If you have a soft spot for everything strawberry, you are absolutely going to fall head over heels for this Best Strawberry Cake Ever Recipe. It is a delightful celebration of juicy, sweet strawberries baked into a tender, fluffy cake layered with luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a craving for something fruity and festive, this cake balances classic flavors with a fresh twist that makes every bite feel like summer on your plate. The rich frosting and moist cake come together so perfectly, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this recipe in your baking arsenal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this cake lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients, each playing an essential role. From the white cake mix providing the perfect base, to the strawberry gelatin and pureed berries adding vibrant flavor and color, every item is key in creating that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- White cake mix (18.25 ounces): The foundation for a soft, fluffy cake with consistent rise and texture.
- Large eggs (4): Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the batter.
- Strawberry-flavored instant gelatin (3 ounces): Boosts intense strawberry flavor and imparts a lovely pink hue.
- Frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed and pureed (15 ounces): Adds natural sweetness, fruity tang, and moisture to the cake batter.
- Water (1/4 cup): Balances moisture for the perfect batter consistency.
- Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Keeps the cake tender and moist without a greasy feel.
- Confectioners’ sugar (7 cups): Essential for the silky, smooth frosting that melts on your tongue.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces), softened: Creates a rich, tangy frosting that complements the strawberry sweetness.
- Butter (1/4 cup), softened: Adds creaminess and helps the frosting whip up perfectly.
- Frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed and pureed (10 ounces) for frosting: Enhances the frosting with fresh strawberry flavor and gorgeous color.
- Strawberry extract (1/2 teaspoon): Amplifies the strawberry aroma making every bite more irresistible.
- Fresh strawberries, for decoration: Provides a beautiful and fresh finishing touch that pairs perfectly with the cake.
How to Make Best Strawberry Cake Ever Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans so your cakes can come out easily once baked. Setting up your pans well ensures an even bake and effortlessly smooth removal—simple prep that pays off big.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix and strawberry-flavored gelatin with the pureed strawberries. Then add the eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to blend everything into a smooth, homogenous batter. This step is where the flavors start to come alive, and beating well guarantees a consistent texture that bakes up wonderfully soft.
Step 3: Bake
Divide your batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake them for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center, and you notice the edges slightly pulling away from the pan. This perfect timing makes sure the cake is moist but fully cooked through.
Step 4: Cool the Cakes
Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes. Then, carefully run a knife around the edges and invert them onto wire racks to cool completely. Cooling is essential before frosting so your frosting doesn’t melt, keeping the layers clean and your cake picture-perfect.
Step 5: Prepare the Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until creamy and smooth. Mix in the strawberry puree and strawberry extract thoroughly. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, beating until the frosting becomes thick, smooth, and easily spreadable. This frosting is the luscious heart of the Best Strawberry Cake Ever Recipe, with its satisfying balance of tang and sweet.
Step 6: Frost the Cakes
Once the cake layers are fully cooled, spread a generous layer of frosting between them. Then cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. This layer of strawberry cream cheese frosting ties the cake together beautifully, making every bite a creamy little dream.
Step 7: Garnish
For an elegant and inviting finish, decorate the top with fresh strawberries. These add not only a burst of color but also a fresh contrast in texture, making your cake as stunning to look at as it is to eat.
How to Serve Best Strawberry Cake Ever Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh strawberries are the classic choice to garnish this cake. You can also add a few mint leaves or edible flowers for a whimsical touch. These garnishes enhance the flavor without overpowering the cake’s delicate strawberry essence.
Side Dishes
A scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a cup of hot tea are fantastic companions to this cake. They bring a comforting balance and make your strawberry experience even more memorable.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this cake on a rustic wooden board for a charming, casual vibe, or plate individual slices with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or balsamic glaze for a sophisticated twist that elevates your dessert presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cake covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Stored properly, it will stay moist and delicious for up to 4 days, perfect for enjoying leftovers without compromise.
Freezing
This cake freezes well if wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. For best results, freeze unfrosted layers separately. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and assembling for a freshly baked taste any day.
Reheating
Since this is a frosted cake, it’s best served chilled or at room temperature rather than reheated. If you prefer, allow slices to come to room temp before eating to fully enjoy the creamy frosting and tender crumb.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh strawberries can be pureed just like frozen. Keep in mind fresh berries might have a slightly different water content, so adjust the liquids if your batter seems too thin.
Is it necessary to use strawberry gelatin in the batter?
While not essential, the strawberry gelatin adds an extra boost of strawberry flavor and gives the cake a lovely pink color that really makes the Best Strawberry Cake Ever Recipe stand out.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
You can definitely substitute the white cake mix with a gluten-free version and ensure the gelatin and other ingredients are gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How long should I chill the cake before serving?
Chilling for at least 1-2 hours helps the frosting set nicely, making the cake easier to cut and enhancing the flavors.
Can I make cupcakes instead of a layer cake?
Yes! The batter works wonderfully for cupcakes. Just reduce baking time to about 18-20 minutes and adjust frosting accordingly. They make adorable, individual treats.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Best Strawberry Cake Ever Recipe that makes it a standout dessert you’ll want to bake again and again. From the irresistibly moist cake layers to the tangy-sweet frosting and fresh strawberry accents, every step is a joy that ends in something simply unforgettable. So gather your ingredients, embrace a little kitchen magic, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of pure strawberry happiness!
Print
Best Strawberry Cake Ever Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Best Strawberry Cake Ever combines a moist white cake infused with strawberry gelatin and pureed strawberries, layered and frosted with a luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting. Perfectly sweet and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, it’s an ideal dessert for gatherings, celebrations, or any strawberry lover’s cravings.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box white cake mix (18.25 ounces)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 box strawberry-flavored instant gelatin (3 ounces)
- 1 package frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed and pureed (15 ounces)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
Frosting
- 7 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 package cream cheese (8 ounces), softened
- 1/4 cup softened butter
- 1 package frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed and pureed (10 ounces)
- 1/2 teaspoon strawberry extract
- Fresh strawberries, for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal after baking.
- Mix the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, strawberry-flavored gelatin, pureed strawberries, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until the batter is smooth and homogenous.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the edges pull away from the sides.
- Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edges and gently invert onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the pureed strawberries and strawberry extract, mixing well. Gradually blend in the confectioners’ sugar, beating until the frosting is thick, smooth, and spreadable.
- Frost the Cakes: Once the cakes are fully cooled, spread a generous layer of strawberry cream cheese frosting between the layers, then cover the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
- Garnish (Optional): Decorate the frosted cake with fresh strawberries for an elegant finishing touch.
- Serve and Enjoy: For best results, chill the cake before slicing and serving. Enjoy with whipped cream, ice cream, or a cup of tea for pure strawberry bliss!
Notes
- Ensure cakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Use fresh or thawed frozen strawberries for best flavor in the frosting and decoration.
- Chill the finished cake for at least 1 hour for easier slicing.
- Adjust sweetness by moderating confectioners’ sugar in the frosting to your preference.
- Leftover cake can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
