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: 1 pound (454g) fresh strawberries, rinsed and hulled; 2 and 1/2 cups (285g) cake flour (spooned & leveled); 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 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 step 1); optional: 1–2 drops red or pink food coloring; 1 cup (about 25g) freeze-dried strawberries*; 8 ounces (226g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature; 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 3 cups (360g) confectioners’ sugar; 1–2 Tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; salt, to taste