Best Strawberry Cake Ever Recipe
Prepare yourself for a treat that delivers intense strawberry flavor and downright dreamy texture—yes, I’m talking about the Best Strawberry Cake Ever! Imagine two fluffy pink layers, each bite carrying the essence of sun-ripened berries, all enveloped in the creamiest strawberry-speckled frosting you’ve ever tried. This is not just a dessert, it’s a celebration of all things strawberry, and it’s truly too scrumptious to keep to yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Best Strawberry Cake Ever comes from simple ingredients working together for decadently delicious results. Each element, from the cake mix to the vibrant strawberries, brings its own charm—ensuring a cake that’s both easy to make and bursting with flavor and color.
- White cake mix: The perfect base, offering a light and tender crumb to soak up all those strawberry flavors.
- Strawberry gelatin: Infuses a gorgeous pink hue and amplifies the berry taste in every bite.
- Mashed fresh strawberries: Adds real fruit for moisture, subtle tang, and unmistakable strawberry goodness.
- Large eggs: Essential for binding everything together and giving your cake structure and richness.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake wonderfully moist and tender without weighing it down.
- Milk: Adds creaminess and helps blend all the ingredients smoothly.
- Sour cream: The secret to an extra moist and slightly tangy cake—don’t skip it!
- Vanilla extract: Elevates the fruity flavor and gives the cake a warm, inviting aroma.
- Chopped fresh strawberries (optional): For those who crave bursts of fresh berry in every forkful. Highly recommended!
- Cream cheese (for frosting): Makes your frosting so rich and tangy, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
- Unsalted butter (for frosting): Helps the frosting whip up fluffy and spreadable.
- More mashed fresh strawberries (for frosting): For that signature strawberry swirl and natural rosy color.
- Powdered sugar (for frosting): Brings everything together for a perfectly sweet, creamy finish.
- Extra strawberries (for garnish): Because nothing beats the look of fresh berries crowning your masterpiece.
How to Make Best Strawberry Cake Ever
Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or simply line them with parchment paper for easy removal. This step ensures your cake releases effortlessly and looks bakery-worthy once baked.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix with the strawberry gelatin. Whisk these together to distribute the vibrant strawberry flavor and color evenly throughout your base.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Add the mashed fresh strawberries, large eggs, vegetable oil, milk, sour cream, and vanilla extract into the bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. Your batter will turn delightfully pink and smooth—just try not to sneak a spoonful!
Step 4: Fold in Extra Strawberries (Optional but Highly Recommended)
For those who adore finding little pockets of juicy fruit in their cake, gently fold in the chopped fresh strawberries at this stage. You’ll thank yourself later for the bursts of sweetness this adds with every bite.
Step 5: Divide and Bake
Pour the luscious batter evenly into your prepared pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The kitchen will smell wonderfully fruity as the Best Strawberry Cake Ever works its magic!
Step 6: Cool the Cakes
Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes (this helps them firm up slightly), then carefully turn them out onto wire racks to finish cooling completely. This patience pays off—frosting a cool cake prevents melting and sliding.
Step 7: Make the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until perfectly smooth and creamy. Add in the mashed fresh strawberries and vanilla, then gradually beat in the powdered sugar until you have a dreamy, spreadable consistency. This frosting is pretty in pink and absolutely irresistible!
Step 8: Frost and Assemble
Once your cakes are cool, spread a thick layer of frosting between them, then over the top and around the sides. If you’re feeling fancy, use an offset spatula to create swoops and swirls. Decorate with extra fresh strawberries for that showstopping finish the Best Strawberry Cake Ever truly deserves.
How to Serve Best Strawberry Cake Ever
Garnishes
Dress up your masterpiece with halved fresh strawberries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a sprinkle of edible flower petals. The vibrant pink cake topped with juicy fruit makes for an enticing, festive presentation.
Side Dishes
For an indulgent twist, serve slices with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Pair it with a glass of cold milk or a mug of herbal tea, and you have a dessert experience to remember.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform the Best Strawberry Cake Ever into cupcakes for parties, or assemble them in jars for a trendy, portable treat. For a spring celebration, layer it with extra fresh berries and whipped cream for a strawberry shortcake vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cake tightly covered in the refrigerator, since the cream cheese frosting is perishable. The flavors actually get cozier after a day, and the cake stays moist and irresistible.
Freezing
You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers by wrapping them in plastic wrap and foil—perfect for prepping ahead. Thaw at room temperature, then frost and decorate just before serving for ultimate freshness.
Reheating
No reheating required, as the Best Strawberry Cake Ever is truly best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you’ve stored it in the fridge, give it a half hour on the counter before serving to let those flavors bloom.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain them well before mashing. Your cake will still burst with berry flavor, and no one will know the difference.
Is this recipe suitable for cupcakes?
Yes, the Best Strawberry Cake Ever makes fantastic cupcakes! Fill liners 2/3 full and bake for about 18–20 minutes, then top with generous swirls of frosting.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
You sure can. Bake the cakes a day or two in advance and store, unfrosted, tightly wrapped. Frost the day you plan to serve for maximum freshness and flavor.
How do I prevent a soggy cake when using fresh strawberries?
Gently pat your chopped berries with a paper towel to remove excess moisture before folding them in. This keeps the crumb tender without getting too damp.
Can I use a different flavor of gelatin?
While strawberry gelatin is key for the classic flavor and color, you can experiment with raspberry or mixed berry for a fun twist—just know it’ll change the taste of your Best Strawberry Cake Ever.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about serving up a slice of this Best Strawberry Cake Ever—the look on everyone’s faces as they taste the fresh berries and luscious frosting says it all. I genuinely hope you give this recipe a try and make it a staple for birthdays, holidays, or any sweet celebration. Happy baking!
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Best Strawberry Cake Ever Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes (plus cooling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the divine flavors of the Best Strawberry Cake Ever with a luscious Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting. This moist and tender cake bursting with fresh strawberry goodness is a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix
- 1 package (3 oz) strawberry gelatin
- 1/2 cup mashed fresh strawberries
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh strawberries (optional)
For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup mashed fresh strawberries
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
- Mix the cake: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, strawberry gelatin, mashed strawberries, eggs, oil, milk, sour cream, and vanilla. Beat for 2 minutes.
- Bake the cakes: Divide the batter between pans and bake for 25–30 minutes. Cool the cakes on wire racks.
- Make the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter, add strawberries and vanilla. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until smooth.
- Frost the cakes: Frost between layers, over the top, and around the sides. Decorate with extra strawberries if desired.
Notes
- Refrigerate the cake if not serving immediately, as the cream cheese frosting is perishable.
- You can freeze the cake layers ahead and frost the day of serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 36 g
- Sodium: 330 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
