If you’re searching for a show-stopping treat that’s bursting with berry flavor, you have to try the Best Strawberry Cake Ever. This delightful cake marries fluffy, strawberry-speckled layers with a silky, fruit-packed cream cheese frosting, creating a dessert that’s both nostalgic and unforgettable. Whether you’re planning a birthday surprise, a sunny picnic, or just want to spoil yourself with something magical and pink, the Best Strawberry Cake Ever delivers pure joy and sweet comfort in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s no need to fuss over a long list—these simple yet standout ingredients are all you need to whip up the Best Strawberry Cake Ever. Each one plays its own special role, from guaranteeing that perfect moist crumb to delivering a true strawberry punch and dreamy texture.
- White cake mix (15.25 oz): This reliable shortcut ensures your cake bakes up soft and tender every time.
- Strawberry-flavored gelatin (3 oz): Intensifies the strawberry hue and amps up the berry flavor you crave.
- Mashed fresh strawberries (1 cup): Nothing rivals the flavor or flecks of real strawberries in every bite.
- Whole milk (½ cup): Adds richness and helps the batter blend smoothly for a delicate crumb.
- Vegetable oil (½ cup): Locks in moisture so your cake stays luscious for days.
- Large eggs (4): Give the cake structure and add a bit of lightness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Bridges the strawberry sweetness with a soft, fragrant background.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): For the dreamy, tangy frosting that makes this cake irresistible.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Ensures the frosting is extra creamy and spreadable.
- Powdered sugar (3–4 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting, so it’s fluffy and pipable.
- Pureed fresh strawberries (¼ cup): Infuses genuine berry flavor into every swipe of frosting.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon—for frosting): Complements the strawberry and cream cheese flavors seamlessly.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances the flavors in the frosting and balances sweetness.
How to Make Best Strawberry Cake Ever
Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease and flour two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper to ensure an easy release. Trust me, there’s nothing sadder than a stuck cake!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix and strawberry-flavored gelatin. Give them a quick whisk together so both are distributed evenly—this ensures every slice will have a consistent color and taste.
Step 3: Add the Strawberry Goodness
Add the mashed fresh strawberries, whole milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract straight into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a stand or hand mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until the batter is silky-smooth and dotted with berry bits.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Divide the luscious batter evenly between your prepared pans. Pop them in the oven and bake for roughly 25–30 minutes. You’ll know your cakes are ready when a toothpick comes out clean from the center, with perhaps a tender crumb or two attached.
Step 5: Cool Completely
Let the cakes rest in their pans for about 10 minutes. Then gently turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely—this helps prevent sogginess and keeps the crumb light and fluffy.
Step 6: Whip Up the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
In a fresh bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until velvety and lump-free. Add pureed strawberries, vanilla, and a pinch of salt, then slowly incorporate the powdered sugar (start with 3 cups and add more as needed) until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and perfectly spreadable.
Step 7: Assemble and Frost
Once your cakes are completely cool, it’s time for the fun part: assembly! Place one cake layer on your favorite serving plate, spread a generous layer of frosting on top, then position the second cake layer. Slather the entire cake with the remaining frosting, swirling on top for those gorgeous bakery-style swoops. Garnish with extra fresh strawberries if you’d like!
How to Serve Best Strawberry Cake Ever
Garnishes
The crowning touch for the Best Strawberry Cake Ever is lots and lots of sliced fresh strawberries. Pile them high on top or fan them around the edges for a burst of juicy color. For extra flair, add a sprinkle of freeze-dried strawberry powder, a few mint leaves, or even a dusting of powdered sugar.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with lightly sweetened whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or a dish of creamy yogurt. For a festive spread, serve with a chilled glass of strawberry lemonade or even a bright sparkling rosé if you’re feeling fancy!
Creative Ways to Present
The Best Strawberry Cake Ever shines as a layered birthday centerpiece, but it’s equally enchanting cut into cubes and served as cake parfaits in mason jars, sliced thin for a tea party setting, or even turned into a whimsical sheet cake topped with playful sprinkles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover Best Strawberry Cake Ever tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake will stay delightfully moist and flavorful for up to four days, and the cool temperature helps keep the cream cheese frosting fresh.
Freezing
If you’d like to make the cake in advance, freeze the unfrosted layers wrapped well in plastic wrap and a layer of foil. They’ll keep for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before assembling and frosting.
Reheating
You don’t need to reheat this cake, but if you prefer it gently warmed, microwave a slice for 10–15 seconds. Just know the cream cheese frosting softens a bit, so keep an eye on it to prevent melting.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Thaw frozen strawberries well and drain any excess liquid before mashing or pureeing so your cake isn’t overly wet.
What if I only have salted butter?
You can use salted butter in the frosting if that’s what you have—just skip the added pinch of salt to keep the sweetness balanced.
Can I bake this cake in a 9×13-inch pan?
Definitely! Simply pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick in the center.
How do I make the strawberry flavor even stronger?
For a punchier strawberry kick in the Best Strawberry Cake Ever, add a few tablespoons of freeze-dried strawberry powder to the batter and/or frosting, or use strawberry extract.
Does the cake need to be refrigerated?
Yes, because of the cream cheese frosting, it’s best to keep your Best Strawberry Cake Ever refrigerated until serving. Let it come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before enjoying for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to dive into a slice (or two) of the Best Strawberry Cake Ever. It’s the kind of recipe that sparks joy and brings people together, whether it’s for a birthday blowout or a casual weekend treat. Give it a try, and get ready for raves and requests for seconds!
Print
Best Strawberry Cake Ever Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes (plus cooling)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of fresh strawberries with this Best Strawberry Cake Ever recipe. A moist white cake infused with strawberry goodness and topped with a luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
Main Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 package (3 oz) strawberry-flavored gelatin
- 1 cup mashed fresh strawberries
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup pureed fresh strawberries
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans (or line with parchment).
- In a large bowl, mix the cake mix and dry gelatin powder. Add mashed strawberries, milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat with a hand or stand mixer on medium speed for 2–3 minutes, until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add in the pureed strawberries, vanilla, and salt. Gradually mix in powdered sugar until the frosting reaches desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar; if too thick, add a teaspoon of milk or more strawberry puree.
- Frost the cooled cake layers and decorate with fresh strawberries if desired. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Notes
- For a stronger strawberry flavor, use freeze-dried strawberries blended into a powder and added to the batter or frosting.
- This cake is perfect for birthdays, spring celebrations, or just because you love strawberries!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 440
- Sugar: 42 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 57 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
