Strawberry Puree directions

Cup of Yum
1. Place strawberries, sugar, lemon juice and salt into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Once bubbling, reduce heat to low and let slowly reduce until berries begin to break up and liquid is almost gone.
3. Occasionally stir the mixture to prevent burning.
4. Transfer to another container and let cool before use. Makes about 1 1/2 to 2 cups.

Strawberry Cake directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray the cake pans with baking spray, set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, combine eggs, strawberry puree, vanilla, strawberry extract, pink food coloring, whisk until combined.
3. Using a standing mixer, whisk together the cake flour, sugar, baking powder and salt until combined.
4. Slowly beat in the butter and canola oil until combined.
5. Once the mixture looks like coarse sand, gradually beat in the egg mixture until combined.
6. The batter will be very thick and fluffy but so good!
7. Evenly divide the cake batter.
8. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cake cool completely.

Frosting directions:

1. Using a standing mixer, cream together the butter, vanilla, powdered sugar, diced strawberries and heavy whipping cream until combined and creamy.
2. Scoop 1 cup of frosting into the large piping bag.

Directions to prepare the cake:

1. Once cake rounds have cooled, remove from cake pans and place onto a cutting board.
2. Using the cake leveler, remove the domes of the cakes and place one cake round onto the cake board.
3. Scoop 1 cup of the frosting onto the middle of the cake.
4. Using the angled spatula, smooth the frosting out.
5. Place the second cake layer onto the first layer.
6. Repeat steps with the frosting and remaining cake layer.
7. Once you have built your cake, scoop the remaining frosting onto the top of the cake and use the angled spatula to smooth it out.
8. Frost the entire cake until smooth.
9. Pipe dollops of frosting on top.
10. Place strawberries in the middle of the cake.
11. Enjoy!