Light Strawberry Layer Cake

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   {'id': 'step_0', 'step': 1, 'text': 'Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line three 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.'}

2. 2

   {'id': 'step_1', 'step': 2, 'text': 'Beat cake mix, water, eggs, and oil in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes. Pour ⅓ batter into 1 prepared pan. Stir ½ strawberry gelatin and 2 teaspoons strawberry extract into remaining batter; divide between remaining 2 prepared pans.'}

3. 3

   {'id': 'step_2', 'step': 3, 'text': 'Bake cakes in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into centers comes out clean, 15 to 20 minutes. Line a large wire rack with parchment paper. Invert cakes onto the rack; cool completely.'}

4. 4

   {'id': 'step_3', 'step': 4, 'text': 'Set aside 9 to 12 whole strawberries for decoration; chop remaining strawberries and pat dry with a paper towel.'}

5. 5

   {'id': 'step_4', 'step': 5, 'text': 'Beat cream cheese with remaining ½ strawberry gelatin; add remaining 2 teaspoons strawberry extract and ½ cup confectioners' sugar and beat until filling is smooth. Fold in chopped strawberries.'}

6. 6

   {'id': 'step_5', 'step': 6, 'text': 'Place 1 pink layer on a cake plate; cover with ½ strawberry filling. Top with 1 plain cake layer; cover with remaining ½ strawberry filling. Position remaining pink layer on top.'}

7. 7

   {'id': 'step_6', 'step': 7, 'text': 'Beat cream, ½ cup confectioners' sugar, and vanilla extract together in a large bowl until stiff peaks form. Spread frosting over top and sides of cake. Place a piece of parchment paper on top; run spatula over the paper to smooth the top. Peel off the paper.'}

8. 8

   {'id': 'step_7', 'step': 8, 'text': 'Pipe 9 to 12 frosting swirls around cake rim; place whole strawberries on top.'}

📊 Nutrition Facts

Per serving (12 servings total)