Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the strawberry filling:
- In a saucepan, combine the fresh strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and water.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down and the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the strawberry filling cool completely before using.
For the frosting:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well after each addition.
- Add the vanilla extract and 4 tablespoons of heavy cream, and beat until smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add more heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Assembly:
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
- Spread a layer of frosting over the top of the cake layer.
- Spoon a layer of strawberry filling over the frosting.
- Repeat the process with the remaining cake layers, frosting, and strawberry filling, ending with a layer of frosting on top.
- Use a spatula to create a rustic naked look by lightly spreading the frosting around the sides of the cake, leaving some of the cake layers exposed.
- Decorate the top of the cake with fresh strawberry halves or slices and fresh mint leaves for a beautiful finishing touch.