Strawberry Cake from Scratch

I was going through my recipes the other day and came across this one.  It originated from All Recipes.  For my son's birthday last year he requested a strawberry "Sandman" cake and I believe from scratch is so much tastier than from a box (although a box is much more convenient!).  I frosted it with Cool Whip Cream Frosting (which was super yummy) and between the 2 layers of cake, I used some frosting and sliced fresh strawberries.  Since he wanted a Sandman cake, I sprinkled it with crushed vanilla wafers, but it would be oh so mighty tasty topped with the C.W.C frosting and fresh strawberries!  Mmm!

• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 (3 oz) pkg strawberry flavored gelatin
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 4 eggs (room temperature)
• 2 3/4 cups sifted cake flour
• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
• 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup strawberry puree made from frozen sweetened strawberries

Preheat the oven to 350°.  Grease and flour two 9" round cake pans.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and dry strawberry gelatin until light and fluffy.  Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.  Combine the flour and baking power; stir into the batter alternately with the milk.  Blend in vanilla and strawberry puree.  Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.

Bake for 25-30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a small knife inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.  Allow cakes to cool in their pans over a wire rack for at least 10 minutes, before tapping out to cool completely.

Serves 14.

Julie R.