Strawberries and Cream Cake

INGREDIENTS

1 cup

unsalted butter (at room temperature)

2 cups

white granulated sugar

large eggs

2 tsp

freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 cups

+ 3 tablespoons white flour

5 tbsp

cornstarch

3 tbsp

strawberry jell-o mix, (dry (not prepared))

1/2 tsp

baking soda

1/4 tsp

salt

1 cup

buttermilk ((or milk mixed with lemon juice--check notes))

Optional: 3-4 drops red food coloring

2/3 cup

finely diced fresh strawberries

1/2 cup

unsalted butter (softened)

package (8 ounces) full-fat cream cheese (at room temperature, don't use low fat)

2 tsp

pure vanilla extract (OR 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste)

to 4 cups powdered sugar (depending on desired consistency; I usually use 3 cups)

1/4 tsp

fine sea salt

and 1/2 cups sliced strawberries

and 1/2 tablespoons white granulated sugar