# What You Need:
→ Vanilla Sponge
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
05 - 2 cups granulated sugar
06 - 4 large eggs, room temperature
07 - 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
08 - 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
→ Strawberry Buttercream
09 - 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
10 - 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
11 - 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
12 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
13 - Pinch of salt
→ White Chocolate Drip
14 - 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
15 - 1/4 cup heavy cream
→ Finishing Touches
16 - Assorted edible flowers (e.g., pansies, violets, marigolds)
17 - Fresh strawberries, halved (optional)
# Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
04 - Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
05 - Divide batter evenly among prepared pans. Smooth surface. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center yields a clean result.
06 - Let cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then release onto wire racks to cool completely.
07 - Beat butter until creamy and pale. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar. Mix in strawberry puree, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until smooth and fluffy. If mixture is too soft, refrigerate briefly.
08 - Place white chocolate and heavy cream in a heatproof bowl. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and glossy. Allow to cool to room temperature before use.
09 - Arrange one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread strawberry buttercream evenly. Continue with remaining layers, then cover entire cake with frosting. Chill assembled cake for 20 minutes.
10 - Pour cooled white chocolate drip around top edge of cake, allowing it to cascade down sides. Lightly smooth top.
11 - Garnish with edible flowers and fresh strawberries as desired for a festive finish.