This strawberry cake is everything you love about a classic strawberry dessert—fluffy, sweet, and bursting with real strawberry flavor. With moist layers of cake and a dreamy strawberry cream cheese frosting, it’s the perfect treat for birthdays, brunches, or any occasion that calls for a show-stopping dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re craving the vibrant, fruity flavor of strawberries in every bite, this is the cake for you. The Best Strawberry Cake Ever combines simple ingredients like a white cake mix, strawberry-flavored gelatin, and pureed strawberries, making it easy to create a moist, flavorful cake from scratch. Topped with a creamy strawberry cream cheese frosting, this cake is not only delicious but visually stunning as well. Perfect for any celebration or a sweet treat to enjoy at home!

Ingredients

Cake

• 1 box white cake mix (18.25 ounces)

• 1 box strawberry-flavored instant gelatin (3 ounces)

• 1 package frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed and pureed (15 ounces)

• 4 large eggs

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

• 1/4 cup water

Frosting

• 7 cups confectioners’ sugar

• 1 package cream cheese (8 ounces), softened

• 1/4 cup softened butter

• 1 package frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed and pureed (10 ounces)

• 1/2 teaspoon strawberry extract

Optional Garnish

• Fresh strawberries, whole or sliced, for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, lining the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, strawberry gelatin, pureed strawberries, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Mix until smooth and fully incorporated.

3. Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should begin to pull away from the pan.

4. Cool the Cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10–15 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

5. Prepare the Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add the pureed strawberries and strawberry extract. Gradually mix in the confectioners’ sugar until the frosting is thick and spreadable.

6. Frost the Cakes: Once the cakes are fully cooled, frost the top of one layer. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with a generous layer of frosting.

7. Garnish: Decorate the cake with fresh strawberries or slices for added color and flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 slices

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Fresh Strawberries: You can use fresh strawberries instead of frozen ones, though you may need to adjust the sweetness with a little extra sugar if the berries are not as sweet.

• Different Gelatin Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different gelatin flavors, like raspberry or cherry, for a unique twist.

• Cupcakes: Turn this cake into individual cupcakes by spooning the batter into muffin tins. Adjust baking time to 15–18 minutes.

• Parfait: Layer cubes of cake with whipped cream and strawberries for a fun and portable treat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storing Leftovers: Keep leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

• Freezing: Wrap the unfrosted cake layers or frosted slices in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for quicker access.

• Reheating: For a slice at room temperature, leave it out for about 30 minutes. Avoid microwaving to preserve the texture and prevent the frosting from melting.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen ones in this recipe?

Yes, you can use fresh strawberries. Just hull and chop them before pureeing. If your fresh strawberries are less sweet, add a tablespoon of sugar to the puree to maintain the cake’s flavor.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them at room temperature or in the fridge. Frost the cake just before serving for the freshest flavor.

Can I use a different flavor of gelatin in the cake batter?

Yes, you can experiment with other flavors like raspberry or cherry gelatin, but keep in mind that strawberry gelatin gives this cake its signature taste and color.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The cake is ready when it springs back lightly when touched, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should also begin to pull away from the pan.

Can I omit the cream cheese from the frosting?

You can omit the cream cheese, but doing so will result in a less tangy, more traditional buttercream. If you skip it, increase the butter a bit and blend until fluffy.

Can I add food coloring to make the cake more vibrant?

Yes, adding a few drops of natural red food coloring will enhance the pink hue of the cake, especially if you’re using fresh strawberries.

Is this cake suitable for a large crowd?

Yes, this recipe makes 12 servings, and you can easily scale it up for larger events by doubling the ingredients and baking in larger pans.

How should I store leftover cake?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It stays fresh and moist!

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake layers or individual slices. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to 2-3 months.

Can I make this cake without using cake mix?

While the cake mix helps create a fluffy and easy base, you can make this from scratch using flour, sugar, baking powder, and other basic ingredients.

Conclusion

The Best Strawberry Cake Ever is sure to become a family favorite. With its light and fluffy texture, intense strawberry flavor, and creamy frosting, this cake is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a brunch, or just treating yourself to a sweet indulgence, this cake will leave everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try, and watch it become a dessert you’ll make over and over again!