If you’re searching for the kind of show-stopping dessert that makes everyone’s eyes light up when it’s set on the table, you’ve just found it: the Best Strawberry Cake Ever. This cake is the ultimate celebration of sweet berries and luscious cream cheese frosting, all wrapped up in an easy-to-follow recipe that tastes as impressive as it looks. Every bite packs a juicy strawberry punch layered with tender crumb and dreamy pink frosting, making it the sort of treat you’ll crave all year long. Whether it’s a family birthday, spring brunch, or just a Tuesday that needs a little brightening up, this cake is about to become your new go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You might be amazed at how a handful of simple, everyday ingredients can create pure strawberry magic. Each element has an important role to play—some add airy volume, others pack in fruity flavor, and a couple contribute that signature blush-pink hue. Let’s take a look at what makes the Best Strawberry Cake Ever so special:
- White cake mix: This is your shortcut to a soft, fluffy crumb every single time, no stress about sifting or measuring flours.
- Strawberry-flavored gelatin: Packs a sweet-tart berry punch and boosts the beautiful pink color of the cake layers.
- Whole milk: Adds richness and keeps the crumb moist—not skim or low-fat here, trust me.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake ultra-tender, even after a day or two in the fridge.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and lift, giving you light, sturdy layers perfect for stacking and frosting.
- Mashed fresh strawberries: The star ingredient—bursting with juicy flavor and gorgeous color that tells you this is a real fruit-forward cake.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the berry notes and rounds out the sweetness beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Forms the rich backbone of the cream cheese frosting, so be sure it’s soft for smooth mixing.
- Cream cheese (softened): Adds tang, fluff, and that signature creamy swoop to your frosting—no shortcuts here.
- Pureed strawberries: Infuse the frosting with natural berry flavor and that dreamy pink tint, making every swipe irresistible.
- Powdered sugar: Brings sweetness and structure to the frosting without any graininess.
How to Make Best Strawberry Cake Ever
Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready and waiting. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, and don’t forget to line the bottoms with parchment paper. This little trick guarantees the cakes release effortlessly—no tears, no stuck-on bits, just picture-perfect layers.
Step 2: Mix Up the Cake Batter
In a big mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, strawberry gelatin, whole milk, vegetable oil, eggs, mashed strawberries, and vanilla extract. Beat everything together using an electric mixer on medium speed for 2–3 minutes. The batter will swirl into a thick, pastel-pink creation that smells like strawberry fields—make sure it’s smooth with no lumps.
Step 3: Bake to Berry Perfection
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Pop them in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. As the cakes bake, your kitchen will fill with the aroma that only the Best Strawberry Cake Ever can deliver.
Step 4: Cool Completely
Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes, then gently turn them out onto wire racks. Peel off the parchment and let them cool fully—you want them completely cool before diving into the frosting, or you’ll risk a melty mess.
Step 5: Whip Up Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cakes cool, get started on your frosting. In a clean bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until it’s super creamy and lump-free. Add the pureed strawberries and vanilla, then slowly sift in the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting turns fluffy, smooth, and irresistibly pink.
Step 6: Frost and Assemble
Once your cakes are cool, place one layer on your serving plate. Generously spread a thick layer of frosting over the top, then add the second cake layer. Smother the whole cake with the remaining frosting, swirling it with a spatula for a homemade, rustic look or smoothing it out for bakery-style elegance. The Best Strawberry Cake Ever is almost ready for its grand entrance!
How to Serve Best Strawberry Cake Ever
Garnishes
To make your cake look as amazing as it tastes, top it with a crown of sliced fresh strawberries or a sprinkle of freeze-dried berries for an extra pop of color and tartness. A few mint leaves add a refreshing contrast and make your creation truly eye-catching.
Side Dishes
Keep things light and springy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream on the side. For something a little more indulgent, try pairing slices of Best Strawberry Cake Ever with some creamy lemon curd or a handful of lightly sweetened berries. It all comes together as a celebration on your plate!
Creative Ways to Present
For birthdays and parties, simply stack the layers high and let the lush pink frosting steal the show. Or, for something a little playful, make mini cakes using round cookie cutters and frost them individually—perfect for showers and brunches. Even cupcakes work: just pour the batter into liners, bake, and swirl on that irresistible cream cheese-strawberry frosting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen, and the frosting stays dreamy—just be sure to use an airtight container or cake dome to keep things fresh.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. For a frosted cake, freeze individual slices on a tray, then wrap and store; thaw in the fridge overnight when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Let refrigerated slices rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving. This takes the chill off and brings back that just-baked softness—no need to microwave, just let time do its thing.
FAQs
How do I make the cake even more strawberry-forward?
If you can’t get enough strawberry flavor, add a half teaspoon of strawberry extract to the batter, or fold finely diced strawberries into the frosting for wonderful pops of fresh fruit in every bite.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes! Just thaw and drain them thoroughly before mashing or pureeing. This will help keep the batter from becoming too wet and ensures your frosting stays nice and thick.
What’s the best way to get neat, clean cake slices?
Chill the cake in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes after frosting. Then use a long, sharp knife dipped in hot water (and wiped dry) for smooth slices every time.
Can this recipe be made as cupcakes?
Absolutely! Just divide the batter among cupcake liners and bake at the same temperature for 18–22 minutes. Pipe on a swirl of strawberry cream cheese frosting and you’ve got bite-sized Best Strawberry Cake Ever magic!
Is it okay to make the cake a day in advance?
Definitely! In fact, the flavor gets even better after a restful night in the fridge. Simply store your covered cake in the refrigerator, and let it sit at room temperature for a bit before serving.
Final Thoughts
This is the kind of dessert that turns ordinary days into celebrations—the Best Strawberry Cake Ever is a joy to bake and an even bigger joy to eat. If you love strawberries (and who doesn’t?), you’re bound to fall head over heels for this recipe. Grab your apron, gather those gorgeous berries, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a fresh (and utterly fabulous) slice. You’ll see why this really is the Best Strawberry Cake Ever—one forkful at a time!
Print
Best Strawberry Cake Ever Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes (plus cooling)
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of fresh strawberries with this Best Strawberry Cake Ever recipe. A moist and tender strawberry-infused cake paired with a luscious cream cheese frosting, this dessert is a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix
- 1 (3-ounce) box strawberry-flavored gelatin
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup mashed fresh strawberries
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup pureed strawberries
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- Mix the cake: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, strawberry gelatin, milk, oil, eggs, mashed strawberries, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until smooth.
- Bake: Divide the batter between the pans and bake for 25–30 minutes. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Make the frosting: Beat butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add strawberries and vanilla. Gradually mix in powdered sugar until fluffy.
- Frost the cake: Frost the cooled cake layers and decorate as desired.
Notes
- For stronger strawberry flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of strawberry extract to the cake batter.
- This cake is best stored in the refrigerator and tastes even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 61g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
