Step 1

Make the strawberry purée: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2

Spread the strawberries on a baking sheet and toss with the sugar until well coated.

Step 3

Roast the strawberries for about 25 minutes, or until very fragrant and bright red in color.

Step 4

Transfer the roasted strawberries to a blender and purée for 1–2 minutes, or until very smooth.

Step 5

Transfer the strawberry purée to a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for about 20 minutes, or until very fragrant and most of the liquid has evaporated. Stir in the vanilla. Remove the pot from the heat and let the purée cool completely. The purée can be made 1 day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Step 6

Make the cake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line 2 9-inch (22 cm) round cake pans with parchment paper.

Step 7

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda. Set aside.

Step 8

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric hand mixer on medium speed until very light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the strawberry purée and beat on high speed for 30 seconds. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating on medium speed after each addition for about 30 seconds, or until just combined, before adding the next.

Step 9

Add ⅓ of the dry ingredients to the batter and beat on medium speed for about 30 seconds, or until fully combined. Add the vanilla, ½ of the buttermilk, and another ⅓ of the dry ingredients and beat for another 30 seconds, until well incorporated. Add the remaining buttermilk and dry ingredients and beat to incorporate. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the vanilla, then mix on medium speed for 2 minutes.

Step 10

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake the cakes for 30–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove the cakes from the oven and let cool slightly, then remove from the pans and let cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 11

Make the frosting: In a large bowl, combine the powdered sugar and butter. Beat with an electric hand mixer on medium-high speed for 1 minute, until fluffy. Add the vanilla and heavy cream and beat for 1 minute more, until smooth. The frosting will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature before frosting the cake.

Step 12

To frost the cake, set one layer on a cake stand lined with strips of parchment paper. Spread about 1½ cups (260 G) of frosting evenly over the cake. Top with the remaining cake layer and evenly frost the top and sides with a thick layer of frosting. Decorate the cake with fresh strawberries.

Step 13

Enjoy!