If you’re dreaming of a sweet treat that showcases the pure joy of strawberries, look no further than the Best Strawberry Cake Ever. This cake is bursting with vibrant berry flavor, a beautiful pink hue, and crowned with the most luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting you’ve ever tasted. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving something delicious and cheerful, this recipe is a guaranteed showstopper. Its soft crumb, genuine fruitiness, and decadent frosting will win over everyone lucky enough to get a slice!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making this cake is a breeze, but don’t be fooled by its simplicity—every ingredient serves an important role, building flavor, moisture, and that signature striking color. Gather these, and you’re halfway to the Best Strawberry Cake Ever.
- White cake mix: The perfect canvas for building a strawberry-forward cake without hours spent measuring flour and sugar.
- Strawberry-flavored gelatin: Intensifies the berry flavor and infuses a gorgeous pink color throughout the cake.
- Fresh strawberries (finely chopped): For bursts of fresh, juicy strawberry in every bite. Choose the ripest, sweetest berries you can find!
- Large eggs: Four eggs create structure and give the cake a rich, tender crumb.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps everything moist and melt-in-your-mouth soft.
- Milk: Adds richness and helps thin the batter for an even rise.
- Sour cream: The secret to tangy undertones and extra silkiness in the cake texture.
- Vanilla extract: Balances and enhances the natural flavors—it’s subtle but essential!
- Red or pink food coloring (optional): For that irresistible, vibrant bakery-pink look if you love a pop of color.
- Cream cheese (softened): The star of the strawberry cream cheese frosting, adding a tangy, creamy finish.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Makes the frosting ultra-luxurious and able to hold up to the cake’s hearty layers.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smoothes the frosting—sift it to avoid lumps!
- Pureed fresh strawberries: Brings real strawberry flavor into the frosting for an extra punch.
- Vanilla extract (for frosting): Rounds out the frosting flavor—don’t skip it.
- Pinch of salt: Just a touch to cut the sweetness and make all the flavors come alive.
How to Make Best Strawberry Cake Ever
Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for extra-easy release. Taking a moment with this step means your cake layers will slide out perfectly every time—no sticking!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the white cake mix with the strawberry gelatin powder. This powerful pairing creates the base of your Best Strawberry Cake Ever, marrying convenience with a strong strawberry punch.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients and Strawberries
Into the same bowl, add the eggs, vegetable oil, milk, sour cream, vanilla extract, and those finely chopped fresh strawberries. With an electric mixer, beat everything together on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until the batter is smooth, creamy, and speckled with berry bits. For an extra-vivid pink color, go ahead and add a drop or two of food coloring at this stage—it’s purely for looks!
Step 4: Bake the Layers
Evenly divide the batter between your prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the cakes spring back when gently pressed. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto wire racks to cool completely. This step is crucial for a great crumb structure and the signature moistness of the Best Strawberry Cake Ever.
Step 5: Make the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
While your cakes are cooling, whip up the dreamy frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy, then add strawberry puree, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Gradually blend in the powdered sugar until the frosting is light, fluffy, and beautifully pink. If it feels too soft to spread, pop it in the fridge for 15–20 minutes to firm up.
Step 6: Frost and Chill the Cake
Place one cake layer on your serving plate, spread a generous layer of frosting, then stack the second layer on top. Coat the top and sides with the remaining cream cheese frosting. For extra clean slices and the ultimate flavor, refrigerate the finished cake for at least 30 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Best Strawberry Cake Ever
Garnishes
The simplest touch—a few fresh strawberry slices arranged on top—makes the Best Strawberry Cake Ever feel instantly festive. For a bakery-finish, scatter white chocolate shavings or edible flowers. If you want to go all out, a drizzle of strawberry syrup or a sprinkle of freeze-dried strawberry powder adds wow-factor and extra strawberry zing.
Side Dishes
This luscious cake shines next to light, fresh sides. Serve with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream, or offer a simple fruit salad studded with seasonal berries. For summer celebrations, a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream is the ultimate indulgence, easily turning dessert into an event.
Creative Ways to Present
The Best Strawberry Cake Ever makes a stunning centerpiece just as it is, but if you’re feeling creative, try slicing it into small squares for a strawberry cake traybake. You can also make mini cakes using round cutters or bake the batter as adorable cupcakes—just adjust the bake time. For a naked cake vibe, leave the sides unfrosted and let those pink layers peek through!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep leftovers fresh, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen and the cake stays moist for up to 3 days—if it lasts that long!
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to three months, tightly wrapped in plastic and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before assembling with frosting. For frosted slices, freeze them on a tray until firm, then wrap and store in containers—the texture holds up surprisingly well, making it easy to sneak a little slice of summer whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
While this cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, you can gently microwave a slice for 8–10 seconds if you prefer a softer, almost pudding-like bite. Just be cautious not to melt the frosting completely—a quick blast is all you need for that just-baked warmth.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before chopping or pureeing. Fresh strawberries do deliver a brighter flavor, but frozen can work in a pinch, especially for the frosting.
Do I have to use food coloring?
Nope! The Best Strawberry Cake Ever gets plenty of pink from the gelatin and berries, but a small drop or two of coloring makes it extra vibrant. It’s totally optional, so go with your preference.
Can I make cupcakes with this recipe?
Yes, and they’re adorable! Just divide the batter among lined muffin tins, filling each about two-thirds full, and bake for 18–20 minutes. Top with a swirl of strawberry cream cheese frosting for portable party treats.
How do I keep the frosting from being too runny?
If your frosting is too soft after mixing, chilling it for 15–20 minutes in the fridge should firm it right up, thanks to the butter and cream cheese. Also, be sure not to over-puree the strawberries—you want them thick, not watery!
Can this cake be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free white cake mix as the base, making sure it’s a 1:1 substitute. Double-check all your other ingredient labels, and you’ll be serving up a gluten-free version of the Best Strawberry Cake Ever in no time.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to bake and share the Best Strawberry Cake Ever with your loved ones. Every bite is pure springtime happiness, whether for birthdays, picnics, or simple afternoons with friends. So grab those berries and give it a try—you might just find it becomes your signature dessert!
Print
Best Strawberry Cake Ever Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (plus cooling)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of fresh strawberries with this Best Strawberry Cake Ever recipe. A moist and tender strawberry-infused cake topped with a luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting, this dessert is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix
- 1 (3 oz) box strawberry-flavored gelatin
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (finely chopped)
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red or pink food coloring (optional)
Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ⅓ cup pureed fresh strawberries
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
- Mix cake batter: In a large bowl, combine cake mix, strawberry gelatin, eggs, oil, milk, sour cream, vanilla, and chopped strawberries. Beat until smooth.
- Bake: Divide batter between pans and bake for 25–30 minutes. Cool in pans before transferring to wire racks.
- Make frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter, add strawberry puree, vanilla, salt, and powdered sugar. Chill if needed.
- Frost cake: Frost cooled cake layers and refrigerate before serving.
Notes
- Use ripe, sweet strawberries for best results.
- Cake can be made ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Garnish with sliced strawberries or white chocolate shavings for a lovely presentation.
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