Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 3 cups
- Granulated sugar: 2 cups
- Unsalted butter (softened): 1 cup
- Large eggs: 4
- Whole milk: 1 1/2 cups
- Baking powder: 1 tablespoon
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: 1/4 cup
- Strawberry purée or extract: 1/4 cup
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Step 2: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry mixture alternately with the whole milk into the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Step 3: Divide the completed batter evenly into three separate bowls. Leave the first portion plain (vanilla layer). Mix the second portion thoroughly with the unsweetened cocoa powder. Mix the third portion with the strawberry purée or extract (and optional pink food coloring) until uniform.
- Step 4: Pour each flavored batter into its own prepared 8-inch pan (one vanilla, one chocolate, one strawberry). Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean.
- Step 5: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before gently inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once fully cooled, stack the layers and frost the cake with your preferred vanilla or strawberry buttercream.
Notes
- Store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, but remember to let the slice sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying for the best texture.
- If you bake the layers ahead of time, tightly wrap the cooled, unfrosted cakes in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to three months; thaw them slowly in the fridge before frosting.
- Enhance the tri-flavor profile by serving a chilled slice with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and a side of mixed summer berries.
- For the most precise and level layers, use a kitchen scale when dividing the batter in Step 3 to ensure each of the three bowls holds the exact same weight.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American