Best Ever Strawberry Cake Recipe

Introduction

Discover the perfect blend of light, fluffy cake and sweet, fresh strawberries with this Best Ever Strawberry Cake. Topped with creamy strawberry-infused cream cheese icing, it’s a delightful treat that brightens any celebration or casual gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 box white cake mix
• 3 tbsp plain flour
• 1 (3 oz) box strawberry jello
• 1/2 cup water
• 3/4 cup oil (canola oil recommended)
• 2 cups fresh or frozen pureed strawberries (divided: 1 cup for cake, 1 cup for icing)
• 4 eggs
• 1 stick butter, softened (for icing)
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened (for icing)
• 3 cups powdered sugar (for icing)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the white cake mix, plain flour, and strawberry jello together. Stir in the water until blended.
3. Step 3: Gradually add the oil, mixing it well into the dry ingredients. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Step 4: Gently fold in 1 cup of pureed strawberries until just combined, then beat the batter on medium speed for about 2 minutes until fluffy.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
6. Step 6: Bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
7. Step 7: Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before icing.
8. Step 8: To make the icing, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Add the remaining 1 cup of pureed strawberries and mix until fully incorporated.
9. Step 9: Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition until the icing is smooth and creamy.
10. Step 10: Spread the cream cheese icing evenly over the cooled cake. Garnish with fresh strawberries or a drizzle of puree if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use the freshest strawberries possible for the best flavor and color in both cake and icing.
• If using frozen strawberries, thaw and drain them well to prevent extra moisture in the batter and icing.
• Bring eggs, butter, and cream cheese to room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
• For a smoother strawberry puree, blend thoroughly to avoid chunky bits, ensuring even strawberry flavor throughout.
• To promote even baking, use baking strips around your pan or rotate the cake halfway through baking.
• If your icing feels too thin, refrigerate it before spreading to help it thicken.

Storage

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to keep the cream cheese icing fresh. Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture. You can also freeze the cake, wrapped tightly, for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this cake?

Yes, frozen strawberries work well if they are fully thawed and drained of excess liquid to avoid making the batter or icing too wet.

Why is my icing too thin and runny?

The cream cheese icing can be thin if the strawberries add extra moisture. Try chilling the icing before spreading it on the cake to help it firm up. Adding a bit more powdered sugar can also improve thickness.

Best Ever Strawberry Cake Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 144 reviews

This Best Ever Strawberry Cake is a moist, flavorful white cake infused with the fresh, vibrant taste of pureed strawberries. Enhanced with a luscious cream cheese and strawberry icing, this cake offers a perfect balance of sweetness and tang, making it suitable for celebrations, family gatherings, or any time you crave a summery dessert.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12–15 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Ingredients

• 1 box white cake mix
• 3 tbsp plain flour
• 1 (3 oz) box strawberry jello
• 1/2 cup water
• 3/4 cup canola oil
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups fresh or frozen pureed strawberries (1 cup for the cake, 1 cup for the icing)

Cream Cheese Icing Ingredients

• 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, softened
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup pureed strawberries (fresh or frozen)
• 3 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, plain flour, and strawberry jello. Stir in the water to moisten the mixture.
3. Add Oil and Eggs: Gradually add the oil, mixing well until incorporated. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to achieve a smooth batter.
4. Fold in Strawberries: Gently fold in one cup of the pureed strawberries into the batter until just combined to preserve texture and color.
5. Beat Batter: Beat the cake batter on medium speed for about 2 minutes to make it slightly fluffy.
6. Bake the Cake: Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
7. Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before applying the icing.
8. Prepare Cream Cheese Icing: In a bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Add pureed strawberries and beat until fully combined.
9. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time, beating well after each addition until the icing is creamy and smooth.
10. Ice the Cake: Spread the cream cheese icing evenly over the cooled cake. Optionally, garnish with additional strawberries or a drizzle of strawberry puree.
11. Serve: Slice and serve your delicious Best Ever Strawberry Cake. Enjoy!

Notes

• Use the freshest strawberries available for best flavor and color; if using frozen, thaw and drain thoroughly.
• Ensure eggs, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature for smoother batter and icing.
• Puree strawberries until smooth to ensure even flavor distribution.
• To promote even baking, consider using baking strips around the pan or rotate halfway through baking.
• If the cream cheese icing is too thin, refrigerate before spreading to thicken.
• This recipe is for a single-layer cake; the photo may depict a layered cake not described in the instructions.

Keywords: Strawberry cake, Cream cheese icing, Easy strawberry dessert, Summer cake, Moist strawberry cake, Festive dessert