If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that bursts with sunshine in every bite, look no further than the Best Strawberry Cake Ever. This irresistible cake combines tender layers infused with fresh strawberries and a rich cream cheese frosting that’s good enough to eat by the spoonful. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or just want to surprise your loved ones with something special, this strawberry cake will quickly steal the spotlight and have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s magic in simplicity, especially when each ingredient serves a purpose in crafting the Best Strawberry Cake Ever. These kitchen staples and a few fresh berries work together to deliver a cake that’s moist, vibrant, and packed with strawberry flavor from top to bottom.
- White Cake Mix: The base for a soft and fluffy texture, making this cake easy and foolproof for any level baker.
- Strawberry-Flavored Gelatin: Intensifies the strawberry flavor and brings that signature rosy pink hue to the cake layers.
- Whole Milk: Adds moisture and richness, ensuring each slice is decadently soft.
- Vegetable Oil: Keeps the crumb tender and the cake wonderfully moist—even straight from the fridge.
- Large Eggs: Provide structure and contribute to a beautiful rise and springy bite.
- Mashed Fresh Strawberries: Real berries infuse natural sweetness and juiciness into every crumb.
- Finely Chopped Strawberries: For lovely bites of fruit throughout the cake, adding texture and extra bursts of berry goodness.
- Unsalted Butter (for frosting): Gives the frosting its creamy, melt-in-your-mouth richness—be sure it’s softened!
- Cream Cheese (for frosting): Adds a subtle tangy depth that balances the sweet cake and strawberries perfectly.
- Powdered Sugar (for frosting): Brings sweetness and creates that signature silky, dreamy frosting texture.
- Mashed Strawberries (for frosting): Make the frosting as gorgeous as it is delicious, adding extra berry punch and a lovely pink blush.
How to Make Best Strawberry Cake Ever
Step 1: Prep the Cake Pans
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that warmth fills your kitchen, grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans thoroughly. This not only prevents sticking but also helps ensure your cakes come out beautifully even and ready to be layered. If you want the Best Strawberry Cake Ever to release flawlessly, don’t rush this first step!
Step 2: Mix Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix and the strawberry-flavored gelatin. The gelatin will give your cake its vibrant color and definitive strawberry zing. Add the whole milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and mashed fresh strawberries. Beat with a mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes. You want everything well blended and light for the fluffiest possible crumb.
Step 3: Fold in Chopped Strawberries
Gently fold in the finely chopped strawberries with a spatula; don’t over-mix. These fresh bits will dot the cake with colorful bursts of juicy strawberry, making every bite special in the Best Strawberry Cake Ever.
Step 4: Bake and Cool
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Smooth the tops for even layers. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, just until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then carefully run a knife around the edges and turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
Step 5: Prepare the Frosting
While your cakes are cooling, get started on the luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting. Beat together the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese until the mixture is super creamy—no lumps allowed! Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, blending well between additions. Finish by mixing in the mashed strawberries, making the frosting light, airy, and naturally pink.
Step 6: Assemble and Frost
Once your cakes are completely cool, place one layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting over the top, then add the second cake layer. Cover the top and sides with the remaining frosting, swirling it however you like. With its blushing pink hue and creamy texture, this is the crowning touch on the Best Strawberry Cake Ever.
How to Serve Best Strawberry Cake Ever
Garnishes
For maximum wow-factor, top your cake with halved fresh strawberries, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or even a few edible flower petals. These little touches make every slice look as irresistible as it tastes and really highlight the cake’s berry-forward personality.
Side Dishes
Complement your Best Strawberry Cake Ever with light and simple sides, like a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For an extra summery treat, serve with a crisp fruit salad featuring kiwi, blueberries, and pineapple to echo the cake’s vibrant spirit.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the usual cake stand! Try baking the batter as cupcakes or in a sheet pan for strawberry cake bars. Or, slice the cake into squares and serve in parfait glasses layered with whipped cream and extra strawberries for an adorable trifle that showcases everything people love about the Best Strawberry Cake Ever.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover slices in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake stays delightfully moist for up to four days—and some say day two is when the strawberry flavor is at its best. This makes the Best Strawberry Cake Ever perfect for both special occasions and midnight fridge raids.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake layers (unfrosted) tightly wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before assembling and frosting. If you freeze the whole frosted cake, let it set in the freezer uncovered first, then wrap well; thaw overnight before serving your perfectly preserved Best Strawberry Cake Ever.
Reheating
While this cake is typically served chilled, if you want to take the chill off, let individual slices stand at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes. This softens the frosting and brightens the flavors, making each forkful of the Best Strawberry Cake Ever even more dreamy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Thaw frozen strawberries and drain excess liquid before mashing or chopping. Your cake will still be bursting with berry flavor; just note that the color may be slightly deeper and the texture even moister.
How can I make the strawberry flavor even stronger?
Amp up the berry-ness by adding a tablespoon of freeze-dried strawberry powder to the cake batter or frosting. This intensifies both the flavor and the beautiful pink color, making the Best Strawberry Cake Ever even more irresistible.
What’s the best way to frost the cake neatly?
Start with a crumb coat: spread a thin layer of frosting over the cake to catch any loose crumbs, then chill for 20 minutes before applying your final thick, swirly coat. This ensures a sleek, picture-perfect finish.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply swap the boxed cake mix for your favorite gluten-free white cake mix, and double check that all other ingredients are gluten-free. The results are still scrumptious and perfectly suited for everyone to enjoy the Best Strawberry Cake Ever.
Is it possible to make this cake into cupcakes?
Yes! Just divide the batter evenly among lined cupcake tins, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake at 350°F for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. You’ll get about 24 strawberry cupcakes with all the magic of the Best Strawberry Cake Ever, bite-sized.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason why everyone falls for the Best Strawberry Cake Ever with the very first taste. It’s everything a strawberry cake should be: vibrant, moist, and sealed with a swoon-worthy frosting. Don’t wait for a special occasion—bake it soon, share a slice with friends, and watch the smiles bloom. You’ll be making it again in no time!
Print
Best Strawberry Cake Ever Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of the Best Strawberry Cake Ever, a moist and fruity cake topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix
- 1 package (3 oz) strawberry-flavored gelatin
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup mashed fresh strawberries
- 1/2 cup finely chopped strawberries
Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup mashed strawberries
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine cake mix and strawberry gelatin. Add milk, oil, eggs, and mashed strawberries. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Fold in chopped strawberries.
- Bake Cakes: Divide batter between pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Make Frosting: Beat butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in mashed strawberries until fluffy.
- Frost Cakes: Once cakes are cool, frost between layers and over the top and sides.
Notes
- For a stronger strawberry flavor, consider using freeze-dried strawberry powder in the frosting or cake mix.
- Keep refrigerated and serve chilled for optimal texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
