Strawberry Cake with Mascarpone Buttercream

INGREDIENTS

3 oz

freeze-dried strawberries (approx. 4.5 cups *)

2 1/2 cups

all-purpose flour

1/2 cup

freeze-dried strawberry powder

2 1/2 tsp

baking powder

1/2 tsp

salt

3/4 cup

unsalted butter (room temperature)

1 1/2 cups

granulated sugar

large eggs (room temperature)

1 1/2 tsp

vanilla

1 1/2 cups

milk (room temperature)

1 1/2 cups

unsalted butter (room temperature)

6 oz

mascarpone cheese

4 cups

powdered sugar

1 tbsp

heavy whipping cream

1 tsp

vanilla

1/4 cup

freeze-dried strawberry powder (more if desired)

large fresh strawberries (thinly sliced)

freeze-dried strawberries (finely chopped, optional)

thyme sprigs (optional)