Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk

For the Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups (500g) powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp milk or heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Decoration:

• Fresh strawberries
• Powdered sugar

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cake Batter:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
   • In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
   • Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Start and end with the dry mixture.

2. Bake:

   • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Make the Buttercream Frosting:

   • Beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well. Add the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk or cream. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.

4. Assemble the Cake:

   • Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of buttercream on top. Add the second cake layer and frost the entire cake with the remaining buttercream.

5. Decorate:

   • Arrange fresh strawberries on top of the cake and dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.

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Enjoy your homemade masterpiece!