Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 box (3 oz) strawberry-flavored gelatin
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup strawberry purée (from fresh or frozen strawberries)
For the Strawberry Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup strawberry purée
- 4 cups powdered sugar
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish (or two 9-inch cake pans for a layered cake).
2. Make the Cake Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cake mix, flour, and strawberry gelatin.
- Add water, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and strawberry purée.
- Beat on medium speed until smooth and fully combined.
3. Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes (or 25-30 minutes for layer cakes) until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
4. Prepare the Strawberry Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter together until creamy.
- Mix in strawberry purée.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until smooth and fluffy.
5. Frost the Cake:
- Spread the strawberry frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
6. Serve & Enjoy:
- Garnish with fresh strawberries, if desired.
- Slice and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Lemon-Strawberry Cake: Add 1 tsp lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
- Extra Moist Version: Replace water with buttermilk for a richer texture.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cake mix and gluten-free flour.
- Storage: Refrigerate for up to 4 days, freeze (unfrosted) for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
