Strawberry Jam Cake

(Courtesy of Taste of Home)

Ingredients:
1 c. butter, softened
1 3/4 c. sugar
5 egg whites
2 c. pureed strawberries
1/2 c. sour cream
1 tsp. strawberry extract
3 c. cake flour
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
FROSTING:
1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
1/4 c. butter, softened
3 1/4 c. confectioners' sugar
1/4 c. pureed strawberries
1/2 tsp. strawberry extract
1 c. seedless strawberry jam, divided
Sliced fresh strawberries, optional

Directions:
Grease and flour three 9 inch round baking pans; set aside.

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Add egg whites, one at a time, beating well after each addition.  Beat in the strawberries, sour cream and extract.  Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to the creamed mixture.  Transfer batter to prepared pans.

Bake at 350 degrees for 22-26 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.  Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

For frosting, in a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy.  Add the confectioners' sugar, strawberries and extract; beat until smooth.

Place bottom cake layer on a serving plate; top with 1/2 c. jam and 1/2 c. frosting.  Repeat layers.  Top with remaining cake layer.  Spread remaining frosting over top and sides of cake.  Garnish with sliced strawberries if desired.