Description
This moist and flavorful homemade strawberry cake is packed with real strawberry flavor and topped with a luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any sweet celebration, this cake is easy to make with fresh or frozen strawberries for natural sweetness and vibrant color.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 1 box (15.25-ounce) white cake mix (adjusted for modern cake mix sizes)
- 1 box (3-ounce) strawberry-flavored gelatin (Jell-O)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries, pureed (divided: 3/4 cup for the batter, 1/4 cup for the frosting)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup whole milk (for extra moisture instead of water)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (adds depth of flavor)
For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (for a smoother, richer frosting)
- 1 (8-ounce) brick cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup strawberry puree (for fresh flavor and natural color)
- 1/2 teaspoon strawberry extract (optional but enhances strawberry taste)
- 5–6 cups powdered sugar (adjust based on desired sweetness and thickness)
- Fresh strawberries, sliced, for garnish
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
Mix the Cake Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the white cake mix and strawberry-flavored gelatin.
- Using an electric mixer at medium speed, beat in ¾ cup strawberry puree, eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth (about 1-2 minutes).
Bake the Cakes:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in ¼ cup strawberry puree and strawberry extract (if using).
- Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of frosting on top.
- Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides evenly.
- Garnish with fresh sliced strawberries.
Serve and Enjoy!
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing for the best texture.
Notes
- For a stronger strawberry flavor, add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to the strawberry puree to enhance the tartness.
- If using frozen strawberries, thaw completely before pureeing and draining excess liquid.
- Store leftover cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
