Description

This exquisite strawberry cake uses a patient reduction process to concentrate the natural soul of the fruit into a vibrant, flavorful elixir. The result is a dessert with a velvet-like crumb and a deep, authentic berry profile that far surpasses cakes made with artificial flavorings.

Ingredients

32 ounces strawberries (fresh or frozen)
2 cups granulated sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
6 large egg whites, room temperature
1/2 cup whole milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon strawberry emulsion
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 cups powdered sugar
Pink gel food coloring

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Instructions

Puree the strawberries and simmer them in a saucepan with lemon juice, zest, and a portion of the sugar for 40-60 minutes until reduced to 2 cups of thick syrup.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) and grease two 8-inch cake pans.
Whisk together the milk, oil, 6 ounces of the strawberry reduction, strawberry emulsion, vanilla, and lemon juice in a medium bowl.
In a stand mixer, cream the butter and granulated sugar for 3-5 minutes until fluffy, then incorporate the egg whites one at a time.
With the mixer on low, alternate adding the dry ingredients and the strawberry-milk mixture until the batter is just smooth.
Divide the batter between the pans and bake for 30-35 minutes until the centers are firm and a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool the cakes completely, then frost with a buttercream made from whipped egg whites, powdered sugar, butter, and the remaining strawberry reduction.

Notes

To achieve the most vibrant pink color without using excessive food dye, ensure your strawberry reduction is simmered until it reaches a deep, dark red consistency similar to tomato sauce. If your ingredients are even slightly too cold, the batter may appear curdled; simply continue mixing at a low speed until the emulsion stabilizes.

Prep Time: 45 mins
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 mins
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mediterranean