Dark Velvet Strawberry Cake

### Instructions: How to Make Dark Velvet Strawberry Cake

#### Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the **flour**, **baking powder**, **baking soda**, **salt**, and **unsweetened cocoa powder**. Set this dry mixture aside.

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the **vegetable oil** and **granulated sugar** until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Add the **eggs**, one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the **vanilla extract**.

In a separate small bowl, combine the **pureed strawberries** and **buttermilk**. If you prefer a more intense color, add **red food coloring** to this mixture.

Now, alternately add the dry ingredients and the strawberry-buttermilk mixture to the wet ingredients. Start with a third of the dry ingredients, mix it in, then add half of the strawberry mixture, and continue alternating until both are fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix—just stir until everything is well combined.

Finally, add the **vinegar** and gently fold it into the batter. The vinegar reacts with the baking soda to help the cake rise and become fluffy.

#### Step 2: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula to ensure even baking.

Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for about **30-35 minutes**, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

#### Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cakes are cooling, prepare the **cream cheese frosting**. In a large bowl, beat the **cream cheese** and **unsalted butter** together until smooth and fluffy. Add the **powdered sugar**, a little at a time, and continue to beat until the frosting is thick and creamy.

Once the frosting has reached the desired consistency, stir in the **vanilla extract** and **fresh strawberry puree**. The strawberry puree not only enhances the flavor of the frosting but also adds a lovely pink hue that complements the color of the cake. If the frosting is too thick, you can add a little more strawberry puree or a teaspoon of milk to thin it out slightly.

#### Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes have completely cooled, place one layer on a cake stand or serving platter. Spread a generous amount of **cream cheese frosting** over the top of the first layer, smoothing it out with a spatula. Carefully place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.

For a decorative touch, you can garnish the cake with fresh **strawberries** on top, or add some strawberry slices around the sides for extra color and texture.

#### Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Slice the **Dark Velvet Strawberry Cake** and serve it to your guests. Enjoy the perfect combination of moist cake, creamy frosting, and the sweet, natural flavor of strawberries in every bite. This cake is ideal for pairing with a glass of champagne, a cup of coffee, or even a refreshing glass of iced tea.

### Tips for the Perfect Dark Velvet Strawberry Cake

– **Puree the Strawberries**: Make sure to blend the strawberries until smooth to ensure they integrate well into the batter and frosting. You can use a blender or food processor for this.

– **Use Fresh Strawberries**: For the best flavor and color, use fresh, ripe strawberries. Frozen strawberries may release excess water, which could affect the texture of your cake.

– **Adjust Sweetness**: If you like a sweeter frosting, feel free to add a bit more powdered sugar. Similarly, if you prefer a more subtle sweetness, you can reduce the sugar in the frosting.

– **Make Ahead**: This cake can be baked a day ahead of time. Just wrap the layers in plastic wrap once they’ve cooled and store them at room temperature or in the fridge. Frost the cake the day you plan to serve it for the freshest flavor.

### Why Dark Velvet Strawberry Cake is Perfect for Any Occasion

**Dark Velvet Strawberry Cake** is an incredibly versatile dessert. Whether you’re serving it at a birthday party, a family gathering, or a special holiday, this cake is sure to wow your guests. Its rich flavor and vibrant color make it a standout dessert for any celebration.

It also works beautifully for more intimate occasions, like a romantic dinner or a casual get-together. With its combination of luxurious chocolate flavor, light strawberry notes, and creamy frosting, it’s a cake that fits almost any event, from casual to fancy.

### Conclusion: A Sweet, Velvety Treat

This **Dark Velvet Strawberry Cake** is the perfect balance of indulgent and fresh, with layers of moist, rich cake complemented by a creamy, tangy frosting. Whether you’re a fan of velvet cakes, strawberries, or just delicious desserts in general, this cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you craving more.

So, why not treat yourself to something special and try this stunning cake for your next celebration? Your guests will be delighted by both the flavor and the beauty of this homemade masterpiece. Enjoy!