Best Strawberry Cake Ever Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with the Best Strawberry Cake Ever—a dreamy, pink-hued treat that brings all the flavors of ripe berries straight to your table. This cake is incredibly moist and bursting with real strawberry goodness, layered with the creamiest strawberry cream cheese frosting you’ll ever taste. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a little everyday magic, this showstopper is destined to steal the spotlight and have everyone coming back for seconds. If you adore classic desserts with a fruity twist, this recipe is about to become your new go-to!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how easily the Best Strawberry Cake Ever comes together with a handful of pantry staples and a few star ingredients. Each element plays a special role, creating an unforgettable combination of soft cake, vibrant berry flavor, and luscious frosting.

• White cake mix (18.25 ounces): The perfect base for a tender crumb and just the right structure to soak up all that strawberry flavor.
• Large eggs (4): For richness and stability, creating a softer, more decadent bite every time.
• Strawberry-flavored instant gelatin (3 ounces): Intensifies the berry notes and gives the cake its delightful pink color.
• Frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed and pureed (15 ounces for cake, 10 ounces for frosting): These are the secret to that unbeatable fresh strawberry flavor—don’t skip them!
• Water (1/4 cup): Adds moisture, ensuring your cake stays perfectly fluffy and not too dense.
• Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): A key for moistness and that soft, almost melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Confectioners’ sugar (7 cups): This creates a velvety smooth, sweet frosting that’s a dream to spread.
• Cream cheese (8 ounces), softened: Gives the frosting its signature tang and creamy consistency.
• Butter (1/4 cup), softened: Adds richness and helps the frosting hold its shape beautifully.
• Strawberry extract (1/2 teaspoon): Amplifies the fruity taste for that extra burst of strawberry in every bite.

How to Make Best Strawberry Cake Ever

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pans

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans—the extra care here guarantees your cakes release flawlessly every time, with gorgeous, smooth sides ready for frosting.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, strawberry-flavored gelatin, pureed strawberries (make sure they’re fully thawed!), eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Mix on medium speed until the batter is completely blended and the color is even. It should smell absolutely heavenly at this point!

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean—don’t overbake, so you keep the layers ultra-moist. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then turn them onto wire racks to cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

While your cakes are cooling, whip up the star of the show: the frosting! In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Blend in your second portion of strawberry puree and the strawberry extract. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, mixing until your frosting is perfectly thick and irresistibly fluffy.

Step 5: Frost the Cake

Once your cakes are completely cooled, place the first layer on your serving platter. Spread a generous amount of frosting over the top, then add the second layer and repeat, covering the entire cake with any remaining frosting. Swirl on those luscious peaks and get ready for some seriously beautiful cake magic!

Step 6: Add an Elegant Garnish (Optional)

If you want to dress up your Best Strawberry Cake Ever, top it off with a few fresh strawberries—either whole or sliced for a stunning finishing touch. It instantly transforms your cake into a showstopper worthy of the finest dessert table.

How to Serve Best Strawberry Cake Ever

Garnishes

For a truly spectacular presentation, go the extra mile by garnishing your Best Strawberry Cake Ever with fresh strawberries—whole, halved, or even fanned on top. You can also sprinkle on a dusting of powdered sugar or a handful of edible flowers for a little whimsical flair. Not only does it look beautiful, but the fresh berries add another juicy burst of flavor with each bite.

Side Dishes

Pair each generous slice with a big scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a fluffy dollop of whipped cream—these light additions balance the cake’s sweetness perfectly and make every mouthful feel like a special treat. For a more elegant occasion, serve alongside a cup of floral or fruity tea to bring out the strawberry notes, or keep it simple with a tall glass of cold milk for some nostalgic comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the classic cake slice! Cut your Best Strawberry Cake Ever into petite squares and arrange on a dessert platter for parties, or spoon cubes of cake into parfait glasses with layers of whipped cream and fresh strawberries for a whimsical twist on strawberry shortcake. Hosting a party? Serve individual cake portions in decorative cupcake liners or glass jars—guests will love having their own adorable, photogenic desserts!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra Best Strawberry Cake Ever in an airtight container in the fridge. Stored this way, the cake will stay fresh, tender, and delicious for up to 3 or 4 days. The frosting sets up beautifully in the fridge, so leftovers are just as tasty the next day!

Freezing

If you want to save cake for another occasion, you absolutely can freeze it! Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Tuck it into the freezer where it will stay lovely for 2 to 3 months. This is also a great way to keep cake handy for unexpected celebrations.

Reheating

Let frozen cake thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture. If you’re in a hurry, you can let a single slice sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. No need to reheat in the oven or microwave—this cake is at its best served cool or at room temperature, letting the flavors shine and the frosting stay smooth.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Just hull and puree fresh strawberries in place of the frozen ones. You might need to adjust the amount of added water slightly since fresh berries are often less syrupy than frozen, but the cake will be just as moist and delicious.

Can the Best Strawberry Cake Ever be made ahead of time?

Definitely! This cake is perfect for making in advance. Bake and frost it the day before your event, then store covered in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen overnight, and it’s just as scrumptious on day two or three.

Is it possible to swap out the strawberry gelatin for another flavor?

You bet! If you’re feeling adventurous, try raspberry, cherry, or even lime gelatin for a fun flavor twist. The process is exactly the same, so you can get creative with the flavor profile while still enjoying the same dependable texture and rise.

How do I know when my Best Strawberry Cake Ever is baked through?

Give your cake the toothpick test—insert a toothpick into the center, and it should come out clean or with just a couple of crumbs. The edges of your cake will also begin to pull away slightly from the pan when done. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on it starting at the 20-minute mark!

Can I skip the cream cheese in the frosting?

If you’re not a cream cheese fan or need a different option, you can use all butter for the frosting. It will be sweeter and less tangy, but still rich and easy to spread. That said, the cream cheese truly complements the strawberry flavor, so give it a try at least once!

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re making memories with family or dazzling guests at your next get-together, the Best Strawberry Cake Ever brings a burst of sunshine to any table. It’s easy, stunning, and downright delicious, so why not treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice (or two)? Don’t be surprised if you’re asked for the recipe on repeat!

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