Best Strawberry Cake Ever Recipe

If you’re ready to wow your friends and family with a showstopper dessert, let me introduce you to the Best Strawberry Cake Ever. Imagine moist layers bursting with bright strawberry flavor, fluffy cream cheese frosting tinged a perfect pink, and a vibrant finish of fresh strawberries. This cake isn’t just pretty — it’s packed with real strawberry goodness in every forkful! Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to spoil yourself on an ordinary day, this recipe brings fresh-from-the-bakery magic right into your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Great baking starts with the right building blocks, and the Best Strawberry Cake Ever uses a handful of surprisingly simple ingredients to create a seriously memorable treat. Each component adds something special to the overall flavor, texture, or gorgeous color you’ll see in every slice.

• White cake mix (18.25 ounces): The foundation for a soft, fluffy crumb that lets the strawberry flavors shine.
• Strawberry-flavored instant gelatin (3 ounces): Not only does this add a vivid rosy hue, but it boosts the strawberry flavor for that signature look and taste.
• Frozen strawberries in syrup (two packages: 15 ounces for cake, 10 ounces for frosting), thawed and pureed: These provide juicy strawberry flavor and keep the cake beautifully moist.
• Large eggs (4): The structure and richness of the crumb comes from these all-stars.
• Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): For a perfectly tender and moist cake bite after bite.
• Water (1/4 cup): Just enough to bring the batter together smoothly, balancing the richness of the other ingredients.
• Cream cheese (8 ounces), softened: This creamy base for the frosting brings a gentle tanginess that’s downright irresistible.
• Butter (1/4 cup), softened: Gives the frosting a rich, smooth mouthfeel and helps it spread like a dream.
• Confectioners’ sugar (7 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting without making it heavy.
• Strawberry extract (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the fresh berry flavor in every dollop of frosting.

How to Make Best Strawberry Cake Ever

Step 1: Get Your Pans and Oven Ready

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This step isn’t just about non-stick insurance — properly prepped pans mean your cake layers will release perfectly, with clean edges and a professional look.

Step 2: Mix Up the Dreamy Strawberry Batter

In a big mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, strawberry gelatin, pureed (and thawed) frozen strawberries, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Start slow, then mix until everything is silky smooth and evenly combined. This is when the magic happens: Those strawberries and gelatin infuse the whole cake with fruity flavor and a cheery pink color, while the cake mix keeps things light and fluffy.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Divide your luscious batter equally between the two prepared pans. Slide them into the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. You’ll know your cakes are ready when a toothpick inserted in the center pulls out clean (or with just a moist crumb or two). Let the cakes cool in their pans for a few minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to finish cooling completely. Patience, my friend — you’ll thank yourself at frosting time!

Step 4: Whip Up the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

In a separate bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture looks fluffy and nearly cloud-like. Next, blend in the pureed strawberries and strawberry extract, then gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, mixing until everything is creamy, luscious, and gorgeously pink. This frosting is so good, you might have a hard time not sneaking a taste (or three)!

Step 5: Frost and Assemble Your Masterpiece

Once your cakes are completely cool, place one layer on your serving platter and spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Gently lay the second cake round over the first, then blanket the whole thing in that strawberry cream cheese dream. Smooth the sides and top, or use a swirling pattern for a rustic, homemade look. The Best Strawberry Cake Ever is already a beauty, but just wait for garnishing!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

If you want to really impress, now’s the time to crown your cake with fresh strawberries — sliced, halved, or whole. Their bright color and juicy sweetness are the perfect finishing touch. Slice and serve to the eager crowd, and watch the compliments roll in!

How to Serve Best Strawberry Cake Ever

Garnishes

This cake looks stunning adorned with fresh strawberries. Try arranging halved or whole berries in concentric circles, or make a pretty fan shape in the center. A few mint leaves offer a pop of green and hint at garden-fresh flavor. For extra sparkle, a light dusting of confectioners’ sugar makes this cake look like it belongs in a pastry shop window.

Side Dishes

Elevate your strawberry cake experience by pairing it with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, a swirl of whipped cream, or even a simple fruit salad on the side. These accompaniments bring coolness and texture, balancing the sweet, tangy cake with light and creamy notes — perfect for warm spring and summer gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to make the Best Strawberry Cake Ever feel extra special, try slicing it into beautiful wedges and serving them on floral plates for afternoon tea. For parties, bake it as cupcakes or mini cakes and top each with a swirl of frosting and a little strawberry. You can even layer chunks of cake, whipped cream, and berries in tall glasses to create irresistibly pretty parfaits.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Thanks to the luscious cream cheese frosting and moist crumb, every slice of the Best Strawberry Cake Ever will stay fresh and flavorful for up to three or four days. It’s ideal for nibbling throughout the week!

Freezing

If you’d like to save slices (or even the whole cake) for later, double-wrap tightly with both plastic wrap and aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. Properly stored, the cake will keep beautifully frozen for up to two or three months. To preserve the frosting’s texture, let the cake thaw in the fridge overnight rather than at room temperature.

Reheating

While this cake is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, if you prefer a just-baked feel, let a refrigerated slice sit on the counter for 20–30 minutes or zap it in the microwave for just 10–15 seconds. The strawberry aroma will bloom and the cake will become extra inviting — just be careful not to melt the frosting completely!

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen in the Best Strawberry Cake Ever?

Absolutely! Just hull and chop your fresh strawberries, then puree them well. Because fresh berries might not be as sweet or juicy as the syrupy frozen kind, you can adjust the water slightly to keep your batter the right consistency. The flavor will be fabulous and a bit more vibrant.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, one of the beauties of this recipe is that it’s just as delicious the next day. Bake and frost up to two days ahead, store in the fridge, and serve when ready. The flavors will meld and the cake stays delightfully moist!

Can I substitute another gelatin flavor for the strawberry gelatin?

Certainly! Raspberry, cherry, or even a citrus flavor can create fun new twists. The Best Strawberry Cake Ever is wonderfully versatile — try your favorites and see which fruity combos you enjoy most.

How do I know the cake is finished baking?

Besides the classic toothpick test (which should come out clean or with just a few crumbs), you’ll notice the cake edges pulling slightly away from the pans. The layers should spring back when gently touched. Trust your nose, too — your kitchen will smell incredible when it’s ready!

If I’m out of cream cheese, can I make the frosting without it?

You sure can, but keep in mind cream cheese brings a balance of tang that keeps the sweetness in check and makes the frosting extra creamy. If you need to skip it, use only butter or try a mascarpone-based frosting for a fun twist.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that brightens every celebration, you have to bake the Best Strawberry Cake Ever. It’s simple enough for beginners but impressive enough to steal the spotlight at any gathering. Go ahead — treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a slice of strawberry bliss. Once you taste it, I promise you’ll be dreaming up reasons to bake it again and again!

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