-
1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
-
2
Place sliced strawberries in a food processor.
-
3
Process till smooth.
-
4
Lightly spoon flour into measuring cups.
-
5
Combine flour, baking powder and salt, stirring with a whisk.
-
6
Place sugar and butter in a bowl.
-
7
Beat with a mixer at medium speed until well-blended.
-
8
Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
-
9
Beat in egg whites.
-
10
Add flour mixture and buttermilk alternately to sugar mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture.
-
11
Add pureed strawberries and food coloring; beat until just blended.
-
12
Divide batter between 2 8-inch round cake pans greased with cooking spray.
-
13
(used shortening--I don't like the residue from the spray on my pans).
-
14
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes until a toothpick in center comes out clean.
-
15
Remove from pans, and cool completely on wire racks.
-
16
To prepare frosting, place cream cheese, 1/3 cup butter, and liqueur in a medium bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until blended.
-
17
Gradually add powdered sugar, and beat just until blended.
-
18
Place 1 cake layer on a plate, spread with 1/2 cup frosting.
-
19
Top with remaining cake layer.
-
20
Spread remaining frosting over top and sides of cake.
-
21
Cut 1 whole strawberry into thin slices, cutting to, but not through the stem.
-
22
Fan strawberry on top of cake just before serving.
-
23
Cut remaining strawberries in half.
-
24
Garnish cake with the halves, if desired.