Ingredients
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
– 1 cup vegetable oil
– 1 egg
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 tablespoon red food coloring
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cheesecake)
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
– Whipped cream (for garnishing)
Equipment Needed
– Mixing bowls
– Electric mixer
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Baking pan (9-inch round)
– Parchment paper
– Spatula
– Serving platter
Step-by-Step Instructions
To get started, I preheat my oven to 350°F (about 175°C). Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, I combine my dry ingredients: the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. It’s essential to mix them well to ensure an even distribution of flavors. In a separate bowl, I whisk together the vegetable oil, egg, buttermilk, and vanilla extract, then stir in the red food coloring until it’s beautifully vibrant. Once I’m done, I gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. You want to be careful not to overmix the batter! (See the next page below to continue steps…)