# What You'll Need:
→ Vanilla Cake
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
05 - 2 cups granulated sugar
06 - 4 large eggs, room temperature
07 - 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
08 - 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
→ Strawberry Frosting
09 - 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
10 - 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
11 - 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
12 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
13 - Pinch of salt
→ White Chocolate Drip
14 - 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
15 - 1/4 cup heavy cream
→ Decoration
16 - Assorted edible flowers (such as pansies, violets, marigolds)
17 - Fresh strawberries, halved (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease three 8-inch round cake pans and line the bases with parchment paper.
02 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly blended.
03 - Using an electric mixer, beat butter and granulated sugar together for 3 to 4 minutes until pale and fluffy.
04 - Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in pure vanilla extract.
05 - Add the dry mixture and whole milk alternately to the batter, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix briefly until just combined.
06 - Divide batter equally among prepared pans. Smooth surfaces. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
07 - Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer to wire racks and cool completely.
08 - Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar. Mix in strawberry puree, vanilla, and salt. Beat until smooth and fluffy. If buttercream is soft, chill briefly.
09 - Combine white chocolate and heavy cream in a heatproof bowl. Microwave in 20-second increments, stirring until smooth. Allow to cool to room temperature.
10 - On a serving plate, place first cake layer. Spread with frosting. Repeat with remaining layers and cover the entire cake with frosting. Chill for 20 minutes.
11 - Pour cooled white chocolate drip along cake's top edge, letting it run gently down the sides. Smooth top with an offset spatula.
12 - Finish with assorted edible flowers and halved fresh strawberries as desired.
