Strawberry Nesquik® Layer Cake

1 . Stage

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round layer cake pans.

2 . Stage

Cream sugar, butter, and strawberry powder together for cake until smooth and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add separated egg yolks 1 at a time, beating after each addition. Add vanilla extract and red food coloring. Beat until color is consistent.

3 . Stage

Blend together flour, baking powder, and 1 pinch salt together in a separate bowl.

4 . Stage

Add flour mixture to the creamed mixture in 3 batches, alternating with milk and blending after each addition. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl. Beat batter for 1 minute more.

5 . Stage

Beat egg whites and remaining pinch of salt together in a separate bowl using a mixer with a whip attachment until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in whipped egg whites until smooth and consistent. Pour batter into the prepared cake pans.

6 . Stage

Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of the layers comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for 15 to 30 minutes. Flip cakes out and invert onto the wire rack to cool to room temperature.

7 . Stage

While the cake layers are cooling, combine cold heavy cream and confectioner's sugar in a clean mixing bowl. Whisk until cream begins to thicken and soft peaks form. Add pudding mix slowly while continuing to whisk; filling should be thick (almost dry) at this time. Add milk until mixture has a thick, smooth consistency. Fold in strawberries. Set filling aside.

8 . Stage

Beat cream cheese, butter, and shortening together in a mixing bowl using an electric mixer until creamy. Scrape down the bowl and add confectioner's sugar. Blend until smooth. Set frosting aside.

9 . Stage

Spread filling between the cooled cake layers. Frost the cake and decorate as desired.