If you are on the hunt for the perfect dessert to wow your friends and family, then look no further than the Best Strawberry Cake Ever Recipe. This cake is a divine celebration of strawberries in every bite, bursting with fresh flavor, tender crumb, and the creamiest, dreamiest frosting you can imagine. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a sunny afternoon craving, this strawberry cake promises to fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your heart with joy. It’s more than just a cake; it’s a delightful strawberry experience that you will keep coming back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These straightforward but essential ingredients come together beautifully to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and vivid color in the Best Strawberry Cake Ever Recipe. Each item plays an important role, whether adding moisture, that classic strawberry zing, or the creamy frosting finish.
- White cake mix (18.25 ounces): A simple base that ensures a light, fluffy cake texture every time.
- Large eggs (4): Provide structure and richness to the cake batter.
- Strawberry-flavored instant gelatin (3 ounces): Boosts strawberry flavor while adding a lovely pink hue.
- Frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed and pureed (15 ounces): Fresh strawberry essence in liquid form for a moist, fruit-forward cake.
- Water (1/4 cup): Helps achieve the perfect batter consistency.
- Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Keeps the cake wonderfully moist and tender.
- Confectioners’ sugar (7 cups): Key for the sweet, silky frosting texture.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Adds creaminess and a slight tang to the frosting for balance.
- Softened butter (1/4 cup): Creates a smooth, spreadable frosting base.
- Frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed and pureed (10 ounces): Incorporated in the frosting for intensified strawberry flavor.
- Strawberry extract (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances and deepens the strawberry aroma in the frosting.
- Fresh strawberries for decoration: Adds a fresh, vibrant touch and makes the cake truly beautiful.
How to Make Best Strawberry Cake Ever Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This little step is essential for ensuring the cakes bake evenly and come out cleanly without sticking, making the whole process smoother and more enjoyable.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, combine your white cake mix, strawberry gelatin, and the pureed frozen strawberries with eggs, oil, and water. Beat these ingredients on medium speed using an electric mixer until the batter is perfectly smooth and uniform. This step is where your base flavor and texture foundation come together, so don’t rush—it’s the start of something delicious.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Place them in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, and the edges begin to pull away from the sides. This ensures your cake is moist but fully baked through.
Step 4: Cool Before Frosting
Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes. Then carefully run a knife around the edges and invert the cakes onto wire racks. Cooling fully before frosting helps prevent the frosting from melting and sliding off, so patience here guarantees a flawless finish.
Step 5: Make the Frosting
Beat together softened butter and cream cheese until creamy and smooth. Mix in pureed strawberries and strawberry extract for that punch of fresh strawberry goodness. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar to reach thick, spreadable frosting perfection. This luscious frosting is what elevates the cake to the Best Strawberry Cake Ever Recipe status.
Step 6: Frost the Cake
Once cooled, spread a generous layer of frosting between the cake layers, then cover the top and sides of the cake completely. The thick, creamy frosting complements the soft cake layers beautifully, creating harmony in every bite.
Step 7: Garnish with Fresh Strawberries
Arrange fresh strawberries atop your frosted cake for the final flourish. Not only do they add a stunning visual appeal, but they also bring an extra burst of freshness that ties all the flavors together.
Step 8: Chill and Serve
For the best taste and texture, chill the assembled cake before slicing and serving. This step helps set the frosting and lets the flavors meld together, resulting in pure strawberry bliss. Serve it alongside whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a warm cup of tea for an unforgettable treat.
How to Serve Best Strawberry Cake Ever Recipe
Garnishes
Decorate your cake with glossy fresh strawberries, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or even edible flowers for a delicate, elegant touch. These simple garnishes make the cake look stunning and enhance its fresh profile.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides like mixed berry salads, vanilla bean ice cream, or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. These complement the cake’s rich strawberry flavor without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the cake into petite squares for smaller gatherings or layer it in a trifle bowl with whipped cream and fresh berries for a show-stopping dessert upgrade. You can also serve mini individual portions in pretty cups topped with little strawberry slices as charming party treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cake tightly covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Stored properly, the cake can stay delicious for up to four days, making it a delightful treat for a few days after it’s made.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator. The texture and flavor hold up well, so you can enjoy your Best Strawberry Cake Ever Recipe any time you want.
Reheating
Because this cake is best served chilled or at room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. If you prefer it slightly warmer, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh strawberries can be pureed and used in place of frozen. Just be sure to adjust for moisture levels so the batter doesn’t become too wet.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can opt for a gluten-free white cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free. The rest of the steps remain the same for a delicious gluten-free strawberry cake.
How long does the cake stay fresh at room temperature?
Due to the cream cheese frosting, it’s best to keep the cake refrigerated. At room temperature, it should be eaten within 2 hours to ensure safety and quality.
Can I use a different flavor gelatin?
While strawberry gelatin enhances the strawberry flavor and color, you could experiment with other flavors like raspberry or cherry for a twist. However, the classic strawberry taste is unbeatable here.
What can I substitute for strawberry extract if I don’t have it?
If you’re out of strawberry extract, you can use vanilla extract instead, but the unique strawberry punch will be milder. Another option is to add a little more pureed strawberries to boost flavor naturally.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Best Strawberry Cake Ever Recipe that makes it a cherished addition to any dessert table. The perfect blend of fluffy cake, vibrant strawberry flavor, and creamy frosting makes every bite a moment to savor. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and see for yourself why it has become my personal favorite. Once you do, I bet you’ll be reaching for it again and again, sharing that same strawberry joy with everyone you love.
Print
Best Strawberry Cake Ever Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Best Strawberry Cake Ever is a moist, flavorful white cake infused with strawberry gelatin and pureed strawberries, layered and frosted with a luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations or a special dessert, it combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with a creamy, tangy frosting, making it a delightful treat for strawberry lovers.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 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 Ingredients
- 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 Pans: 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.
- Make 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 the Cake Layers: 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 Cake Layers: 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.
- Assemble the Cake: 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.
- Decorate: Decorate the frosted cake with fresh strawberries for an elegant finishing touch.
- Chill and Serve: 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 the frosting from melting.
- Use fresh strawberries for decoration to add a fresh and vibrant look.
- Chilling the cake before serving improves the texture and flavor of the frosting.
- This cake can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For an extra strawberry boost, serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
