Creating the Strawberry Pink Ombre Cake is a rewarding experience. Follow these steps to achieve the perfect cake:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.

5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

6. Add Strawberry Puree: Fold in the strawberry puree gently until fully incorporated. The batter should have a vibrant pink color.

7. Divide Batter: Divide the batter evenly into three bowls. Leave one bowl as is, and add a few drops of pink food coloring to the second bowl, mixing until you achieve a light pink color. Add more food coloring to the third bowl for a darker pink shade.

8. Bake: Pour each batter color into the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. Cool the Cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

10. Prepare the Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well. Add vanilla extract and enough heavy cream to achieve a smooth frosting consistency.

11. Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, place the darkest pink layer on a serving platter. Spread a layer of frosting on top. Add the medium pink layer, repeating the frosting process, and top with the light pink layer.

12. Frost the Sides: Use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake. Create an ombre effect by gradually blending the darker pink frosting into the lighter shade.

13. Decorate: Top the cake with fresh strawberries for a beautiful finish. You can also pipe additional frosting decorations if desired.

Following these steps will lead you to a stunning Strawberry Pink Ombre Cake that tastes as incredible as it looks!