Barbie Pink Cake (Print Version)

Ingredients:

01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour.
02 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder.
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda.
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt.
05 - 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened.
06 - 1 cup granulated sugar.
07 - 2 large eggs.
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
09 - 1/2 cup sour cream.
10 - 1/2 cup milk.
11 - 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped (or 1/2 cup strawberry puree).
12 - Red food coloring (optional, to achieve Barbie pink).
13 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened.
14 - 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened.
15 - 2 cups powdered sugar.
16 - 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, pureed.
17 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
18 - Red food coloring (optional, to match cake color).
19 - Fresh strawberries (optional garnish).
20 - Edible glitter or sprinkles (optional garnish).

Instructions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
03 - In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
04 - Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
05 - Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream and milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
06 - Gently fold in the chopped strawberries or strawberry puree. Add a few drops of red food coloring if desired to achieve a Barbie pink color.
07 - Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
08 - Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
09 - Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10 - For the icing, in a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
11 - Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well after each addition.
12 - Mix in the strawberry puree and vanilla extract. Add a few drops of red food coloring if desired to match the cake color.
13 - Beat until the icing is smooth and spreadable. If needed, add more powdered sugar to reach your desired consistency.
14 - Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
15 - Spread a layer of strawberry cream cheese icing over the top of the first layer.
16 - Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining icing.
17 - Garnish the cake with fresh strawberries and edible glitter or sprinkles if desired.
18 - Chill the cake for about 30 minutes before serving to allow the icing to set.

Notes:

01 - This cake is ideal for themed parties or celebrations like birthdays. It can be garnished with fresh strawberries, edible glitter, or sprinkles for an extra decorative touch.