If you’ve been searching for a show-stopping dessert that feels like a hug in cake form, look no further. This Best Strawberry Cake Ever Recipe brings together the irresistible sweetness of strawberries with a soft, moist white cake and a luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting that will have everyone asking for seconds. Every bite bursts with fresh strawberry flavor, beautifully balancing tangy and sweet notes, all while looking stunningly inviting. Once you try this recipe, it’s destined to become a family favorite and your go-to for celebrations big and small.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Best Strawberry Cake Ever Recipe relies on simple yet essential ingredients that each play a starring role: from the fluffy white cake base to the vibrant strawberry flavors and creamy frosting. Here’s what you’ll need for your kitchen adventure:
- White cake mix (18.25 ounces): A reliable, fluffy base that guarantees perfect texture every time.
- Large eggs (4): Bind the ingredients together while adding richness and moisture.
- Strawberry-flavored instant gelatin (3 ounces): Infuses an extra layer of strawberry flavor and helps keep the cake tender.
- Frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed and pureed (15 ounces): Provides natural sweetness, juiciness, and authentic strawberry taste.
- Water (1/4 cup): Keeps the batter smooth and easy to work with.
- Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Adds moisture without weighing down the cake.
- Confectioners’ sugar (7 cups): Essential for a silky-smooth and sweet frosting.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces), softened: Delivers richness and a slight tang that enhances the strawberry notes.
- Softened butter (1/4 cup): Brings creaminess and structure to the frosting.
- Frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed and pureed (10 ounces): Adds robust strawberry flavor to the frosting.
- Strawberry extract (1/2 teaspoon): Boosts the freshness and intensity of strawberry taste in the frosting.
- Fresh strawberries, for decoration: The perfect finishing touch adding a pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Best Strawberry Cake Ever Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans well. This simple step ensures your cake layers come out clean and intact, making your final presentation flawless.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine your white cake mix and strawberry-flavored gelatin first to evenly distribute the strawberry essence. Then add pureed strawberries, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, blend everything until the batter is smooth and silky. This step is key for getting that moist and tender crumb that makes this recipe the best strawberry cake ever.
Step 3: Bake the Cake Layers
Split the batter equally between your prepared pans and place them in the oven. Bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. You’ll notice the cake edges pulling slightly away from the pan when they’re perfectly baked. This timing keeps the layers soft yet sturdy enough to hold your luscious frosting.
Step 4: Cool the Cakes Properly
After baking, let your cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes—this prevents breakage when you remove them. Run a knife around the edges then gently invert onto wire racks. Cooling completely is essential before frosting to avoid melting the creamy goodness and losing that desired texture.
Step 5: Make the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cakes cool, whip up your frosting. Beat softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy—this combo gives the frosting its dreamy texture. Add pureed strawberries and strawberry extract for a vibrant, natural flavor. Gradually mix in confectioners’ sugar until the frosting is thick, lush, and perfectly spreadable.
Step 6: Assemble Your Cake
Place one cake layer on your serving platter and slather on a generous amount of strawberry cream cheese frosting, then top with the second layer. Cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing it over the top and sides for a professional finish.
Step 7: Add Fresh Strawberry Decorations
Now comes the fun part. Decorate your frosted masterpiece with fresh strawberries. Their natural juiciness and bright red color add an elegant finishing touch that instantly elevates the cake’s presentation.
Step 8: Chill Before Serving
For slices that hold their shape and flavors that meld beautifully, chill the cake before serving. Pairing each bite with whipped cream, ice cream, or even a comforting cup of tea transforms this strawberry cake into a truly memorable treat.
How to Serve Best Strawberry Cake Ever Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of fresh strawberries sliced artistically across the top adds color and freshness, but you can also add a sprinkle of finely chopped mint or a light dusting of confectioners’ sugar for a delicate elegance.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with light and creamy sides like vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. If you’re hosting brunch or a tea party, simple fruit salads or fresh berries complement the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual slices topped with a spoonful of strawberry coulis or a drizzle of melted white chocolate for extra flair. For a festive occasion, layer cake slices with edible flowers or create mini strawberry parfaits on the side for a coordinated presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After indulging, wrap leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The lush strawberry cream cheese frosting makes refrigeration necessary, and the cake stays moist for up to 4 days.
Freezing
If you want to save your Best Strawberry Cake Ever Recipe for a special day, freeze it without the fresh strawberry decoration. Wrap the frosted cake securely in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
Because this cake is best served chilled, reheating is not recommended. Instead, bring slices to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to enjoy the full flavor and creamy texture of the frosting.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh strawberries can be pureed and used in place of frozen. Just make sure they are ripe and juicy to maintain the recipe’s signature sweetness and moisture.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
To keep things simple, use a gluten-free white cake mix in place of the regular white cake mix. The rest of the ingredients naturally do not contain gluten, but always double-check packaging for cross-contamination warnings.
Can I substitute cream cheese frosting with a different frosting?
While cream cheese frosting is ideal for its tangy balance, you can substitute with whipped cream or a strawberry buttercream if you prefer a lighter or sweeter topping.
How long does the cake keep well after baking?
This cake is best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator due to the fresh strawberries and cream cheese frosting. Freshness and flavor peak within this timeframe.
Can I make this cake into cupcakes?
Yes! The batter works beautifully as cupcakes. Just adjust the baking time to about 15-18 minutes and pipe the frosting on once cooled for delightful individual treats.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into a slice of this Best Strawberry Cake Ever Recipe—soft, sweet, and bursting with strawberry goodness at every turn. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to brighten a regular day, this cake is guaranteed to warm hearts and bring smiles around the table. So grab your ingredients, invite some loved ones, and experience the magic of this strawberry sensation firsthand!
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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Best Strawberry Cake Ever recipe combines a moist white cake infused with strawberry gelatin and pureed strawberries, layered and frosted with a rich strawberry cream cheese frosting. Perfectly sweet and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, this cake is ideal for celebrations or anytime you crave a luscious fruity dessert.
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
- 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 Cakes: 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 Cakes: 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 frozen strawberries are fully thawed before pureeing for smooth batter and frosting consistency.
- Chilling the cake before serving helps the frosting to set and makes slicing easier.
- Use fresh strawberries for decoration to contrast the creamy frosting with a fresh texture.
- You can substitute vegetable oil with canola oil if preferred.
- If you want a stronger strawberry flavor, add a bit more strawberry extract to the frosting.
