For the cake:
- 2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter (one stick)
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 3/4 cup pureed strawberries
For the swiss meringue buttercream:
- 2 egg whites
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks)
- 1/2 cup pureed strawberries
- 1/4 cup finely chopped basil