Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
– 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
– 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons red food coloring
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 ½ cups cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for whipping cream)
– Fresh strawberries, for layering and decoration
Equipment Needed
– 9-inch round cake pans
– Mixing bowls
– Electric mixer
– Spatula
– Parchment paper
– Serving plate
– Rubber bands (for layering)
Step-by-Step Instructions
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your cake pans with a bit of butter. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Mix these dry ingredients well before adding the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, and vanilla extract. Blend everything using your electric mixer until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform. This vibrant batter is sure to make you smile! (See the next page below to continue steps…)