Best Strawberry Cake Ever Recipe

If you’re dreaming of a dessert that captures the bright flavor of summer and delivers pure happiness in every bite, the Best Strawberry Cake Ever is truly the answer. This cake layers sweet strawberry goodness into a moist, tender crumb, then crowns it all with a luscious strawberry-studded cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re celebrating with friends or just indulging your own cravings, this irresistible treat never fails to get rave reviews at every gathering.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building both flavor and texture. With just a few pantry staples and plenty of fresh strawberries, each component delivers something special for the Best Strawberry Cake Ever — from vibrant color to irresistible taste.

• White cake mix: The perfect base for a fluffy, consistent crumb, and it saves time, too!
• Strawberry-flavored gelatin: Infuses the cake with an extra burst of berry color and flavor.
• Whole milk: Adds rich moisture and helps the cake stay incredibly tender.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake super moist for days — no dry slices here!
• Large eggs: Bind everything together and give the cake structure and richness.
• Mashed fresh strawberries: Nothing beats the real fruit for that vibrant, natural flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a touch of cozy sweetness.
• Cream cheese (softened): The secret to ultra-creamy, tangy-sweet frosting.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and helps the frosting become beautifully fluffy.
• Mashed strawberries (drained): Brings real fruit flavor to the frosting without making it runny.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for that perfect spreadable consistency.
• Pinch of salt: Balances out the sweetness and perks up all the flavors.

How to Make Best Strawberry Cake Ever

Step 1: Prep the Pans and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so everything is hot and ready for your batter. Generously grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans (or one 9×13-inch pan) — this ensures the cake pops out in one beautiful piece when it’s time to frost!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix and strawberry gelatin powder. This duo creates the signature pink hue and jammy berry flavor that makes the Best Strawberry Cake Ever so unforgettable.

Step 3: Blend in the Wet Ingredients

Add the whole milk, vegetable oil, eggs, ½ cup mashed strawberries, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat everything together for 2 to 3 minutes until the batter is smooth, creamy, and beautifully pink.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Evenly divide your batter between the prepared pans. Pop them in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes (or 30–35 minutes if using a 9×13-inch pan). You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the kitchen fills with the sweetest strawberry aroma.

Step 5: Cool Completely

After baking, let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial for a perfect frosting application — patience pays off with the Best Strawberry Cake Ever!

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until they’re impossibly light and fluffy. Add ¼ cup drained, mashed strawberries plus the vanilla, then gradually mix in the powdered sugar and a pinch of salt. The result: the dreamiest, fruit-flecked frosting you’ve ever tasted.

Step 7: Frost and Chill

Once the cakes are cool, spread a generous layer of frosting over each one. For the cleanest slices, refrigerate your finished cake for at least 30 minutes before digging in — this lets the frosting set and meld with the cake layers.

How to Serve Best Strawberry Cake Ever

Garnishes

For a show-stopping finish, top your cake with a flourish of sliced fresh strawberries, whole berries, or even edible flowers. These simple touches turn each slice into a feast for the eyes — and highlight that juicy strawberry flavor.

Side Dishes

This cake is pure delight all by itself, but pairing it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream takes it to the next level. If you want something lighter, serve with a side of fresh berries or a sparkling berry lemonade.

Creative Ways to Present

The Best Strawberry Cake Ever is a stunner for birthdays, showers, or any celebration. Try baking it in individual jars, turning it into cupcakes, or stacking it as a layer cake with extra frosting and berries in between for a party-worthy centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover cake slices tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Refrigerated, the Best Strawberry Cake Ever stays fresh, moist, and delicious for up to 4 days — it’s every bit as tempting the next day.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this cake! For best results, freeze slices or entire (unfrosted) layers wrapped well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then frost just before serving for that just-baked taste.

Reheating

While you don’t need to reheat this cake, you can let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to take the chill off before serving. If you love your cake extra soft, a few seconds (no more than 10–15) in the microwave gently revives its fresh-baked goodness.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

You can, but for the authentic Best Strawberry Cake Ever experience, stick with white cake mix. It’s a perfect base for the strawberry flavors to shine!

Do I have to use fresh strawberries, or can I use frozen?

Both work great! Just be sure to thaw and drain frozen strawberries well, especially for the frosting, to avoid excess moisture in the cake.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Definitely. Just swap in your favorite gluten-free white cake mix and be sure your gelatin and other mix-ins are gluten-free as well for a great-tasting result.

How do I prevent runny frosting?

Make sure to drain the mashed strawberries thoroughly before adding them to the frosting. Too much liquid is usually the culprit behind frosting that won’t hold its shape.

Can I make cupcakes with this batter?

Yes! Simply divide the batter among cupcake liners and bake for about 18–22 minutes. You’ll have perfect mini versions of the Best Strawberry Cake Ever that are easy to share and even easier to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

There’s simply nothing like baking — and sharing — the Best Strawberry Cake Ever with people you love. It’s the kind of dessert that brightens any occasion and keeps everyone reaching for just one more slice. Give it a try, and you’ll quickly see why it’s a repeat request in every kitchen!

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