven. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the cake releases from the edges of the pan and springs back to a light touch. Remove the pans from the oven and allow them to cool slightly in the cake pans for about 5 minutes. Turn the cakes out onto wire racks and let them cool completely.

Frost cake with desired frosting, like cream cheese frosting.