If you’re dreaming of a sweet, summery treat that’s bursting with fresh berry flavor and finished with a heavenly swoosh of cream cheese frosting, the Best Ever Strawberry Cake absolutely steals the show. This nostalgic favorite is outrageously moist, vibrantly pink, and practically exploding with real strawberries in every bite. Trust me, it’s the kind of crowd-pleasing, easy-to-bake cake you’ll want to share at every picnic, birthday, or whenever you need a guaranteed hit!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this cake is in its simplicity, yet each ingredient brings something essential to the party—sweetness, structure, tartness, or that gorgeous pink color. Let’s unpack why every piece matters so much for the Best Ever Strawberry Cake!
- White cake mix: Creates the soft, fluffy base with a tender crumb that makes every slice irresistible.
- Strawberry-flavored gelatin: Intensifies the berry flavor and gives the cake its signature pink hue—totally nostalgic.
- Mashed fresh strawberries: The star ingredient—adds juicy, natural sweetness and ensures a moist cake.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together while adding richness and structure.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the crumb ultra-moist and luscious; the secret to bakery-soft cake layers.
- Water: Just enough to smooth out the batter so it bakes evenly.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors and gives a soft, aromatic warmth to each bite.
- Cream cheese (for frosting): The tangy backbone for our insanely creamy, dreamy frosting.
- Unsalted butter (for frosting): Adds indulgent richness and helps the frosting hold its shape.
- More mashed strawberries (for frosting): Layering on that berry flavor even in the icing—truly next level.
- Powdered sugar (for frosting): Brings sweetness and that cloud-like texture to your frosting.
- Vanilla extract (for frosting): Just a touch to tie all the flavors together with mellow depth.
How to Make Best Ever Strawberry Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Cake Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), setting the stage for a perfectly risen cake. Take a moment to grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans (or a single 9×13-inch pan if you’re going sheet-cake style). This little step guarantees your cake will pop out clean and pretty every time!
Step 2: Mix Your Batter
In a big mixing bowl, add the white cake mix and the strawberry-flavored gelatin. Whether you whisk or use a hand/stand mixer, combine those dry ingredients first. Then, in go the stars: mashed fresh strawberries, eggs, oil, water, and a splash of vanilla extract. Beat everything together on medium speed for two minutes, letting the color turn rosy and the batter get super smooth—don’t rush, this is where the magic happens!
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Pour the strawberry batter evenly into your prepared pans. Slide them into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You want the centers to spring back lightly or a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The anticipation smells amazing! After baking, let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then carefully turn them out onto wire racks. Let them cool completely before frosting—trust me, it’s worth the wait.
Step 4: Whip Up the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
In a clean bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until it’s totally creamy and dreamy. Add the mashed strawberries and vanilla, then gradually beat in the powdered sugar until your frosting is velvety, fluffy, and beautifully pink. Resist the urge to eat it by the spoonful… or don’t.
Step 5: Assemble and Frost
Once your cakes are completely cool, spread a generous layer of frosting between them, then over the top and sides. For the best texture and neat slices, let your frosted Best Ever Strawberry Cake chill in the fridge for a bit before serving. It sets the frosting just right and really brings out the strawberry flavor!
How to Serve Best Ever Strawberry Cake
Garnishes
Top your finished cake with sliced fresh strawberries, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or even fresh mint leaves for a bright, luscious look. If you want to turn up the wow factor, edible flowers or little swirls of extra frosting make it party-perfect. A pretty cake is always more fun to slice into!
Side Dishes
This cake loves company! Pair slices with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a tart lemon sorbet to balance the sweetness. For brunch, a side of fresh mixed berries or a crisp fruit salad makes the Best Ever Strawberry Cake feel extra festive.
Creative Ways to Present
Go classic layer cake, or try baking the batter as cupcakes for perfect party portions. Slice the cake into bars for potlucks, or use heart-shaped pans for a romantic touch. You can even make a trifle with cubed cake, whipped cream, and extra strawberries layered in a glass bowl—stunning and delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Best Ever Strawberry Cake in an airtight container in the fridge. The cake stays moist and fresh for up to five days, so you can sneak a slice with your morning coffee or pack one for a midday treat. The chilled cake tastes just as wonderful (if not more so) with time!
Freezing
If you have extra or want to prep ahead, wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to two months. You can also freeze slices of frosted cake, layered between sheets of parchment, in a freezer-safe container. Let thaw in the fridge overnight for the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
No need to reheat, as this cake is fantastic enjoyed cool or at room temperature. But if you prefer a cozy treat, zap a slice in the microwave for just 10-15 seconds—just enough to soften the frosting and bring out that nostalgic strawberry aroma.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain frozen strawberries thoroughly before mashing. This ensures your batter isn’t too wet and your Best Ever Strawberry Cake keeps its irresistibly tender texture.
Can I make this cake gluten free?
Yes, you can! Substitute a good-quality gluten-free white cake mix for the regular. All the other ingredients stay the same, and your gluten-free crowd will swoon over this berry delight.
What’s the best way to get a deeper strawberry flavor?
If you crave extra strawberry oomph, you can mix in 1/2 teaspoon of strawberry extract to both the batter and the frosting. Roasting or reducing your strawberries before adding them works, too—it intensifies that bright, sweet flavor for a true Best Ever Strawberry Cake experience.
Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Definitely! Prepare the strawberry cream cheese frosting up to two days in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Give it a quick whip with a hand mixer before spreading for fluffy, luscious results.
How do I keep my cake layers from sticking?
Be generous with greasing and flouring your pans, or use parchment paper circles for extra insurance. This little step gives you neat, perfect layers for all your Best Ever Strawberry Cake building fun!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow guests or just indulge your sweet tooth, there’s nothing quite like baking up the Best Ever Strawberry Cake. It’s easy, beautiful, and overflowing with berry bliss. Go ahead, bake it soon, and see why this cake is always a family favorite—you might just need to make it a tradition!
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Best Ever Strawberry Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful sweetness of the Best Ever Strawberry Cake with luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for any occasion and will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
Main Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix
- 1 package (3 oz) strawberry-flavored gelatin
- 1 cup mashed fresh strawberries
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/4 cup mashed strawberries
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour cake pans.
- Mix Cake Batter: Combine cake mix, gelatin, strawberries, eggs, oil, water, and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
- Bake: Pour batter into pans and bake for 25–30 minutes. Cool cakes on wire racks.
- Make Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter, add strawberries, vanilla, and powdered sugar until fluffy.
- Frost Cake: Frost cooled cake layers and chill before serving.
Notes
- Enhance strawberry flavor with strawberry extract.
- Decorate with fresh strawberries.
- Store covered in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
