If you love strawberries in every bite, then this Double Strawberry Cake Recipe is going to be your new go-to dessert. It beautifully marries the bright, fruity essence of fresh strawberries with the rich, creamy texture of a luscious strawberry-infused frosting. This cake is a celebration of strawberry flavor at its finest, perfect for any occasion where you want to impress friends or just treat yourself to something truly special. The softness of the cake combined with the vibrant pink frosting and fresh slices on top creates a picture-perfect dessert that tastes as wonderful as it looks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Putting together this Double Strawberry Cake Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward yet each plays a key role in delivering that perfect strawberry flavor and moist texture we all crave. Every item, from the strawberry gelatin to the cream cheese in the frosting, works harmoniously to create a cake that’s bursting with taste and beautiful in color.
- White cake mix: Serves as the tender base, making the cake light and fluffy without any fuss.
- All-purpose flour: Adds structure so the cake holds up beautifully, especially with that extra strawberry goodness.
- Strawberry-flavored gelatin: Infuses an intense strawberry aroma and a hint of tartness, boosting the fruity profile.
- Water: Helps bring the batter together and contributes to the cake’s moist crumb.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake buttery-soft and tender for days.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and provide richness and rise.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its sweet, aromatic notes.
- Strawberry purée: The star ingredient for double the strawberry impact, adding natural sweetness and luscious color to both cake and frosting.
- Cream cheese: Gives the frosting a tangy richness that perfectly balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: Adds creaminess and smooth texture to the frosting.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and helps it whip up light and fluffy.
- Fresh strawberries: For garnish, adding extra freshness and that irresistible pop of juicy fruit.
How to Make Double Strawberry Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Whether you’re going for a single-layer sheet cake or a layered masterpiece, greasing your baking dish or cake pans ensures the cake releases effortlessly once baked.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, all-purpose flour, and strawberry-flavored gelatin. This trio is the foundation of that vibrant strawberry flavor and fluffy texture.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Pour in the water, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and most importantly, the strawberry purée. Beating these together on medium speed ensures your batter is smooth, perfectly combined, and ready for baking.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Transfer the batter to your prepared pan(s) and smooth the top. Bake sheet cakes for about 35-40 minutes, or if doing layers, check at 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool Completely Before Frosting
Patience is key! Let the cake cool to room temperature so the frosting won’t melt when spread on top, giving you that beautiful, smooth finish.
Step 6: Make the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy, then mix in the strawberry purée. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until the frosting is light, fluffy, and bursting with strawberry flavor.
Step 7: Frost and Garnish
Spread your luscious strawberry frosting evenly over the cooled cake, then shower the top with those fresh strawberry slices for a delightful finishing touch. Now your Double Strawberry Cake Recipe is ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Double Strawberry Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh strawberry slices are the classic choice to garnish this cake, adding a juicy burst and gorgeous color contrast. You can also sprinkle a few edible flowers or a dusting of powdered sugar to jazz it up for special occasions.
Side Dishes
This cake shines best when paired with a simple accomplice like whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. A lightly brewed cup of tea or fresh lemonade complements the fruity sweetness perfectly, balancing richness with refreshing tang.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, serve individual slices on pretty plates with a drizzle of strawberry sauce or a handful of fresh berries on the side. You might even turn it into mini trifle cups layering cake pieces, frosting, and fresh strawberries for a fun, shareable dessert option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Double Strawberry Cake Recipe fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays moist and flavorful for up to 4 days, making it perfect for enjoying a slice or two over several days.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake (without frosting) tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add fresh frosting and garnish before serving.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so avoid microwaving. If you want a slightly softer texture, take the slice out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving to let it come to room temperature naturally.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen for the purée?
Absolutely! Fresh strawberries work wonderfully when in season, offering a naturally sweet and vibrant purée that really elevates the flavor.
What if I don’t have strawberry-flavored gelatin?
You can substitute with a similar amount of unflavored gelatin and add a bit more strawberry purée or extract. The gelatin mainly boosts the strawberry flavor and texture, but the cake will still be delicious without it.
Can this recipe be made into cupcakes?
Definitely! Just adjust the baking time to about 18-22 minutes, and you’ll have adorable, strawberry-packed cupcakes perfect for parties or gifting.
Is the cream cheese frosting very sweet?
The cream cheese adds a lovely tang that balances the sweetness of the powdered sugar and strawberry purée, so it’s sweet but never cloying. You can always adjust the sugar to taste.
How can I make this cake vegan or dairy-free?
Try using a dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitute, plant-based milk, and egg replacers to adapt the recipe. Keep in mind that texture and flavor may vary slightly but it can be deliciously customized!
Final Thoughts
Making this Double Strawberry Cake Recipe is like inviting a burst of springtime into your kitchen no matter the season. The way the strawberry flavor shines through every component is nothing short of delightful, and it’s sure to become a favorite for gatherings or a special treat any day. So grab those berries, start mixing, and enjoy every luscious slice of this strawberry dream!
Print
Double Strawberry Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Double Strawberry Cake is a luscious and moist dessert featuring layers of white cake enhanced with strawberry gelatin and purée, topped with a creamy strawberry-flavored cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations or a delightful treat, the fresh strawberry garnish adds a vibrant touch and burst of flavor.
Ingredients
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)
Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup strawberry purée
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Garnish
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking your cake.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish for a single-layer cake, or opt for two 9-inch cake pans if you want a layered cake.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the white cake mix, all-purpose flour, and strawberry-flavored gelatin until evenly combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the water, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and strawberry purée to the dry mixture.
- Beat the Batter: Beat on medium speed until the batter is smooth and fully combined with no lumps.
- Fill Baking Dish: Pour the batter into the greased baking dish or divide evenly between the two cake pans, spreading the batter evenly.
- Bake the Cake: Bake for 35-40 minutes if using a 9×13 pan or 25-30 minutes for layer cakes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake(s) to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
- Prepare Frosting Base: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until creamy and smooth.
- Add Strawberry Purée: Mix the strawberry purée into the cream cheese mixture, blending thoroughly.
- Incorporate Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Frost the Cake: Evenly spread the strawberry cream cheese frosting over the completely cooled cake.
- Garnish: Decorate the frosted cake with sliced fresh strawberries for an extra pop of color and flavor.
- Serve: Slice and serve the cake chilled or at room temperature for best taste.
Notes
- For a layered cake, divide the batter evenly into two 9-inch pans and reduce baking time.
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
- Fresh strawberries can be substituted with frozen ones for the purée; just thaw and strain if needed.
- Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and moisture.
- This cake can be served chilled for a refreshing texture or at room temperature for a softer bite.
