Homemade Strawberry Cake

Name: Homemade Strawberry Cake
Prep time: 1 h 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 and 1/2 cups (285g) sifted cake flour (spoon & leveled)*; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup (1.5 sticks; 170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 1 and 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar; 5 large egg whites, at room temperature; 1/3 cup (75g) sour cream or plain yogurt, at room temperature; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, at room temperature*; 1/2 cup reduced strawberry puree (see note)*; optional: 1-2 drops red or pink food coloring; 1 cup (10-12g) freeze-dried strawberries*; one 8-ounce block full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature; 1/2 cup (1 stick; 115g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 3 cups (360g) confectioners’ sugar; 1-2 Tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; salt, to taste