Step 1

Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly grease one 6-inch round cake pan then line the bottom with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a small saucepan, stir together 3/4 cup strawberries, water, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Boil for 4-5 minutes or until the strawberries cook down and are a jam-like consistency. You should have about 2 heaping tablespoons of cooked strawberries. Remove from the heat and cool 15 minutes.

Step 3

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour and cornstarch. Stir in the baking powder and salt.

Step 4

In a large mixing bowl on medium speed, beat together the butter and remaining 1/2 cup sugar until creamy, 1-2 minutes.

Step 5

Beat in the egg whites, one at a time, then add the vanilla.

Step 6

On low speed add the flour mixture alternating with the milk, adding the flour in 3 additions and the milk in 2 additions (begin and end with dry ingredients). Do not overmix.

Step 7

Stir in the cooked strawberry mixture and remaining 1/4 cup strawberries. At this point if the batter isn't pink enough, add a few drops of red food coloring if desired.

Step 8

Transfer the batter to the cake pan. Bake 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 15 minutes then invert cake onto cooling rack. Cool completely.

Step 9

Frost cake with Cream Cheese Frosting (get recipe here).