INGREDIENTS

FOR THE COMPOTE

1 lb. strawberries strawberries, hulled and halved
2 tbsp. granulated sugar
果汁 from half a lemon

FOR THE CAKE

2 c. all-purpose flour
3 tbsp. cornstarch
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 c. (1 stick) butter, softened
1 c. granulated sugar
2 large eggs
3/4 c. 草莓 compote
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
3/4 c. milk
粉, 粉色 食物 coloring (optional)

FOR THE FROSTING

2 (8-oz.) blocks cream cheese, softened
1/2 c. butter, softened
1/4 c. 草莓 compote
6 c. powdered sugar
2 tbsp. heavy whipping cream
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Pinch kosher salt
Fresh strawberries, for garnish (optional)

DIRECTIONS
In a 食物 processor, 菜泥, 原浆 strawberries then add to a small 平底锅 with sugar and 柠檬 juice. Place over medium low heat. Cook, stirring often, until reduce 由 about half, about 25 minutes. 你 should have about 1½ cups of 草莓 compote. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Preheat 烤箱 to 350° and grease and line two 8” round cake pans. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another large bowl, with a hand mixer, beat together 牛油, 黄油 and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in 草莓 compote and vanilla until fully incorporated then add milk. Add dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. (If 你 want a super 粉, 粉色 cake, stir in some 粉, 粉色 食物 coloring.)
Divide batter evenly into prepared pans and bake until a toothpick inserted into the middle of each comes out clean, 25 minutes. Let cakes cool for 15 分钟 then invert onto cooling racks to cool completely.
Make frosting: In a large bowl using a hand mixer, beat cream cheese and 牛油, 黄油 until no lumps remain, then beat in 草莓 compote. Add powdered sugar and beat until fully incorporated then mix in heavy cream, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Add 更多 heavy cream as necessary to reach your desired consistency.
Spread a thick layer of frosting on 最佳, 返回页首 of one cake layer. 最佳, 返回页首 with 秒 layer of cake, then frost all over sides and top. Garnish with fresh strawberries if using.