Best Homemade Strawberry Cake

This moist and flavorful strawberry cake is bursting with real strawberry flavor and topped with a luscious cream cheese strawberry frosting. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, holiday, or just indulging in a sweet treat, this cake is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with Real Strawberries: Made with fresh or frozen strawberry puree for authentic flavor.
• Easy to Make: Uses a cake mix base but tastes completely homemade.
• Perfectly Moist: The combination of oil, milk, and eggs ensures a soft, tender crumb.
• Luscious Frosting: Cream cheese and strawberry puree create a smooth, rich, and tangy topping.
• Great for Any Occasion: Ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or just because!

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

• 1 box (15.25-ounce) white cake mix
• 1 box (3-ounce) strawberry-flavored gelatin (Jell-O)
• 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries, pureed (divided: ¾ cup for the batter, ¼ cup for the frosting)
• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ¼ cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 (8-ounce) brick cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup strawberry puree
• ½ teaspoon strawberry extract (optional)
• 5-6 cups powdered sugar
• Fresh strawberries, sliced, for garnish

Directions

For the Cake:

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, strawberry gelatin, eggs, vegetable oil, milk, vanilla extract, and ¾ cup of strawberry puree. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and well combined.
3. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Frosting:

1. Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Strawberry Flavor: Mix in the strawberry puree and optional strawberry extract.
3. Incorporate Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, until the frosting reaches the desired consistency. If needed, add more powdered sugar to thicken or a splash of milk to thin.
4. Frost the Cake: Spread a layer of frosting between the cake layers, then frost the top and sides evenly.
5. Garnish: Decorate with fresh strawberry slices and serve!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10-12 slices
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Cooling & Frosting Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

• Lighter Version: Substitute Greek yogurt for some of the oil and reduce the powdered sugar in the frosting.
• Chocolate Strawberry Cake: Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolate-strawberry twist.
• Extra Moisture: Brush the cake layers with a light strawberry syrup before frosting.
• Cupcake Option: Pour the batter into cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cake layers wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting.
• Serving Tip: For the best texture, let the cake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?

Yes! Fresh or frozen strawberries work equally well in this recipe. Just make sure to puree them before adding.

Why add strawberry gelatin to the cake?

Strawberry gelatin enhances both the flavor and color of the cake, making it taste even more like fresh strawberries.

How do I make the frosting less sweet?

Reduce the powdered sugar slightly and add a teaspoon of lemon juice to balance the sweetness.

Can I use a different cake mix?

Yes! You can use vanilla or yellow cake mix, but white cake mix keeps the strawberry color vibrant.

What’s the best way to get a smooth frosting?

Make sure your butter and cream cheese are fully softened before mixing, and sift the powdered sugar to prevent lumps.

How do I keep the cake moist?

Don’t overbake, and store the cake covered in the fridge to retain moisture. You can also brush the layers with simple syrup before frosting.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! Bake the cake layers a day in advance and frost them before serving.

Can I make this without dairy?

Yes! Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives for the frosting.

Can I use whipped cream frosting instead?

Absolutely! A stabilized whipped cream frosting with a little strawberry puree would work beautifully.

How can I enhance the strawberry flavor even more?

Add a teaspoon of strawberry extract to both the cake batter and frosting for an extra boost of flavor.

Conclusion

This Ultimate Homemade Strawberry Cake is the perfect dessert for any celebration. With its rich strawberry flavor, tender texture, and creamy frosting, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Try it today and enjoy a homemade treat that’s full of fresh strawberry goodness!

O

Print