Rich White Cake With Strawberry Frosting

One of my favorite cakes that I've been making for many years! Happy to share!

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Yields: 1 cake

Ingredients

• Cake

• 1⁄2 cup butter, softened
• 1⁄2 cup shortening
• 2  cups sugar
• 2⁄3 cup water
• 2⁄3 cup milk
• 3  cups  sifted flour, sift first, then measure
• 1  tablespoon baking powder
• 1  teaspoon baking powder
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 2  teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1  teaspoon  almond extract
• 6  egg whites

• Strawberry Frosting

• 2 1⁄4 cups  whole frozen unsweetened strawberries, thawed in strainer
• 1  cup sugar
• 2  egg whites
• 1  dash salt, half of an 1/8 tsp

• Garnish

• 1  whole fresh strawberries

Directions

1. Cream butter and shortening, gradually add sugar, beating well on medium speed.
2. Combine water and milk in small bowl, set aside.
3. Combine flour, baking powder and salt, add to creamed mixture alternately with milk mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture.
4. Stir in flavorings.
5. Beat egg whites, (at room temp.), til stiff peaks form.
6. Gently fold into batter.
7. Pour batter into 3 greased and floured 9" round cake pans.
8. Bake at 350º for 20 minutes, or til toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
9. Cool in pans 10 minutes, remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks.
10. Spread frosting between layers, sides and top of cake.
11. Garnish with whole strawberries if desired.
12. Strawberry frosting:.
13. Thaw berries, place in a strainer.
14. Slightly mash, and let drain to measure 2/3 cup strawberry pulp.
15. Combine pulp and remaining ingredients in top of double-boiler, place over boiling water.
16. Beat at high speed for 7 minutes.
17. Remove from heat.
18. Makes enough frosting for a 3-layer cake.