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Ingredients

For the Vanilla Cake:

• 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour

• 2 ½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened

• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar

• 4 large eggs, room temperature

• 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract

• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, room temperature

For the Filling:

• 2 cups (300g) mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)

• 3 tbsp granulated sugar

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Frosting:

• 2 cups (480ml) heavy whipping cream, cold

• ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Decoration:

• 2–3 cups assorted fresh berries

• Fresh mint leaves (optional)

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Instructions

1. Make the Cake Layers:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch (20cm) round cake pans with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).

4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.

5. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.

6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.

7. Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool completely.

2. Prepare the Berry Filling:

1. In a bowl, combine the berries, sugar, and lemon juice. Toss gently and let sit for 10–15 minutes to release juices.

3. Whip the Cream:

1. In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.

4. Assemble the Cake:

1. Place the first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thin layer of whipped cream, then spoon over some berry mixture.

2. Repeat with the second cake layer, whipped cream, and berries.

3. Place the final cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream.

5. Decorate:

1. Pile fresh berries generously on top of the cake. Add mint leaves if desired.

2. Chill for at least 1 hour before slicing to help it set.

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💡 Tip: For extra flavor, brush the cake layers with a light sugar syrup infused with vanilla before frosting.