Strawberry Cream Cheese Cake

Ingredients

• 150 g fresh whole strawberries (about 1 cup)
• 2 large eggs
• 200 g granulated sugar (1 cup)
• 80 ml vegetable oil (1/3 cup)
• 120 ml milk (1/2 cup)
• 120 g sour cream (1/2 cup)
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 220 g all-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 225 g soft butter (1 block, for the frosting)
• 4 oz soft cream cheese (1/2 block, for the frosting)
• 250 g icing sugar (for the frosting)
• 2 tbsp strawberry puree (for the frosting)

Instructions

1. Blend the strawberries in a blender or food processor until smooth.
2. Set aside 2 tbsp of the puree for the frosting later,use the rest for the cake.
3. Preheat the oven at 180C (350F) and line an 8x8in baking pan with parchment paper,
4. In a bowl whisk the eggs and the sugar vigorously until foamy , about 1-2 mins.
5. Add the oil, milk, sour cream, strawberry puree and vanilla. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
6. In a small bowl mix together the flour and the cornstarch. Then add this to the wet ingredients together with the baking powder and salt. Mix together gently until no lumps remain. **You can use a spatula to push down and break the lumps of flour. Or you can also sift the flour before adding to make this easier.
7. Transfer to the pan and bake for 22-27 mins or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool completely before frosting.
9. Using a hand or stand mixer, whisk together the butter, cream cheese, and the icing sugar on low until the icing sugar is incorporated.
10. Then add the 2 tbsp of puree and the food color if using, mix on medium speed until fluffy / almost double in size.
11. Assembly: spread the frosting on top of the cooled cake and decorate with more fresh strawberries