Ingredients
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– Additional strawberries for garnish (optional)
– Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Equipment Needed
– 9×13-inch baking pan
– Mixing bowls
– Electric mixer
– Rubber spatula
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Parchment paper (optional for easier serving)
– Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
To start off, I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease my baking pan. While that happens, I cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until they’re light and fluffy. The smell right here is delightful, and it’s really the secret to making those rich cake layers. Next, I slowly add in the sugar and mix until it’s fully incorporated. You’ll want to scrape down the sides periodically to gather all that sugary goodness. In a separate bowl, I whisk together my dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt, letting those flavors mingle. (See the next page below to continue steps…)