Best Strawberry Cake Ever Recipe

If you dream of soft, pink layers bursting with the flavor of real strawberries and crowned with the creamiest strawberry cream cheese frosting, you’re about to meet the Best Strawberry Cake Ever. This show-stopping dessert is perfect for birthdays, brunches, holiday tables, or anytime you crave the nostalgic magic of classic strawberry cake—with upgraded, from-scratch flavor. Simple ingredients come together in a cake that’s moist, fruity, and just the right amount of sweet, earning its spot as a bona fide crowd-pleaser your family will request again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about the Best Strawberry Cake Ever recipe is that the ingredients are straightforward and easy to find, yet each one plays a starring role. From the vibrant color to that authentic berry punch, every element adds up to a cake that’s tender, moist, and jam-packed with strawberry flavor.

• White Cake Mix: Saves time and guarantees a fluffy base to soak up all the strawberry goodness.
• Large Eggs: Give the cake structure, incredible lift, and richness.
• Strawberry-Flavored Instant Gelatin: Intensifies both the strawberry taste and that gorgeous pink hue everyone loves.
• Frozen Strawberries in Syrup, Thawed and Pureed (for cake & frosting): Infuse every bite and swirl of frosting with juicy, real-strawberry flavor.
• Water: Keeps the cake batter the ideal consistency, so it bakes up moist every time.
• Vegetable Oil: Locks in moisture for a tender crumb—your slices will stay soft for days.
• Confectioners’ Sugar: The secret behind that dreamy, silky-smooth strawberry frosting.
• Cream Cheese: Adds a tangy depth and creamy texture to the frosting that pairs perfectly with strawberries.
• Butter: Makes the frosting spreadable, rich, and totally irresistible.
• Strawberry Extract: Boosts the fruity flavor, so the strawberry really shines, even above all that luscious sugar.

How to Make Best Strawberry Cake Ever

Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Preheat

Let’s start by turning the oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans—it’ll help the cakes pop out easily and hold their shape. Lining the bottoms with parchment rounds is another insurance policy if you like worry-free unmolding!

Step 2: Mix the Strawberry Batter

In a large mixing bowl, add the cake mix, instant strawberry gelatin, pureed strawberries, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Beat everything together until the batter is smooth and streak-free; don’t worry if it’s vibrantly pink—that’s exactly what we want! Each spoonful of batter should look glossy and fluffy, thanks to all those strawberries and the gelatin.

Step 3: Bake Until Golden and Set

Pour the pretty-in-pink batter evenly into your prepared pans, smoothing the tops. Slide them onto the middle rack and bake for about 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean and the edges are just starting to pull away from the pan. Let the layers cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then carefully turn them out onto racks to cool completely—patience here guarantees no melting frosting!

Step 4: Whip Up the Strawberry Frosting

While the cake cools, whip up the rich, tangy strawberry cream cheese frosting that makes this Best Strawberry Cake Ever completely irresistible. In a clean mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until creamy. Add the strawberry puree and a splash of strawberry extract, then, with the mixer on low, gradually blend in the confectioners’ sugar. The result: a spreadable, beautifully pink frosting loaded with real strawberry flavor.

Step 5: Frost and Decorate

Once your cakes are cool, place one layer on your serving plate and generously frost the top. Set the second layer on top, then cover the whole cake in a thick, dreamy coating of strawberry frosting. For a bakery-style finish, use an offset spatula to create swoops and swirls. If you’re feeling extra festive, crown your masterpiece with fresh strawberries or pretty slices for instant wow-factor.

How to Serve Best Strawberry Cake Ever

Garnishes

There’s nothing like a crown of fresh strawberries to showcase the vibrant color and homemade feel of your Best Strawberry Cake Ever. Arrange whole or halved strawberries right on top, let them tumble down the sides, or get creative with a few mint sprigs for extra pop—presentation counts, especially with something this stunning.

Side Dishes

For an extra indulgent dessert plate, pair a generous slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. A simple side of fresh berries keeps things light, while a mug of floral tea or a glass of cold milk adds that perfect finishing touch.

Creative Ways to Present

Try transforming the Best Strawberry Cake Ever into individual cupcakes for parties—just spoon the batter into lined muffin tins and adjust baking time. Or turn it into a parfait: layer cubes of cake with whipped cream and strawberries in glasses for a fun and portable treat. For an afternoon tea, cut the cake into petite squares and top each with a swirl of frosting and a tiny slice of strawberry.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (a rare thing, but it happens!), simply cover the cake or place slices in an airtight container and pop it into the fridge. It’ll stay wonderfully fresh, moist, and flavorful for about 3 to 4 days—perfect for whenever a craving strikes.

Freezing

To freeze, tightly wrap the unfrosted cake layers or even frosted slices first in plastic wrap, then in foil. Freeze for up to 2–3 months. When the mood for strawberry cake hits, just thaw in the fridge overnight. Individual slices can also be thawed at room temperature for quicker access to a strawberry fix!

Reheating

While the Best Strawberry Cake Ever tastes amazing cold, if you like yours at room temperature, simply let a slice sit out for about 30 minutes. There’s no need to microwave—doing so can cause the frosting to melt and the cake to turn gummy. Chilled or just barely cool is the way to go for the ideal texture and flavor.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Fresh strawberries work beautifully here. Just hull and chop them before pureeing. If your berries aren’t as sweet as the frozen ones in syrup, consider adding a tablespoon of sugar to the puree so the cake keeps its dreamy strawberry punch.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Bake the cake layers a day in advance and keep them tightly wrapped at room temperature or in the fridge. Frost the cake right before serving for the freshest flavor and that signature softness.

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

Definitely—get creative! Raspberry or cherry gelatin both work well if you’d like a twist. Each will lend its unique hue and accent flavor, but strawberry gelatin helps deliver that classic nostalgia and signature taste the Best Strawberry Cake Ever is famous for.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Your cake is done when the center springs back gently to the touch and a toothpick comes out clean or with just a crumb or two attached. The cake should begin to pull away from the pan sides—don’t overbake to avoid drying it out.

Can I omit the cream cheese from the frosting?

You can leave out the cream cheese if you prefer a traditional buttercream, but keep in mind you’ll lose that tangy flavor and velvety texture. If you skip it, increase the butter a bit and blend until fluffy for a classic, super-sweet strawberry frosting.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dessert that delivers berry bliss in every bite, stop scrolling and make the Best Strawberry Cake Ever. Trust me—once your friends and family sample this gorgeous, homemade treat, it’ll earn a place in your “most requested” lineup. Give it a try, share a slice, and let everyone fall in love with strawberry cake all over again!

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