Getting fresh…
About a month ago, I went to a birthday party for Jessie (for both her and her blog) of Cakespy. If you don’t visit Cakespy, you should. Jessie makes the cutest illustrations of cupcakes that you ever did see. And speaking of cute, Jessie is about as adorable as a person can possibly be! Seriously. She also is the size of my leg. Apparently every time she eats a cupcake the calories get sent to my thighs, not hers. 
It was of course held at a cupcake shop (Cupcake Royale). While we were there we were served 3 mini cupcakes. One of those cupcakes was a white cupcake with fresh strawberry buttercream frosting. Wow that was good. So good I needed to take the larger version home. Since I only bought one it was gone before I knew it. And darn it, I wanted more! The drive down to Seattle seemed a bit much just to get a cupcake (though it was contemplated) so I decided to do the next best thing, make my own. My muffin pan was dirty, so I made a layer cake (gosh I am lazy, just wash the stupid pan Peabody).
I did not go for fancy with this cake. I wanted a real homemade feel to it, so I made my frosting on the thin side so it could drip down the sides. The frosting at the cupcake place was thicker. If you want thicker you can just add more powdered sugar.
Little Fuzzy Bunny was born in Snohomish, WA. Mostly consisting of farmland but with new construction moving in, LFB can be considered a small town rabbit. With small town values.
At only 5 months old, LFB provides youth to the ticket. Even at this young age, she has already faced adversity, currently dealing with the possible loss of her eye. Last week as many of you know LFB was told she had a 50/50 chance of losing her eye and would most likely be blind in the eye if it could be saved. This past Monday at her check up we are please to announce that she now has a greater chance of keeping the eye than losing it. She also has regained some eyesight in it which they are very excited about. She is not out of the woods just yet, so your thoughts and prayers would still be appreciated.
Since LFB is on the mend be sure to look for the Fluff ticket to be covering the issues in the coming blog posts.
P.S. Our campaign manager (my dad) says we might be up to $5 in contributions…go us. 
(We are CCS and LFB, and we support this blog post)
Classic White Cake with Fresh Strawberry Buttercream Frosting
White Cake
1 cup whole milk, room temperature
6 egg whites
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups cake flour
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter (6 oz), softened
Preheat oven to 350 F.
Grease two 9 inch cake pans with vegetable shortening, line the bottom with parchment paper, grease the parchment paper and flour the pans.
Combine milk, eggs whites and extract in a small bowl with a fork. Set aside.
Combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in an electric mixer and mix at slow speed with a paddle attachment. Add butter. Continue beating at slow speed until mixture looks like wet sand (If you’re doing this by hand, sift the dry ingredients together and rub in butter).
Add all but 1/2 cup of milk mixture and beat at medium speed for 1 1/2 minutes. Add remaining milk mixture and beat for an additional 30 seconds, scraping the sides of the bowl if necessary. Do not overmix.
Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and gently shake to smooth batter. Bake 30-35 minutes, until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let cakes cool in the pans for 15 minutes then invert onto racks to cool completely before frosting. Unfrosted cakes can be frozen for 1-2 weeks.
Serves 12-16.
Adapted from Baking Bites.com
Fresh Strawberry Buttercream Frosting
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
4 cups (may need more or less) powdered sugar, sifted
1 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries
1 tsp vanilla extract
Beat butter and 1 cup powdered sugar on medium speed for 1 minute.
Add vanilla and strawberries and beat for 1 minute.
Adding 1 cup at a time, add the remaining powdered sugar. You may find that you need less than 4 cups or more than 4 cups depending on the consistancy of the frosting you are going for. I wanted mine to drip down the sides so I went with less sugar.
57 Responses
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September 17th, 2008 at 12:28 am
Your cake looks so delicious! I love the colour of the frosting, it looks so fresh and summery.
September 17th, 2008 at 1:07 am
Delicious! I love the buttercream! That last picture is vicious ;-P!
Cheers,
Rosa
September 17th, 2008 at 2:48 am
I’m sure LFB wouldn’t approve, but she looks so sexy in the second pic, all sleek and black. I love the cake, I’m glad it only calls for a cup of strawberries, as those can get expensive here!
September 17th, 2008 at 3:54 am
Looks yummy and I’m SOO happy to hear the LFB is doing better than before. Hoping for a full recovery! -K
September 17th, 2008 at 4:00 am
I will vote for the CCS & LFB ticket. The eyes of CCS are adorable—I imagine they are saying “Pick me because I’m the cutest candidate!”
I might try the cupcake idea for a treat at my office. The cake looks beautiful with just a single strawberry on top.
Question: You mentioned that the watermelon banner on top might disappear. Is that still happening?
September 17th, 2008 at 4:26 am
That cake is so pretty! I love the oozy pink strawberry frosting – YUM!
September 17th, 2008 at 4:42 am
That cake!!! So colorful, fun, and scrumptious.
Hooray for your bunny and dog
September 17th, 2008 at 4:47 am
The cake looks so good! I can almost taste it and really wish I could have a slice for breakfast this morning!
Just had to say that I saw Bon Appetit yesterday at the store and it looks even worse in person! I would guess it is going to be their lowest welling issue ever.
September 17th, 2008 at 4:48 am
Oooh I love the picture of the piece with a bite missing! That lovely pink strawberry frosting sounds to die for.
September 17th, 2008 at 5:05 am
This looks fabulous! It looks so pretty with the pink frosting. My husband often requests desserts like this, so I’ll have to keep it in mind.
September 17th, 2008 at 5:13 am
Ah, cravings. They can be powerful masters! Love the retro look and, in case you are wondering, I also have the problem of attracting the calories that my skinny friends consume. It’s a cruel punishment!
September 17th, 2008 at 5:53 am
Ah! Super cute cake and bunny. I love the mini leash!
September 17th, 2008 at 6:02 am
How refreshing! And let me wipe my drool off my keyboard
!
September 17th, 2008 at 6:35 am
Sooo glad to hear LFB is on the mend. Thanks for the update and back story
oh PS: cake looks pretty awesome, too.
September 17th, 2008 at 6:37 am
Such great color on that strawberry icing! Cupcake Royale does have lovely cupcakes! Incredible selection.
Great ticket!
Delightful about the improving eye site!!
September 17th, 2008 at 7:04 am
aawwww glad to hear that LFB is doing better. You know me. I have a soft spot for bunnies. I told my fuzzy pair to think good thoughts for you and LFB. Cake looks delish!
/Clara
September 17th, 2008 at 7:19 am
I’m a cake/chocolate person and my husband is a pie/fruit person. This might be a good compromise dessert. =) Looks delicious!
September 17th, 2008 at 7:28 am
Awww…what a cute bunny. Love how she’s on a leash outside with her jacket on. Glad she’s doing better. The cake looks delicious too!
September 17th, 2008 at 7:32 am
Oh. My. Goodness!! The cake looks wonderful–and the frosting to die for. So glad you went for it–that frosting was so delicious, and it looks like you’ve taken it to the next level!
I wish Falafel (our guinea pig) could have a play date with LFB–our little guy too had a scare of losing an eye!
September 17th, 2008 at 8:27 am
the cake looks so pretty and delicious! and CCS and LFB are adorable
September 17th, 2008 at 8:36 am
Man, I was so bummed to have to miss Jesse’s party! I was out of town : (
That cake looks so delicious- So pretty! And I’m lovong the “campaign spots” on your blog.
September 17th, 2008 at 9:02 am
I am always on the lookout for more strawberry recipes!! Beautiful cake!
September 17th, 2008 at 9:29 am
you. just. made. my. day.
September 17th, 2008 at 9:43 am
this cake looks so delicious i can hardly stand it!
September 17th, 2008 at 10:28 am
Your cake is so cute!
Can you believe I’m actually familiar with Snohomish, WA? I’m glad LFB’s eye is doing better!
September 17th, 2008 at 10:44 am
My in laws are still getting strawberries out of their garden, and they brought us some last week. Now I’m wishing we wouldn’t have just eaten all of them!
September 17th, 2008 at 11:40 am
The cake looks amazing, especially the buttercream! I keep coming back to drool over the pictures. I should just set one as my desktop wallpaper.
September 17th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Man, that is lazy! But I think the resulting cake is a good payoff for the laziness. Glad to hear your bunny is getting better. If kisses and cuddles would help in the therapy, my daughter will happily volunteer.
September 17th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Looks good.
September 17th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
I’m all for this ticket!! I’ve been keeping an eye on your posts, but not always in position to comment. It’s catch up time. I love the furball ticket! LOVE THEM. (That cake looks delicious too, but what was I saying??) LOVE THE FURRY TICKET!!
September 17th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Pea, I have never had anything like this buttercream – it looks beautiful (I’m a sucker for pink food, how girlie of me) and must taste amazing, I love strawberries.
As for the cake, I have made this white cake several times, with the many different icings and fillings (including rolled fondant) and it works and tastes wonderful.
September 17th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
That’s such a gorgeous icing color!!! Much better than a cupcake if you ask me, big is better in my gluton world!
I adore your pets! They’re so cute!
September 17th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Good to hear LFB is doing better and has a better chance now. Thank goodness!
Of course this cake is stunning, all your cakes are perfect my dear. I love how perfect your bite out of the cake it.
That icing color is glorious.
September 17th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
I used to have a bunny years ago. Two in fact. So cute. And that cake…you are so going to get me to actually bake a cake one of these days aren’t you?
September 17th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
Hi Peabody
I have awarded you a prize for inspiring me to start blogging!
http://weetreatsbytammy.blogspot.com/2008/09/happy-blog-day-to-me-and-cupcake-hero.html
Tammy
September 17th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
I am so glad LFB is feeling better
September 17th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
That looks simply DELICIOUS!!! My favorite cake when I was little was strawberry and that frosting reminds me of the one on that cake…except mine was even thinner! I need to make that cake sometime…a little late now, huh?
September 17th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
I have been making a delish strawberry cake for years, but I always serve it with cream cheese frosting. I’m going to try this one, for something new. Looks yummy!
So glad LFB is doing better. Seeing her makes me miss my old black bunny- Bito. He died two years ago
September 18th, 2008 at 1:19 am
I’ll join CCS & LFB…I support your blog post totally. Great cake, great flavours…& the cutest companions!
September 18th, 2008 at 2:05 am
Oh, the bunny leash…! I’m dying of cuteness, oh my goodness.
September 18th, 2008 at 2:46 am
what wonderful and encouraging news about your furry friend! and your cake is simple and spectacular–you definitely wouldn’t be getting any complaints from me.
September 18th, 2008 at 4:12 am
Oh does that cake look good. I’m sure it is delicious..
September 18th, 2008 at 4:13 am
I do believe that is the pinkest cake I’ve ever seen! And, not being a baker, of course I never knew there was such a thing as strawberry butter cream frosting….
September 18th, 2008 at 8:08 am
What a beautiful pink cake!! I love strawberries!! Cute puppies too!
September 18th, 2008 at 9:15 am
Your cake is awesome – it definitely looks like the kind I just want to eat and eat – oh, and I’m pretty sure I would have done the same thing and not just washed the muffin pan LOL! I’m SO glad to hear LFB is mending!! We will continue to send our good thought your way.
September 19th, 2008 at 11:46 am
Hah – a rabbit on a lead!
Shouldn’t laugh really :p
September 19th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
Glorious birthday cake Pea…but then you know I’m a nut about birthdays.
As far as your darling bunny’s eye, do all you can. Our cat lost his eye (damaged in a cat fight) but we still had a goodly number of wonderful years with him. All pets are special and LFB sounds like a very special one.
September 20th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
This looks sooooo yummy. The icing is different than any I have ever seen. Definitely going to try this. Your furry babies are precious!
September 22nd, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Mmm…that’s bringing back memories of a fresh berry buttercream I made for someone — totally yummy! How great that you got to meet Jessie. I’d certainly love to have the knack of having my sweets go to someone else’s thigh, I tell you!
I had a cat who lost a cornea in an accident with a car, and they left his eye in instead of removing it and sewing it up. He did just fine and enjoyed quite a life years afterward. But I’ll keep your cute bunny in my thoughts….
September 22nd, 2008 at 9:37 pm
mmmm i love strawberries. i’m amazed at how bright and pink it is, with no food coloring…
September 27th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Love the pink and green contrast. I made strawberry cupcakes with strawberry icing, so I know just where you are coming from. Oh heaven!
I laughed out loud about her calories going to your thighs. I know just how you feel there as well!
September 28th, 2008 at 12:18 am
that cake looks UH-MAY-ZING. yum.
and a bunny on a leash, omg! cute!
October 28th, 2008 at 11:58 am
[...] This weeks TWD pick ( by Clara of I Heart Food4Thought) was Chocolate-Chocolate Cupcakes, which I made into a cake. Well, half a cake. I used the Chocolate cupcake batter as well as basic white cake batter and swirled them together. I topped it with the chocolate glaze that was also the TWD pick. My only beef was that there was SOOOO not enough glaze. Hello Dorie, we people in the states love our frosting and glazes. I doubled it and could have easily made more. If you would like the recipe for the Chocolate-Chocolate Cupcakes go here. If you want the white cake recipe go here. [...]
October 31st, 2008 at 1:55 am
Everything about this post is cute. Bunny, strawberry cake, doggie.
Fingers crossed for the bunny and her eye.
May 9th, 2009 at 8:11 am
A couple weeks ago I bought some fresh strawberries and was trying to think of something different to make with them. I thought,,,,oohh, I’ll look at Culinary Concoctions and see if you have anything, and this fit the bill. This was so delicious! I’m making another one today. Slurp.
July 3rd, 2009 at 10:55 am
Hi Peabody. I just used your fresh strawberry buttercream icing on my onw cupcakes and it was delicious! I have some left over and what I don’t eat with a spoon I may try on some graham crackers! I’ll post the pics on my blog when I get a chance. Have a looksy. My blog needs some peps.
Thanks for the recipe.
July 7th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
[...] How to Eat a Cupcake – I’m still searching for the perfect vanilla cupcake… 2. White Cake with Fresh Strawberry Buttercream from Peabody – again, strawberries are in season and how awesome does this cake look?!? 1. [...]