Best Strawberry Cake Ever Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that tastes like a sun-drenched strawberry field in midsummer, you need to try the Best Strawberry Cake Ever. This cake is a celebration of everything we love about strawberries: juicy flavor, gorgeous color, and that unbeatable sweet-tart aroma. With rich cream cheese frosting and pureed berries in every bite, it’s equal parts nostalgic and over-the-top delicious. It’s the kind of cake you’ll want to share with friends and family (but won’t blame you if you keep an extra slice just for yourself).

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines by keeping things straightforward yet irresistible. Every ingredient is handpicked to boost the flavor, color, or luscious texture of the Best Strawberry Cake Ever—you’ll see just how simple it is to work a little kitchen magic!

• White cake mix: The ultimate cake shortcut for a fluffy, dependable crumb that lets the strawberries be the star.
• Large eggs: They add structure and richness to the cake, making it tender and moist.
• Strawberry-flavored instant gelatin: This sneaky addition ensures every bite bursts with berry flavor and that signature rosy pink color.
• Frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed and pureed: Real strawberries amp up naturally juicy flavor and vibrant color; don’t skip the syrup for extra sweetness.
• Water: Just a touch keeps the batter light without diluting the taste.
• Vegetable oil: Guarantees a moist, melt-in-your-mouth cake even days after baking.
• Confectioners’ sugar: The foundation of cloudlike cream cheese frosting—super smooth and easy to spread.
• Cream cheese: Tangy and creamy, it balances the sweet strawberries and gives the frosting major body.
• Butter: Adds luxurious richness and helps the frosting whip up extra light.
• Straweberry extract: Just half a teaspoon intensifies the authentic strawberry flavor in the frosting.

How to Make Best Strawberry Cake Ever

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans—this step is key to ensuring that the cakes release like a dream once baked. A little patience now pays off later, so don’t rush prepping your pans!

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, strawberry gelatin, pureed strawberries (including that sweet syrup), eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Blend everything until smooth and even—you want a batter that’s thick, glossy, and temptingly pink. The aroma of fresh strawberries at this stage is irresistible!

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans, smoothing out the tops for level cakes. Slide them into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them—a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean when they’re ready. The cakes will puff up, filling your kitchen with a sweet strawberry scent that’s totally show-stopping.

Step 4: Prepare the Frosting

As the cakes cool, make the decadent cream cheese frosting. Beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy, then pour in your pureed strawberries and strawberry extract. Gradually mix in the confectioners’ sugar until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable. Those flecks of strawberry throughout make it extra special.

Step 5: Frost the Cakes

Once the cakes are completely cooled, generously spread the strawberry cream cheese frosting between the layers and over the top and sides. Don’t be shy—a thick frosting layer makes every slice pure joy. The brilliant pink color adds instant wow-factor.

Step 6: Finish with Garnish and Serve

If you’re feeling fancy, decorate with a crown of fresh strawberries for color and freshness. Slice the Best Strawberry Cake Ever and watch those berry lovers come running—just try to snag a piece for yourself before it’s all gone!

How to Serve Best Strawberry Cake Ever

Garnishes

The finishing touch on the Best Strawberry Cake Ever is all about fresh strawberries. Nestle whole or halved berries along the top, scatter pretty slices around the edges, or even add a sprig of mint for an inviting pop of green. Not only do the garnishes add elegance, but they hint at the bold berry flavor inside.

Side Dishes

This cake shines brightly on its own, but you can take it to new heights by pairing it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of fresh whipped cream, or a tall glass of chilled milk. For a festive brunch, try it alongside a citrusy fruit salad or light mimosas to balance out the cake’s richness.

Creative Ways to Present

This cake’s stunning pink layers call for a creative reveal. Assemble as a classic layer cake, or slice it into cubes for a trifle with whipped cream and extra strawberries. For parties, frost cupcakes or mini cakes with the same batter and creamy strawberry icing—guaranteed crowd-pleasers that showcase why this truly is the Best Strawberry Cake Ever!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow manage to have leftovers, keep slices of the Best Strawberry Cake Ever fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting means it’s best to refrigerate—plus, chilling intensifies those sweet berry flavors!

Freezing

Want to save some cake for a rainy day? Wrap individual slices (or even whole unfrosted cake layers) tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you crave a little indulgence, thaw the slices in the refrigerator overnight; the cake will taste just as wonderful as the day you made it.

Reheating

No need to reheat this cake—its texture is perfect served chilled or at cool room temperature. If you prefer a slightly softer bite, just let a slice sit out for ten minutes before enjoying. Either way, you’ll enjoy every forkful of the Best Strawberry Cake Ever.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Simply slice and macerate fresh strawberries with some sugar, then puree. Using fresh berries can make the flavor even brighter—just be sure to use enough so you have plenty of juices for maximum berry goodness in your cake and frosting.

Is there a substitute for strawberry gelatin?

If you’d prefer not to use flavored gelatin, try substituting with unflavored gelatin and a tablespoon or two of strawberry jam for color and flavor. You might lose a little vibrancy, but you’ll still get a delicious result!

Can I bake this recipe as cupcakes?

Definitely—you can make about 24 cupcakes with this batter. Fill cupcake liners two-thirds full and bake at the same temperature, adjusting the baking time down to about 14-16 minutes. They’re perfectly portioned and just as delicious.

How do I keep the frosting from being too runny?

Using softened (not melted) butter and cream cheese is key. If your frosting is a bit loose, try adding more confectioners’ sugar a few tablespoons at a time until the consistency is thick enough to spread but still airy and light.

What makes this the Best Strawberry Cake Ever?

It’s all in the marriage of real strawberries, creamy frosting, and a tender cake structure. Each bite bursts with that rare combination of homemade nostalgia and bakery-level flavor—once you try it, you’ll understand why so many call it the Best Strawberry Cake Ever.

Final Thoughts

If you want to make a show-stopping dessert that truly tastes as good as it looks, don’t hesitate—make the Best Strawberry Cake Ever. It’s not just a pretty face; it’s pure strawberry joy, ready to brighten up any day or special occasion. Give it a whirl and watch how fast it disappears!

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