If you have a soft spot for all things strawberry and dream of biting into a cake that feels like summer captured in a slice, you’ve just found your new favorite. The Best Strawberry Cake Ever Recipe is exactly that—a luscious, moist cake layered and frosted with rich strawberry cream cheese frosting that’s bursting with fresh berry flavor. This isn’t just any strawberry cake; it’s a celebration of freshness and sweetness that feels homemade and incredibly special every time you serve it. Whether it’s a birthday, a picnic, or just a day that calls for something delicious, this cake will deliver smiles and requests for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. Each one plays an essential role, from the white cake mix giving the cake a tender crumb to the fresh strawberries elevating its fresh, fruity character.
- White cake mix (18.25 ounces): Provides a light, airy base that absorbs the strawberry flavor beautifully.
- Large eggs (4): Bind the batter and add rich texture to keep the cake moist and tender.
- Strawberry-flavored instant gelatin (3 ounces): Intensifies the strawberry taste and adds a lovely pink hue to the cake layers.
- Frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed and pureed (15 ounces + 10 ounces): The heart of the flavor, offering natural sweetness and beautiful color both in the batter and frosting.
- Water (1/4 cup): Helps balance the batter consistency for baking perfection.
- Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Keeps the cake moist and tender through baking without weighing it down.
- Confectioners’ sugar (7 cups): Sweetens the frosting and gives it the perfect spreadable texture.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces), softened: Adds creaminess and a slight tang, balancing the sweetness in the frosting.
- Softened butter (1/4 cup): Enhances the richness and smoothness of the cream cheese frosting.
- Strawberry extract (1/2 teaspoon): Boosts the aroma and flavor of strawberries in the frosting for an extra pop.
- Fresh strawberries, for decoration: Just a little something pretty that makes the cake look as good as it tastes.
How to Make Best Strawberry Cake Ever Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans so your cakes release easily after baking. This simple prep step ensures a smooth finish and perfect layers.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, strawberry-flavored gelatin, pureed strawberries, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until the batter comes together silky smooth. The magic here is how the strawberry gelatin and puree blend in to give the cake its signature vibrant flavor and color.
Step 3: Bake
Divide the batter evenly into your prepared pans. Pop them into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. You’ll notice the edges gently pulling away from the sides—this is your cue to get them out and let them cool a bit.
Step 4: Cool the Cakes
Let those gorgeous cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then carefully run a knife around the edges and invert them onto wire racks. Cooling completely prevents the frosting from melting and helps you get neat, clean layers.
Step 5: Prepare the Frosting
Time to whip up the luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting. Beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until fluffy and smooth. Add the second batch of pureed strawberries plus strawberry extract for a juicy, fragrant punch. Slowly add confectioners’ sugar and beat until your frosting is thick, silky, and perfect for spreading.
Step 6: Frost the Cakes
Once the cakes have fully cooled, spread a generous layer of frosting between the layers. Then, cover the top and sides with the remaining frosting. This step is where the cake truly comes to life, flaunting that rich pink hue and velvety texture that promises every bite is a delight.
Step 7: Garnish
If you want to go the extra mile (and who doesn’t with the Best Strawberry Cake Ever Recipe?), pile on some fresh strawberries on top. It instantly elevates the cake’s presentation and adds a burst of freshness that’s irresistible.
How to Serve Best Strawberry Cake Ever Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh strawberries are the natural choice here, lending a jewel-like glow that makes each slice picture-perfect. You can also sprinkle some edible flowers or finely grated white chocolate on top to dazzle your guests even more.
Side Dishes
Serve a slice alongside lightly whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a simple cup of tea or coffee to balance sweetness. These companions complement the rich strawberry flavors without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking mini versions as cupcakes for a fun twist or arrange cake pops using leftover crumbs and frosting. For any occasion, a nicely wrapped slice or cake box makes a charming gift. Presentation is as joyful as the flavor here, so feel free to get creative!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This ensures it stays moist and fresh for up to 4 days, giving you plenty of time to savor every bite.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake layers or a fully frosted cake by wrapping it well in plastic wrap, then placing it in a freezer-safe container. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
Since this is a cream cheese frosted cake, it’s best served at room temperature or chilled rather than warmed. Remove refrigerated slices about 30 minutes before eating to allow the frosting to soften perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh strawberries can be pureed and used just the same. Keep in mind that frozen strawberries in syrup add extra sweetness and moisture, so you might want to adjust sugar levels slightly if using fresh.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the white cake mix for a gluten-free cake mix of similar weight, you can enjoy this cake without gluten. Just double-check all other ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
Can I make the frosting without cream cheese?
The cream cheese is a key part of the signature tangy flavor and silky texture, but you can substitute with mascarpone or a buttercream frosting if you prefer. It will change the taste slightly but still complement the strawberry beautifully.
How do I prevent the cake from being too sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the confectioners’ sugar in the frosting by about 1 cup or balance with tart yogurt or whipped cream as a topping to add a welcome contrast.
What’s the best way to slice this cake?
Use a sharp serrated knife and clean it between cuts to get smooth, even slices that hold their shape, especially with a generous layer of frosting.
Final Thoughts
This Best Strawberry Cake Ever Recipe is truly a gem to have in your baking repertoire. It’s approachable, full of bright, fresh strawberry flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you make it, it will become your go-to for celebrations and casual sweet moments alike. So roll up your sleeves, gather those ingredients, and enjoy the magic of baking something spectacularly delicious.
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 recipe features a moist and fluffy white cake infused with strawberry gelatin and pureed strawberries, layered with a luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting. Perfectly sweet and fruity, it’s ideal for celebrations or a delightful dessert anytime.
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 instant gelatin, pureed frozen 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 of the pans.
- Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edges and gently invert each cake 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 frozen 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 the strawberry cream cheese frosting between the layers. Then cover the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting for an even finish.
- Garnish (Optional): Decorate the frosted cake with fresh strawberries for an elegant and appealing finishing touch.
- Serve and Enjoy: For best results, chill the cake before slicing and serving. Enjoy with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of ice cream, or a cup of tea for pure strawberry bliss!
Notes
- Ensure the frozen strawberries are fully thawed and pureed smoothly for the best texture and flavor integration.
- Make sure the cakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting or streaking.
- The cake can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, well covered to maintain freshness.
- For a more intense strawberry flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of strawberry extract to the cake batter in addition to the frosting.
- If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the amount of confectioners’ sugar gradually until reaching your desired sweetness.
