Ingredients:
For the Cake:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 🧪
1/2 teaspoon baking soda 🧪
1/2 teaspoon salt 🧂
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 🍫
1 cup buttermilk 🧋
1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🍦
1/2 cup vegetable oil 🛢️
2 large eggs 🥚
1 cup granulated sugar 🍚
1/2 cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen strawberries blended) 🍓
1 tablespoon red food coloring (optional for deeper color) 🌈
For the Strawberry Buttercream Frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
4 cups powdered sugar 🍬
1/2 cup strawberry puree 🍓
1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🍦
1-2 tablespoons heavy cream (if needed for consistency) 🥛
A pinch of salt 🧂
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) 🔥. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans 🍰.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder 🌾🍫.
In a separate large bowl, mix the buttermilk, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, eggs, sugar, and strawberry puree until smooth 🧋🍓.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined 🥄.
Add the red food coloring if using, and stir until the batter has a deep red color 🌈.
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and smooth the tops 🍰.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean 🍽️.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely 🕒.
2. Make the Strawberry Buttercream Frosting:
Beat the softened butter in a large bowl until creamy 🧈.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, a cup at a time, mixing on low speed until smooth 🍬.
Add the strawberry puree, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until fully incorporated 🍓🍦.
If the frosting is too thick, add heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached 🥛.
3. Assemble the Cake:
Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate 🥄.
Spread a generous layer of strawberry buttercream on top 🍓.
Place the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting 🍰🍓.
Garnish with fresh strawberries or sprinkles if desired 🍓✨.
4. Serve:
Slice and serve this rich and flavorful Dark Velvet Strawberry Cake for a decadent treat! 🍰
This cake is a perfect balance of rich chocolate and fresh strawberry flavor—ideal for any celebration! 🍓🍰
