The Best Strawberry Cake Ever

Name: The Best Strawberry Cake Ever
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box white cake mix (18.25 ounces); 1 box strawberry-flavored instant gelatin (3 ounces); 1 package frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed and pureed (15 ounces); 4 large eggs; ½ cup vegetable oil; ¼ cup water; ¼ cup butter, softened; 1 package cream cheese, softened (8 ounces); ½ teaspoon strawberry extract; 7 cups confectioners’ sugar; Freshly sliced strawberries for garnish (optional)

There’s something truly magical about a strawberry cake; the sweet aroma fills the air, the vibrant pink hue brightens any gathering, and each slice brings a burst of fruity goodness. This recipe for The Best Strawberry Cake Ever ensures you capture all the delightful flavors and comforting textures you crave. With a moist cake base infused with fresh strawberry puree and a creamy frosting that takes it over the top, this cake is perfect for birthdays, picnics, or simply a sweet treat to share with loved ones. The beautiful presentation, garnished with fresh strawberries, makes it a showstopper for any occasion.

Ingredients

1 box white cake mix (18.25 ounces): The base of the cake for a light and fluffy texture.
1 box strawberry-flavored instant gelatin (3 ounces): Adds a lovely strawberry flavor and vibrant color.
1 package frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed and pureed (15 ounces): Puree enhances the cake’s moisture and flavor.
4 large eggs: Provides structure and richness.
½ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
¼ cup water: Helps achieve the right batter consistency.
¼ cup butter, softened: Adds richness to the cake.
1 package cream cheese, softened (8 ounces): Forms the base of the creamy frosting.
½ teaspoon strawberry extract: Enhances the strawberry flavor in the frosting.
7 cups confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for a perfect spread.
Freshly sliced strawberries for garnish (optional): For a beautiful and refreshing decoration.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease 2 (9-inch) round cake pans to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix and strawberry-flavored gelatin until well mixed.
Add the pureed strawberries, eggs, vegetable oil, and water to the bowl. Beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 20 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Carefully remove them from the pans and let them cool completely on wire racks.
For the frosting, in a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy and smooth.
Beat in ¼ cup of the strawberry puree and the strawberry extract. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar while continuing to beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Once the cakes have cooled completely, spread a layer of frosting between the cake layers and over the top and sides of the cake.
If desired, garnish the cake with freshly sliced strawberries for a beautiful presentation.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: Approximately 450 per slice

Tips, Storage & Variations

Tips: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are softened for easier mixing.
Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: The cake can be frozen before frosting. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be stored for up to 3 months.
Variations: For a twist, you can add a handful of mini chocolate chips into the batter or replace some of the strawberry puree with raspberry puree for a mixed berry flavor.

FAQ

1. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
Yes, just make sure to puree them and adjust for less sweetness since they’re not in syrup.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of confectioners’ sugar in the frosting to your desired sweetness level.

3. Can I use a different flavor of gelatin?
Absolutely! You can experiment with other flavors like raspberry or peach for a unique twist.

4. How should I store the cake?
Keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

5. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, the cake layers can be baked a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Frost before serving.

6. What’s the best way to slice the cake?
Use a hot, clean knife for cleaner slices. Wipe the knife between cuts for best results.

Conclusion

This cake brings together the delightful taste of fresh strawberries with its moist, fluffy layers and rich cream cheese frosting. I encourage you to try making The Best Strawberry Cake Ever for your next gathering or special occasion. Share your experience and enjoy every sweet moment with friends and family!

The Best Strawberry Cake Ever

Print Recipe

A moist strawberry cake infused with fresh strawberry puree and topped with creamy frosting, perfect for any occasion.

Author: hannah-reed
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

1 box white cake mix (18.25 ounces)
1 box strawberry-flavored instant gelatin (3 ounces)
1 package frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed and pureed (15 ounces)
4 large eggs
½ cup vegetable oil
¼ cup water
¼ cup butter, softened
1 package cream cheese, softened (8 ounces)
½ teaspoon strawberry extract
7 cups confectioners’ sugar
Freshly sliced strawberries for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease 2 (9-inch) round cake pans.
In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix and strawberry-flavored gelatin.
Add pureed strawberries, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Beat until smooth.
Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 20 minutes.
Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
For frosting, beat softened butter and cream cheese until creamy.
Mix in ¼ cup of strawberry puree and strawberry extract, then gradually add confectioners’ sugar until fluffy.
Spread frosting between cake layers and over the top and sides of the cake.
Garnish with freshly sliced strawberries if desired.