Hidden Heart Strawberry Bundt Cake

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
• On a cutting board, slice the ends off the pound cakes, then slice the cakes to the same thickness as the heart-shaped cookie cutter.
• Cut the centers out of the slices of pound cake with the cookie cutter. Set the hearts aside and discard the scraps or save for another use.
• In a large bowl, cream the butter, sugar, and salt with an electric hand mixer for 4 minutes, or until fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.
• Add the vanilla and eggs, 1 at a time, beating to incorporate before adding the next. Scrape down the sides of the bowl again.
• Sift in the flour and baking soda, then fold to incorporate a bit with a rubber spatula.
• Continue mixing with the electric hand mixer, streaming in the milk and beating until just incorporated. Add the strawberry puree and beat to combine.
• Grease a bundt pan with nonstick spray.
• Add 2 cups of cake batter to the bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place the pound cake heart cut-outs around the pan, points up, submerging in the batter by about ½ inch (1 ¼ cm.) Add the rest of the batter, then gently tap the pan against the counter 2-3 times to release any air bubbles.
• Bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Let the cake cool for 30 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
• Make the vanilla simple syrup: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the water, sugar, and vanilla. Cook until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture reaches a gentle boil. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.
• Make the white chocolate ganache: In a medium bowl, pour the heavy cream over the white chocolate chips. Whisk until completely smooth.
• Using a skewer, poke holes all over the cake, then brush with the vanilla simple syrup.
• Pour the white chocolate ganache over the cake. Decorate with sprinkles.
• Slice the cake to reveal the hidden hearts, then serve.
• Enjoy!