Best Strawberry Cake Ever Recipe

If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that bursts with berry flavor and melts in your mouth, the Best Strawberry Cake Ever deserves a spot at the very top of your to-bake list. Imagine a cake that’s wonderfully moist, richly infused with both real strawberries and that nostalgic hint of strawberry gelatin, and wrapped up in a dreamy cream cheese frosting flecked with even more strawberry goodness. Every slice looks as special as it tastes, making this cake a beautiful centerpiece for celebrations or a well-deserved weekend treat you’ll remember long after the last crumb disappears.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in how a few everyday ingredients come together to create the Best Strawberry Cake Ever. Each component is carefully chosen for the flavor it adds, the lush texture it creates, or the pop of color that makes this dessert so inviting. Here’s what you’ll need and a little secret about why it’s included:

• White cake mix: This shortcut is the key to a soft, fluffy crumb and sets the perfect canvas for the strawberry flavors to shine.
• Large eggs: Four eggs give the cake richness and help achieve that coveted moist, tender bite.
• Strawberry-flavored instant gelatin: Not only does this amp up the strawberry flavor, but it also adds a lovely blush-pink color that’s irresistible.
• Frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed and pureed (for cake): Using pureed strawberries infuses the batter with real fruit flavor and extra moisture, which keeps the cake soft for days.
• Water: A splash loosens the batter just enough for perfect mixing and baking.
• Vegetable oil: Oil ensures the crumb stays ultra-moist and never dry, even after chilling.
• Confectioners’ sugar: For the frosting, this guarantees a silky-smooth texture that’s easy to spread.
• Cream cheese: Softened and creamy, it balances sweetness with a gentle tang that makes the frosting utterly addictive.
• Butter: Blended with the cream cheese, it enriches the frosting and adds a velvety finish.
• Frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed and pureed (for frosting): Adds pink color and delivers an extra hit of natural berry flavor to the frosting.
• Strawberry extract: Just half a teaspoon deepens the cake’s strawberry notes and ensures every bite tastes like summer.

How to Make Best Strawberry Cake Ever

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pans

Turn your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get your two 9-inch round cake pans ready by greasing and flouring them. This not only ensures easy removal after baking but also keeps the edges perfectly golden and the middles light and fluffy. Taking a minute here can prevent sticky mishaps later!

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, strawberry gelatin, pureed strawberries, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Grab your mixer or a sturdy whisk and blend everything together until the batter looks smooth and fiercely pink. Those pureed strawberries do wonders here, contributing flavor and making every slice taste like a bite of spring.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Gently pour the luscious batter into your prepared cake pans, dividing it evenly for level layers. Slide them into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are perfect), and the kitchen smells fragrant and fruit-filled.

Step 4: Prepare the Dreamy Frosting

While your cake layers cool completely, whip up the frosting. Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and lump-free. Blend in the pureed strawberries and a touch of strawberry extract for that signature fruity flair. Now, add the confectioners’ sugar a cup at a time, mixing until your frosting is smooth and spreadable with that pale pink hue you’ll fall in love with.

Step 5: Frost and Layer

Once the cake has cooled, place one layer on your plate and spread a thick layer of strawberry cream cheese frosting over the top. Add the second cake layer and lavish the rest of the frosting generously over the sides and top. Don’t be shy—heavy swirls and swoops make this cake look especially inviting!

Step 6: (Optional) Garnish for Extra Charm

If you really want to take the Best Strawberry Cake Ever up a notch, decorate with fresh strawberries on top. Whole berries, sliced berries, or a playful mix both look fantastic and add an elegant, bright finish.

How to Serve Best Strawberry Cake Ever

Garnishes

Nestle fresh strawberries—either whole or sliced—right onto the cake or around the serving platter. Their vibrant red pop announces the berry-rich flavor inside. You can even dust them with a bit of powdered sugar for a fairy-tale finish, or pipe extra frosting décor for an extra-celebratory look.

Side Dishes

If you’re hoping to elevate your dessert to an even more decadent experience, serve each slice with a billowing dollop of whipped cream or a cool scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy add-ons give a lovely contrast to the fruity cake, keeping every bite exciting. If afternoon tea is your thing, a fragrant floral or fruity tea pairs beautifully alongside!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, consider slicing the Best Strawberry Cake Ever into individual servings and presenting each on a cute dessert plate or in a decorative cupcake liner. Layered in parfait glasses with fresh whipped cream and berries, it transforms into a stylish strawberry shortcake parfait. Or go classic with towering slices on a glass cake stand to let that irresistible pink frosting take center stage at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once you’ve enjoyed a slice (or two), store any remaining Best Strawberry Cake Ever in an airtight container in the fridge. The cake stays moist and flavorful for 3-4 days, with the strawberry essence deepening slightly and the frosting remaining silky and dreamy.

Freezing

If you want to plan ahead or simply savor your masterpiece over a longer stretch, wrap the whole cake or individual slices well in plastic wrap, then in foil, and tuck them into the freezer. The cake will keep for up to two or three months without losing its cheerful taste or tender texture.

Reheating

For the best flavor, allow frozen cake to thaw overnight in the fridge. If you’re in a hurry, you can thaw single slices at room temperature (just beware of frosting becoming too soft). For serving chilled or at room temperature, both options are equally delicious with this cake.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen for the cake and frosting?

Absolutely! Fresh strawberries work beautifully in the Best Strawberry Cake Ever. Just hull and puree them, then use as directed. If your strawberries are especially juicy, you may want to reduce the added water slightly to avoid making the batter too thin.

Can I make this cake a day or two ahead?

Yes, this cake is a dream for make-ahead entertaining. Bake and frost it up to 2 days in advance—just store it covered in the fridge and let it sit out briefly before serving to take the chill off.

What if I don’t have strawberry gelatin—can I substitute another flavor?

You can, but the strawberry flavor truly gives the Best Strawberry Cake Ever its signature taste (and lovely pink color). If you’re feeling adventurous, raspberry or cherry gelatin can be a fun twist!

How can I tell when the cake is done baking?

A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. The cake’s edges should gently pull away from the pan, and the top will spring back lightly when touched.

Is the cream cheese frosting necessary or can I use a different one?

Cream cheese frosting perfectly balances the cake’s sweetness with a faint tang and super creamy finish. If needed, you can substitute a simple buttercream or even whipped cream for a lighter touch, but the classic frosting really makes this version special.

Final Thoughts

No matter if you’re an experienced baker or making your very first layer cake, the Best Strawberry Cake Ever will instantly win hearts and turn any occasion into a celebration. Fresh, vibrant, and crowd-pleasing, it’s a recipe you’ll want to bake again and again. So gather your ingredients, share it with friends or treat yourself, and discover just how delightful strawberry cake can be!

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