Triple-Decker Strawberry Cake

Mmmm...this is one of my favorite cakes. Fortunately, it is also one of my husband's favorite cakes as he has requested it for his birthday two years in a row now. This cake does come with a warning, however: you must have a severe sweet tooth to really like this cake...oh yeah, and like strawberries as well. Hope you enjoy!!

Triple-Decker Strawberry Cake

Yield

Makes 16 servings
Ingredients

* 1 (18.25-ounce) package white cake mix (I used Duncan Hines Moist Deluxe Classic White Cake Mix)
* 1 (3-ounce) package strawberry gelatin
* 4 large eggs
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries
* 1 cup vegetable oil
* 1/2 cup milk
* Strawberry Buttercream Frosting
* Garnish: whole strawberries

Preparation

Beat the cake mix and next 7 ingredients at low speed with an electric mixer 1 minute. Scrape down the sides, and beat at medium speed 2 more minutes, stopping to scrape down sides, if needed. (Strawberries should be well blended into batter.)

Pour batter into 3 greased and floured 9-inch cakepans.

Bake at 350° for 20-22 minutes or until cakes spring back when lightly pressed with a finger.

Cool in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes. Remove from pans; cool completely on wire racks.

Spread Strawberry Buttercream Frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake. Garnish, if desired. Serve immediately, or chill (covered) for a few days.

Strawberry Buttercream Frosting

Yield

Makes 2 1/2 cups
Ingredients

* 1 cup butter, softened
* 2 (16-ounce) packages powdered sugar, sifted
* 1 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries

Preparation

Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer 20 seconds or until fluffy. Add powdered sugar and chopped strawberries, beating at low speed until creamy. (Add more sugar if frosting is too thin, or add strawberries if too thick.)