Best Strawberry Cake Ever: Moist, Fluffy, and Irresistible Recipe

If you have a soft spot for luscious, fruity desserts that bring a smile to everyone’s face, then you’ve just found your new favorite. This Best Strawberry Cake Ever: Moist, Fluffy, and Irresistible Recipe combines the delightful sweetness of fresh strawberries with a tender, cloud-like crumb to create a show-stopping cake that’s both simple to make and impossible to resist. Imagine biting into layers of strawberry-infused cake, perfectly complemented by a creamy strawberry cream cheese frosting — it’s a celebration of flavor and texture that will quickly become a beloved classic at your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this cake lies in its straightforward ingredients, each chosen to enhance the flavor, moisture, and fluffiness you’ll adore. From the cake mix that guarantees a tender crumb to the strawberry gelatin and pureed berries that pack in the authentic strawberry goodness, every component plays a vital role.

  • White cake mix: The base for a consistently light and fluffy cake texture.
  • Strawberry-flavored instant gelatin: Adds a concentrated strawberry flavor and helps with moisture retention.
  • Frozen strawberries in syrup (thawed and pureed): Offers natural sweetness and freshness that elevates the cake’s fruitiness.
  • Large eggs: Adds structure and richness to the batter.
  • Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake tender and moist without overpowering flavors.
  • Water: Helps create the perfect batter consistency.
  • Butter (for frosting): Provides a silky, creamy base for the frosting.
  • Cream cheese (for frosting): Adds tanginess and richness that balance the sweetness.
  • Strawberry extract: Boosts the strawberry flavor in the frosting for extra wow factor.
  • Confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a fluffy perfection.
  • Freshly sliced strawberries (optional): A pretty and tasty garnish to make your cake look as good as it tastes.

How to Make Best Strawberry Cake Ever: Moist, Fluffy, and Irresistible Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure the cake layers release smoothly after baking. This simple prep sets the stage for perfectly shaped cake rounds.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the white cake mix with the strawberry-flavored instant gelatin. This step infuses the dry base with that unmistakable strawberry taste and builds flavor right from the start.

Step 3: Mix Batter

Add the pureed strawberries, eggs, vegetable oil, and water to your dry mix. Using an electric mixer at medium speed, beat everything together until the batter is beautifully smooth and cohesive. This will be your cake’s soft, luscious starting point.

Step 4: Divide Batter into Pans

Evenly distribute the batter between your two prepared pans. This ensures that your cake layers bake up uniformly, creating a balanced, stackable beauty.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for about 20 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a wooden pick in the center of the cake—it should come out clean. This short bake time keeps your cake wonderfully moist and tender.

Step 6: Cool the Cakes

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before carefully removing and transferring them onto wire racks. Cooling completely is important for the frosting to stick perfectly without melting.

Step 7: Start Frosting Base

In a large bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese together until creamy and smooth. This creamy duo is the foundation for a luscious, tangy frosting that pairs perfectly with the fruity cake.

Step 8: Add Strawberry Flavor

Mix in 1/4 cup of the strawberry puree along with the strawberry extract to intensify that fresh strawberry profile in the frosting, taking each bite to the next level.

Step 9: Sweeten and Fluff Frosting

Gradually beat in the confectioners’ sugar, ensuring your frosting becomes smooth and fluffy—perfect for spreading or piping.

Step 10: Frost the Cake

Once the cake layers are completely cool, spread a generous layer of frosting between them, then cover the top and sides. Don’t be shy here—this cake deserves its full coat of strawberry cream cheese magic!

Step 11: Add the Final Touch

Finish by garnishing with freshly sliced strawberries if you want to add extra charm and a juicy burst on top. It’s a beautiful way to showcase the star fruit of the show.

How to Serve Best Strawberry Cake Ever: Moist, Fluffy, and Irresistible Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh strawberry slices not only add a pop of vibrant color but also offer a fresh contrast to the creamy frosting. You can also sprinkle a few edible flowers or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Side Dishes

This strawberry cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement its moist and fluffy texture. A chilled glass of sparkling rosé or strawberry lemonade also makes for an irresistible refreshment alongside each slice.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, consider stacking mini versions as a tiered mini cake display. Or, slice the cake into bite-sized squares and serve them on pretty toothpicks for easy, crowd-pleasing strawberry cake bites. No matter how you present it, this recipe turns heads!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep your cake fresh and the frosting creamy for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cake layers wrapped securely in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 2 months. Thaw fully in the refrigerator before frosting and serving to enjoy that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

Reheating

Although this cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, if you prefer warming a slice, gently microwave it for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, or the frosting may lose its signature fluffy texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?

Yes! Fresh strawberries can be pureed and used in place of frozen, just ensure they’re ripe and sweet for the best flavor. Frozen strawberries in syrup contribute extra moisture and sweetness, so you might want to adjust sugar levels slightly when using fresh.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This particular recipe relies on boxed cake mix, which is typically not gluten-free. However, you could substitute a gluten-free white cake mix and ensure your gelatin and other products are gluten-free as well.

Can I make this cake without an electric mixer?

Absolutely, though it will require a bit more elbow grease! Use a sturdy whisk or a spoon to combine ingredients until smooth, though the texture might be slightly less airy without a mixer.

How can I make the frosting less sweet?

To reduce sweetness, you can slightly cut back on the confectioners’ sugar or add a pinch of salt or extra cream cheese to balance the flavors while maintaining that creamy consistency.

Can I decorate this cake with other fruits?

Definitely! Blueberries, raspberries, or even kiwi slices can add a lovely contrast in color and flavor to complement the strawberries and create a vibrant cake topping.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about creating a cake that feels like a hug in dessert form. This Best Strawberry Cake Ever: Moist, Fluffy, and Irresistible Recipe is exactly that—a perfect harmony of fruity sweetness and tender crumb with a frosting that makes every bite heavenly. I can’t wait for you to try it and share the joy it brings to your kitchen and your loved ones’ smiles. Happy baking!

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Best Strawberry Cake Ever: Moist, Fluffy, and Irresistible Recipe

Best Strawberry Cake Ever: Moist, Fluffy, and Irresistible Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.8 from 76 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • 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 recipe yields a moist, fluffy, and irresistibly flavorful strawberry cake. Made with strawberry gelatin, pureed strawberries, and a luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting, this delightful dessert is perfect for celebrations or any time you crave a sweet, fruity treat.


Ingredients

Cake

  • 1 18.25-ounce box white cake mix
  • 1 3-ounce box strawberry-flavored instant gelatin
  • 1 15-ounce package frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed and pureed
  • 4 large eggs
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • ¼ cup water

Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

  • ¼ cup butter, softened
  • 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 10-ounce package frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed and pureed
  • ½ teaspoon strawberry extract
  • 7 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • Freshly sliced strawberries for garnish (optional)


Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure the cake layers do not stick.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the white cake mix and strawberry-flavored instant gelatin evenly to infuse the cake batter with strawberry flavor.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients and Beat Batter: Add the pureed frozen strawberries, eggs, vegetable oil, and water into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Beat the mixture at medium speed using an electric mixer until the batter is smooth and well combined.
  4. Divide Batter: Evenly distribute the batter between the prepared cake pans, ensuring the layers will be the same thickness.
  5. Bake: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool for 10 minutes in the pans. Then, carefully remove the cakes and transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
  7. Make Frosting Base: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
  8. Add Strawberry Flavor: Stir in ¼ cup of the strawberry puree and the strawberry extract into the cream cheese mixture, blending thoroughly.
  9. Add Sugar and Beat Frosting: Gradually mix in the confectioners’ sugar, beating continuously until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.
  10. Frost the Cake: Once the cake layers are fully cooled, spread frosting evenly between the layers, then cover the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
  11. Garnish and Serve: Optionally decorate the cake with freshly sliced strawberries on top for an elegant and fresh finish.

Notes

  • Use thawed frozen strawberries in syrup for the best flavor and texture in both cake and frosting.
  • Ensure cakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
  • The strawberry extract enhances the fresh strawberry flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
  • This cake can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For a more intense strawberry flavor, substitute some of the water with strawberry juice.

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