Strawberry cake is a timeless dessert that combines the natural sweetness of strawberries with a soft, moist cake base and a tangy cream cheese frosting. This Best Ever Strawberry Cake recipe is not only delicious but also foolproof, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a family gathering, or just a weekend indulgence, this cake guarantees to impress every guest.
With layers of real strawberry puree, strawberry Jello, and a smooth cream cheese icing, this cake is bursting with fruity goodness. Let’s dive into everything you need to know—from why this recipe works to step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, serving suggestions, and FAQs.
Why This Strawberry Cake Works
Strawberry cake recipes are everywhere, but this one stands out because of its balance of flavor, texture, and simplicity. Here’s why it works so well:
- Moist and Tender Texture – The combination of oil, eggs, and strawberry puree keeps the cake soft and never dry.
- Authentic Strawberry Flavor – Real strawberries (fresh or frozen) are used in both the batter and frosting.
- Foolproof Method – A boxed cake mix hack elevates a basic cake into a bakery-style dessert.
- Cream Cheese Frosting – The tangy, rich cream cheese balances the sweetness of strawberries perfectly.
- Versatile Dessert – Works for sheet cakes, layer cakes, or even cupcakes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients that come together beautifully.
For the Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix
- 3 tbsp plain flour
- 1 (3 oz) box strawberry Jello
- ½ cup water
- ¾ cup canola oil (or any neutral oil)
- 2 cups fresh or frozen pureed strawberries (1 cup for cake, 1 cup for icing)
- 4 eggs
For the Cream Cheese Frosting (adapted from Paula Deen’s recipe):
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup pureed strawberries (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan (or line with parchment paper).
- In a large bowl, combine cake mix, flour, strawberry Jello, and water. Mix until blended.
- Add oil and eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Fold in 1 cup of strawberry puree until fully incorporated.
- Beat the mixture for 2 minutes on medium speed until smooth and fluffy.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 3: Prepare the Frosting
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese until light and creamy.
- Add strawberry puree and mix until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until the frosting becomes fluffy and spreadable.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly on top.
- For extra flair, garnish with sliced fresh strawberries or drizzle with strawberry puree.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Slice into squares or wedges, serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy the fruity, creamy flavors of this Best Ever Strawberry Cake.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Use Fresh Strawberries – When in season, fresh strawberries provide the best flavor. Frozen works well too if thawed and drained.
- Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensure butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother mix.
- Don’t Frost While Warm – Let the cake cool fully, or the frosting will melt and slide.
- Experiment with Add-Ins – Fold in chopped strawberries, white chocolate chips, or even shredded coconut for texture.
- For Layered Cake – Divide batter between two 9-inch round pans and bake for 25–30 minutes.
- For Cupcakes – Fill liners ¾ full and bake for 18–22 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
- Chilled or Room Temperature – This cake tastes amazing both ways, though chilling enhances the frosting’s texture.
- Paired with Ice Cream – Serve with vanilla or strawberry ice cream for extra indulgence.
- Decorated with Fresh Fruit – Garnish with whole strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a colorful presentation.
- Drizzle Toppings – Try a drizzle of melted white chocolate or strawberry syrup for a bakery-style touch.
- Elegant Finish – Add mint leaves for a fresh and pretty garnish.
Time & Nutrition Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour
Nutrition (per serving):
- Calories: ~350–400
- Carbs: 45g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 18g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this strawberry cake without Jello?
Yes. The Jello enhances both the color and flavor, but you can omit it and use extra strawberry puree for a more natural result. The cake may be slightly paler but still delicious.
Can I freeze this cake?
Absolutely. Wrap cooled, unfrosted cake layers in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Frost after thawing for best results.
Can I use store-bought frosting instead of cream cheese frosting?
Yes, but the cream cheese frosting complements the strawberry flavor best. If you’re short on time, vanilla buttercream works well.
How can I make this cake less sweet?
Reduce the powdered sugar in the frosting to 2 cups, or balance sweetness with a squeeze of lemon juice in the batter.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute a gluten-free cake mix for the boxed cake mix. Ensure your strawberry Jello and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Best Ever Strawberry Cake is soft, fluffy, and overflowing with real strawberry flavor. It’s versatile enough for birthdays, picnics, and family gatherings, yet simple enough for a casual weekend dessert. With its irresistible cream cheese frosting and vibrant strawberry color, this cake will quickly become one of your go-to recipes.