Step 1

Add 1 oz of freeze dried strawberry to a food processor and process until a powder forms. Keep a kitchen towel draped over the food processor to prevent the powder puff up.

Step 2

This should yield 1/2 cup. Use 1/4 cup for the cake batter and the remaining 1/4 cup for the strawberry cream cheese frosting.

Step 3

Preheat oven to 350°F and butter two 6” cake pans, set aside.

Step 4

In the same food processor used previously for the freeze dried strawberry, add the fresh strawberry and puree. Add strawberry puree in a small mixing bowl along with buttermilk, vegetable oil, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Beat together with a whisk until smooth and set aside.

Step 5

Add egg and sugar to the stand mixer bowl and beat until light in color.

Step 6

Add 1/4 cup of strawberry powder to a small mixing bowl along with flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Mix with a whisk to distribute evenly and add to the egg mixture. Mix until combined and creamy.

Step 7

Add the liquid mixture set aside earlier to the stand mixer bowl and mix until combined. Use a spatula to scrape the side of the bowl and bottom to make sure the batter is well mixed.

Step 8

Divide batter evenly into the prepared 6” cake pan, about 345 g of batter per pan.

Step 9

Bake in the middle oven rack for 25 - 27 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow to cool to the touch. Use a butter knife to loosen the side and flip the cakes out of the pans. Allow the cakes to cool right side up on a wire rack.

Step 10

In the stand mixer bowl, add softened butter and cream cheese along with the pure vanilla extract, mix with the whisk attachment at medium low speed and gradually increase speed to medium high and beat until thoroughly combined.

Step 11

Stop the mixer to add powder sugar and the remaining 1/4 cup of strawberry powder, mix at low speed to incorporate the powder mixture into the cream mixture, then gradually increase speed to medium high and beat until thoroughly combined and fluffy.

Step 12

When the cakes are completely cool, place 1 layer on a cake stand or plate. Put a few pieces of parchment paper underneath the cake to cover the cake stand or plate. This is to keep the frosting from smearing everywhere.

Step 13

Add 1/2 cup of frosting on top of the first layer and even it out with an offset spatula. Add the second layer of cake on top.

Step 14

Frost the side and top to your liking. If there is any left over frosting, add piping decoration on top. Carefully pull out the pieces of parchment paper underneath the cake.

Step 15

Refrigerate until ready to serve.