Step 1

Make the Cake: Preheat the Oven to 350°F (177°C).  Line three 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray (I prefer the Baking nonstick cooking spray that contains flour). Set aside.

Step 2

In a large bowl, mix all cake ingredients with an electric mixer on low until just combined. Scrape the side of the bowl, increase the mixer to medium, and beat for 3 minutes.

Step 3

Pour cake batter into prepared pans and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean, about 23 minutes.

Step 4

Cool cake in pans on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Remove from pans and cool completely. If using the following recipe for Strawberry Buttercream refrigerate cakes until completely chilled.

Step 5

Meanwhile, Make Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the butter (1 cup) at medium until it's pale yellow and fluffy. Add powdered sugar (2 packages) and strawberries (1 cup) and beat at low until well combined and creamy. Set in the fridge for about 5-10 minutes to firm it up slightly (You just don't want it to be runny).

Step 6

Spread one of the layers of cake with frosting then refrigerate. Frost the second layer and refrigerate until the frosting on both layers has firmed up a bit. Assemble all the layers and frost the top and sides. Refrigerate!