Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups sifted cake flour
• 1 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 teapsoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 3/4 cup strawberry preserves
• 4 large eggs
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• Red food coloring
• For The Icing
• 1 1/2 cup confectioners sugar
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups heavy cream (cold)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Line 2 9″ round pans with parchment paper. Lightly coat with baking spray (Pam)
3. In a large bowl whisk together dry ingredients. Set aside.
4. In a large mixing bowl beat butter and sugar on medium high with electric mixer, approximately 4 minutes until batter is light and fluffy.
5. Add preserves.
6. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well and scraping down sides of bowl.
7. Add vanilla and enough food coloring to achieve desired color.
8. Reduce mixing speed to low. Add flour mixture alternating with buttermilk, ending with flour.
9. Divide batter into 2 pans.
10. Place on center rack in oven. Bake 25-35 minutes. Test with wooden pick. Pick should come out clean when inserted in the center of cake.
11. Cool completely on wire rack.
12. For The Frosting
13. In a large mixing bowl whisk confectioners sugar, cream cheese and vanilla on high speed until fluffy.
14. Slowly drizzle in COLD cream. Whisk on high speed until peaks form.
15. Frost the cake completely with icing.
16. Garnish with strawberries.

By Frances Stone via KathyMillerTime

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