Ingredients
Strawberry Reduction
2 lbs fresh strawberries
4 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
Cake
1/2 cup unsalted butter (or dairy-free alternative)
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
3 large eggs, room temperature
2 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour with xanthan gum
2 tsp gluten-free baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup milk (or unsweetened almond milk for dairy-free)
2 tsp white vinegar
1 1/2 cups cooled strawberry reduction
2 drops pink or red gel food coloring (optional)
Strawberry Buttercream
1 cup unsalted butter, softened (or dairy-free alternative)
1 cup freeze-dried strawberries
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2–4 tbsp milk or non-dairy milk
4 cups powdered sugar
1/8 tsp salt
Instructions
Strawberry Reduction
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Hull and halve strawberries. Puree in a food processor.
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Combine puree, sugar, and optional lemon juice in a small saucepan.
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Simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low for 30 minutes until thick.
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Cool completely and store in the refrigerator.
Cake
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two 9-inch pans with parchment paper and grease.
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Mix milk with vinegar; chill 5 minutes.
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Cream butter and sugar. Add vanilla. Mix in eggs one at a time.
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Combine flour, baking powder, soda, and salt. Add to butter mixture.
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Mix in milk and cooled strawberry reduction. Add food coloring if desired.
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Divide batter into pans and bake 30–32 minutes. Cool completely.
Buttercream
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Grind freeze-dried strawberries into powder.
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Cream butter, add vanilla and salt.
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Mix in powdered sugar gradually. Add strawberry powder.
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Add milk until desired consistency is reached.
Assembly
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Frost the first cake layer, place the second on top.
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Frost top and sides. Decorate with piping if desired.
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Store in an airtight container or wrap and refrigerate.
Notes
- Strawberry reduction can be made the day before for best results.
- Use freeze-dried strawberries, not regular dried strawberries, for frosting.
- Measure gluten-free flour by spooning and leveling to avoid a dense texture.
- Let cakes cool completely before frosting.
- Food coloring is optional.
- Prep Time: 45 min
- Cook Time: 32 min