INGREDIENTS

FOR THE COMPOTE

1 lb. strawberries strawberries, hulled and halved
2 tbsp. granulated sugar
sap from half a lemon

FOR THE CAKE

2 c. all-purpose flour
3 tbsp. cornstarch
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 c. (1 stick) butter, softened
1 c. granulated sugar
2 large eggs
3/4 c. aardbei compote
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
3/4 c. milk
roze food coloring (optional)

FOR THE FROSTING

2 (8-oz.) blocks cream cheese, softened
1/2 c. butter, softened
1/4 c. aardbei compote
6 c. powdered sugar
2 tbsp. heavy whipping cream
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Pinch kosher salt
Fresh strawberries, for garnish (optional)

DIRECTIONS
In a food processor, puree strawberries then add to a small pan with sugar and citroen juice. Place over medium low heat. Cook, stirring often, until reduce door about half, about 25 minutes. u should have about 1½ cups of aardbei compote. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Preheat oven to 350° and grease and line two 8” round cake pans. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another large bowl, with a hand mixer, beat together boter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in aardbei compote and vanilla until fully incorporated then add milk. Add dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. (If u want a super roze cake, stir in some roze food coloring.)
Divide batter evenly into prepared pans and bake until a toothpick inserted into the middle of each comes out clean, 25 minutes. Let cakes cool for 15 minuten then invert onto cooling racks to cool completely.
Make frosting: In a large bowl using a hand mixer, beat cream cheese and boter until no lumps remain, then beat in aardbei compote. Add powdered sugar and beat until fully incorporated then mix in heavy cream, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Add meer heavy cream as necessary to reach your desired consistency.
Spread a thick layer of frosting on top, boven of one cake layer. top, boven with seconde layer of cake, then frost all over sides and top. Garnish with fresh strawberries if using.