Next, I divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Now, it’s time to bake! I pop them in the oven and let the magic happen for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. While they bake, my kitchen fills with the most delightful aroma that’s an invitation to gather around. Once they’ve baked, I let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Now, on to the frosting! In a mixing bowl, I whip together the heavy cream and powdered sugar until it reaches soft peaks. This step is one of my favorites because the thickening cream starts to take shape over time, and the sweet aroma fills the air. I take the first layer of cake and place it on my serving platter, spreading a generous layer of strawberry preserves over the top, followed by a layer of whipped cream and fresh sliced strawberries. I then carefully place the second cake layer on top and repeat the process. I make sure everything is even and beautiful – after all, we eat with our eyes first!
Finally, I frost the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream, decorating it with more fresh strawberries on top. The finished product always brings a smile to my face – colorful, fragrant, and oh-so-delicious! (See the next page below to continue steps…)