The Best Strawberry Cake Ever

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The Best Strawberry Cake Ever

Strawberry cake is a classic dessert that captures the bright, sweet, and slightly tangy flavor of fresh strawberries. This recipe takes it to the next level with a moist, tender crumb and a luscious strawberry-infused cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re making it for a birthday, a holiday, or just because you love strawberries, this cake is sure to impress!

Why This Strawberry Cake Stands Out

Many strawberry cake recipes rely solely on artificial flavors, but this version combines fresh strawberries with strawberry gelatin for a vibrant and natural taste. The result is a perfectly balanced cake that’s both light and rich, with an irresistible homemade flavor.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 1 box white cake mix
  • 1 package (3 oz) strawberry flavored gelatin
  • 1 cup mashed strawberries (with juice)
  • 3/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup water

For the Frosting:

  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 3/4 cup mashed strawberries (drained)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure easy removal.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix and strawberry flavored gelatin powder. Stir well to evenly distribute the flavors.
  3. Add the mashed strawberries (with their juice), vegetable oil, eggs, and water to the bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed until the batter is smooth and thoroughly combined.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

  1. Evenly divide the batter between the prepared cake pans.
  2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  3. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before carefully turning them out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

  1. In a separate bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy.
  2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition.
  3. Fold in the drained mashed strawberries, ensuring that the frosting remains smooth and not too runny.

Step 4: Assemble and Frost the Cake

  1. Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate.
  2. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top before placing the second cake layer over it.
  3. Use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake evenly.

Baking Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Cake

  • Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries provide the best flavor and texture for this cake. If using frozen strawberries, thaw them completely and drain excess liquid.
  • Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake instead of a light and fluffy one.
  • Chill the Frosting: If your frosting is too soft, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before spreading it on the cake.
  • Level Your Cake Layers: For a professional-looking cake, trim the tops of the cake layers if they have domed while baking.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Strawberry Shortcake Style: Instead of frosting the entire cake, layer the cake with whipped cream and fresh sliced strawberries for a lighter variation.
  • Cupcake Version: Pour the batter into lined cupcake tins and bake for 18-20 minutes for delicious strawberry cupcakes.
  • Chocolate Drizzle: For a chocolate-strawberry twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the frosted cake.
  • Lemon Strawberry Cake: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cake batter for a fresh citrus touch.

How to Store Strawberry Cake

  • Refrigerator: Since the frosting contains cream cheese, store the cake in the fridge, covered, for up to 5 days.
  • Freezer: Wrap unfrosted cake layers in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
  • Make Ahead: The cake layers can be baked a day in advance and stored in an airtight container before frosting.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and extra fresh strawberries.
  • Pair with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for a decadent treat.
  • Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk.

Final Thoughts

This strawberry cake is a true showstopper, combining the best of homemade flavor with an easy-to-follow recipe. The combination of strawberry gelatin and fresh strawberries creates a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, while the rich cream cheese frosting adds an extra layer of indulgence. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this cake is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the best strawberry cake ever!

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