You’re about to experience the Best Strawberry Cake Ever—a dreamy, nostalgic dessert bursting with ripe, real strawberry flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. This cake is sheer pink perfection, layered with a fluffy yet rich strawberry cream cheese frosting that will make every celebration (or everyday sweet tooth) feel like a special occasion. Whether you’re baking it for a spring brunch, a birthday, or just because strawberries are calling your name, this recipe delivers an easy, show-stopping treat that’s gorgeous to look at and even better to eat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for the Best Strawberry Cake Ever couldn’t be more straightforward. Each one is purposeful: building the cake’s signature blush color, old-fashioned flavor, and oh-so-moist crumb. Let’s talk about why you’ll love every part of this simple list.
- White cake mix: The perfect blank canvas—soft, tender, and ready to soak up all the strawberry goodness.
- Eggs (4 large): These add richness and structure for a plush crumb that stays tender.
- Strawberry gelatin (1 box, 3 ounces): Think vibrant color and an extra boost of berry flavor, with a hint of playful nostalgia.
- Frozen strawberries in syrup (15 ounces, thawed and pureed): Real fruit makes all the difference—sweet, tangy, and a touch jammy.
- Water (1/4 cup): Hydrates the batter and keeps everything just the right consistency.
- Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): This is your ticket to a cake so moist that every bite feels like a little luxury.
- Confectioners’ sugar (7 cups): For cloud-like, silky frosting with the ideal level of sweetness.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Tangy, creamy, and essential for that signature luscious frosting.
- Butter (1/4 cup, softened): Adds richness and helps your frosting whip up to dreamy heights.
- Frozen strawberries in syrup (10 ounces, thawed and pureed, for frosting): Doubles the berry punch, both inside and out.
- Strawberry extract (1/2 teaspoon): A little goes a long way for an even brighter, more concentrated berry flavor.
How to Make Best Strawberry Cake Ever
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pans
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and take a moment to grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This ensures your Best Strawberry Cake Ever slips out beautifully with crisp edges and intact layers—no last-minute pan drama!
Step 2: Mix Up the Strawberry Dream Batter
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, strawberry gelatin, pureed strawberries, eggs, water, and oil. Start mixing on low to bring it all together, then beat at medium speed until your batter is smooth, pink, and utterly irresistible. You’ll smell pure strawberry magic as everything comes together.
Step 3: Bake Until Perfect
Divide your batter evenly between the prepared pans and slide them into the oven. Bake for about 20 minutes—keep an eye out for the classic signs: the cake springs back when lightly touched and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn onto wire racks to cool fully.
Step 4: Whip Up Luscious Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cakes cool, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until fluffy and smooth. Add in the strawberry puree and extract, blending well. Gradually beat in the confectioners’ sugar, a little at a time, until your frosting is rich, creamy, and just begging to be spread over those gorgeous cakes.
Step 5: Frost With Generosity
Once the cakes are cool, generously spread the strawberry cream cheese frosting over the first layer, stack the second on top, and lavish every inch—sides and top—with more frosting. The Best Strawberry Cake Ever deserves nothing less than a thick, beautiful crown of pink frosting!
Step 6: Garnish and Admire
For an elegant finish, top with fresh strawberries, whole or sliced. This adds freshness, color, and a little extra wow factor to every slice.
Step 7: Slice and Savor
Whether you’re serving guests or stealing a secret midnight bite, every forkful delivers the promise of the Best Strawberry Cake Ever—tender, fruity, creamy, and jaw-droppingly delicious.
How to Serve Best Strawberry Cake Ever
Garnishes
Fresh strawberries truly shine as the ultimate garnish. Pile them high—halved, sliced, or kept whole for dramatic flair. If you like, add a dusting of powdered sugar or a few mint leaves for contrast and a pop of green. The bright red berries against the blushing cake bring irresistible charm and a touch of elegance, making the Best Strawberry Cake Ever a centerpiece for any table.
Side Dishes
Take things to the next level by serving your cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a soft pillow of whipped cream—both add creaminess and a cool contrast to the sweet-tart berries. Planning an indulgent afternoon? Try pairing it with hot tea, especially floral blends like chamomile or fruity teas like hibiscus. The delicate flavors will complement, not overwhelm, every berry-packed bite.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to impress, serve the Best Strawberry Cake Ever in individual portions—think cupcakes or parfait glasses layered with cubes of cake, whipped cream, and fresh strawberries. For parties, slice it into thin triangles for a delicate look, or go big and serve “naked cake” style with visible layers and a rustic, homespun finish. Your guests will never forget this showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? (Honestly, you might not, but just in case!) Store your cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay wonderfully moist and flavorful for 3 to 4 days—making it a dreamy after-dinner treat or a sneaky midnight snack!
Freezing
Want to keep the Best Strawberry Cake Ever on hand for future cravings? Wrap individual slices or the whole (unfrosted or frosted) cake tightly in plastic then aluminum foil before popping it in the freezer. It should keep beautifully for up to 2 or 3 months. When you need a little strawberry happiness, just pull it out and thaw gently.
Reheating
While you don’t need to reheat this cake (it’s best served soft and chilled), if you prefer a cozy, slightly warmed slice, microwave individual portions for 10–15 seconds. The frosting will get silky and melty, making it feel extra rich and indulgent.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen ones in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap in fresh strawberries if they’re in season. Hull and chop them, then puree as you would the frozen berries. If your puree seems less juicy than the frozen kind, you might need to add a splash of water to match the recipe’s consistency.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, the Best Strawberry Cake Ever is an ideal make-ahead dessert. Bake and frost it the day before, then refrigerate overnight. It actually tastes even better as the flavors have a chance to meld!
Can I use a different flavor of gelatin in the cake batter?
Definitely! Strawberry gelatin amplifies the berry burst, but you can get creative with raspberry, cherry, or even lime for a fun twist. Just be aware the color and flavor will shift accordingly.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Do the classic toothpick test—inserted in the center, it should come out clean. The edges of your cake will also lightly pull away from the pans when finished. Don’t overbake; this keeps the cake moist and soft!
Can I omit the cream cheese from the frosting?
You can, but the tanginess and silkiness of cream cheese make the frosting extra special. If you need to skip it, use all butter in the frosting for a classic buttercream vibe—it’ll still be delicious, just a bit less tangy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to brighten up your dessert table and create a moment of pure joy, you truly can’t go wrong with the Best Strawberry Cake Ever. Each slice is a taste of sunshine—light, berry-rich, and deliciously memorable. Go ahead and bake it for yourself or your favorite people; it’s bound to become your new signature sweet treat!
