STRAWBERRY GRAND MARNIER CAKE

Steps:

• GOLDEN CAKE:.
• Preheat oven to 375°F Generously grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Line bottoms with waxed or parchment paper. Grease paper.
• In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking powder and salt.
• Beat sugar and butter in large bowl until light and fluffy.
• Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Add vanilla.
• Add flour and milk alternately, beginning and ending with flour, mixing on low speed.
• Bake in prepared pans for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes; invert onto cooling rack. Cool completely.
• GRAN MARNIER BRUSHING SYRUP.
• Stir together sugar and water. Bring to boil. Set aside. Cool. Add Grand Marnier.
• Using a pastry brush, soak cake thoroughly, at least twice with this syrup.
• WHITE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING.
• Cream butter and shortening with mixer.
• Add vanilla.
• Gradually add sugar, one cup at a time, beating on medium speed.
• Scrape sides and bottom of bowl often.
• When all sugar has been mixed in, icing will appear dry. Add milk or water and beat at medium speed until ready to use.
• FOR ASSEMBLY.
• Place one golden cake down.
• Spread a layer of Smucker's Strawberry Preserves on cake.
• Spread layer of buttercream icing on top of preserves.
• Add second cake layer on top.
• Frost with remaining buttercream frosting.
• Decorate as desired.