Ingredients

• 1 3-ounce package strawberry flavored gelatin
• 1 cup unsalted butter; softened at room temperature
• 4 eggs
• 2 3/4 cup sifted cake flour
• 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup strawberry puree

Procedure

1. Preheat oven to 350°F grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar and dry strawberry gelatin until light and fluffy
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, missing well after each.
4. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; stir into the batter alternately with the buttermilk.
5. Blend in vanilla and strawberry pure.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
7. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a small knife inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
8. Allow the cakes to cool in their pans over a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before tapping out to cool completely.

Strawberry Frosting

Ingredients

• 1 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, softened
• 2/3 cup sugar, divided
• 2/3 cup chopped fresh strawberries
• 1 drop pink food coloring gel (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Procedure

1. Beat cream cheese and 1/3 cup sugar with an electric mixer until smooth; add strawberries and food coloring (if desired); beat until blended.
2. Beat cream and juice at medium speed until foamy; increase speed to medium-high, and slowly add remaining 1/3 cup sugar, beating until stiff peaks form.
3. Fold half of cream mixture into cheese mixture; fold in remaining cream mixture.
4. Use immediately.