If you are craving a dessert that bursts with summery sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth texture, then this is the one to try. The Best Strawberry Cake Ever Recipe is truly that—a moist, vibrant, and luscious cake that combines real strawberries, strawberry gelatin, and a dreamy strawberry cream cheese frosting into one unforgettable bite. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself to something spectacular, this cake’s flavor and charm will have you coming back for more again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this strawberry sensation is simpler than you’d think, yet each plays a vital role in building the cake’s wonderful flavor, beautiful color, and irresistible texture.
- White cake mix: The perfect base that keeps the cake light, fluffy, and subtly sweet.
- Large eggs: Add structure and moisture, making the cake tender and rich.
- Strawberry-flavored instant gelatin: Intensifies the strawberry flavor and gives a slight shimmer to the batter.
- Frozen strawberries in syrup (thawed and pureed): Real strawberries give fresh fruit flavor and vibrant pink color.
- Water: Helps to blend the batter for smooth consistency without adding heaviness.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender throughout baking.
- Confectioners’ sugar: Provides sweetness and silky texture to the frosting.
- Cream cheese (softened): Adds tangy richness to the frosting that perfectly balances the sweetness.
- Softened butter: Creates a creamy, spreadable texture in the frosting.
- Strawberry extract: Boosts the strawberry essence in the frosting for maximum flavor impact.
- Fresh strawberries: Gorgeous for decorating and adding a juicy finish to your 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 thoroughly to ensure your cakes release easily once baked. This prep step might seem small, but it’s key for that flawless cake shape and effortless removal.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix with strawberry-flavored gelatin, pureed frozen strawberries, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Using an electric mixer at medium speed, blend everything until the batter looks smooth and beautifully pink. This combination gives the batter a great balance of flavor and moisture that every bite will thank you for.
Step 3: Bake
Divide your luscious batter evenly between the prepared pans for uniform layers. Slide them into the oven and bake about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges start pulling away from the pan sides. It’s best to keep an eye on them near the end to avoid overbaking.
Step 4: Cool the Cakes
Give the cakes about 10 minutes to cool in their pans before gently running a knife around the edges and inverting them onto wire racks. Cooling completely is essential to avoid your frosting melting and sliding off when you assemble your masterpiece.
Step 5: Prepare the Frosting
Beat together softened butter and cream cheese until silky smooth. Stir in the pureed strawberries and strawberry extract, then gradually blend in confectioners’ sugar until your frosting reaches a thick, spreadable perfection. The creamy strawberry frosting is what truly elevates this cake from delicious to irresistible.
Step 6: Frost the Cakes
Once your cakes are cool, spread a generous layer of the strawberry cream cheese frosting between them. Then cover the entire cake—top and sides—with the remaining frosting. Take your time to get an even, pretty finish. You’re crafting the true essence of the Best Strawberry Cake Ever Recipe here.
Step 7: Garnish (Optional)
For a stunning final touch, arrange fresh strawberries atop your frosted cake. It’s simple but makes a gorgeous impression that all your guests will adore.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Chill your cake before slicing for the cleanest cuts and best texture. Serve with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a nice cup of tea to fully enjoy the luscious strawberry bliss that this cake delivers.
How to Serve Best Strawberry Cake Ever Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of sliced or whole fresh strawberries on top is classic, but you can also sprinkle chopped toasted almonds or a light dusting of confectioners’ sugar for a charming finish that adds texture and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This strawberry cake pairs spectacularly with a light, fruity salad or fresh berries on the side. For a decadent touch, offer a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of softly whipped cream to complement each slice.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving individual slices in clear dessert plates topped with a drizzle of strawberry sauce or a sprig of mint. For parties, cut the cake into small cubes and serve as bite-sized treats on a platter garnished with edible flowers for an elegant presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps it fresh and moist for up to 3-4 days, giving you plenty of time to savor every bite without losing that fresh strawberry sparkle.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake either frosted or unfrosted. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn, then store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best texture and flavor before enjoying the delectable Best Strawberry Cake Ever Recipe again.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If needed, allow frozen cake to come to room temperature naturally, as reheating may affect the frosting’s texture. Simply remove from the fridge about 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors open up beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
Fresh strawberries can work if pureed and strained to remove excess moisture, but frozen strawberries in syrup add a concentrated sweetness and texture that really boosts the flavor in this recipe.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free white cake mix as the base, and double-check that your gelatin and other ingredients are gluten-free. The results will still be just as delicious and vibrant.
Can I make the frosting without cream cheese?
The cream cheese adds a wonderful tang that balances the sweetness, but you can substitute with mascarpone or even buttercream for a sweeter, less tangy frosting.
How do I prevent the cake from drying out?
Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately and avoid overbaking. Also, incorporating oil instead of butter in the batter helps retain moisture, resulting in a moist, tender crumb every time.
Can I double the recipe for more layers?
Absolutely! Just double the ingredients and bake in multiple pans or larger pans accordingly. Adjust baking time as needed and watch closely to avoid overbaking. Layer cakes make an impressive display for celebrations.
Final Thoughts
Making the Best Strawberry Cake Ever Recipe is like inviting sunshine and sweetness right into your kitchen. It’s straightforward, bursting with real strawberry joy, and perfect for any occasion that calls for a memorable dessert. Give it a try—you’ll see why it quickly becomes a favorite among family and friends!
Print
Best Strawberry Cake Ever Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Best Strawberry Cake Ever combines a moist white cake base with strawberry flavor infused throughout. The strawberry gelatin and pureed frozen strawberries create a vibrant strawberry-infused batter, which bakes into tender layers. The cake is frosted with a luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting made from cream cheese, butter, pureed strawberries, and strawberry extract, and garnished with fresh strawberries. Perfect for celebrations or a delightful dessert, this cake delivers rich strawberry flavor with every bite.
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
Decoration
- 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 the cakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Chilling the cake before serving helps the frosting set and enhances the flavors.
- You can substitute fresh pureed strawberries for the frozen if desired.
- Use an electric mixer for best results with both batter and frosting.
- Decorate with additional fresh strawberries or edible flowers for a festive look.
