Strawberry Cake Recipe

If you’re searching for a show-stopping yet unfussy dessert, look no further than this Strawberry Cake. It’s delightfully moist, fluffy, and packs a summery punch in every bite thanks to real strawberries and that nostalgic strawberry-flavored gelatin. Whether you’re baking this for a birthday, family gathering, or just to make any day a little sweeter, this strawberry cake is guaranteed to impress both kids and grown-ups alike with its bold color and bright berry flavor.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Strawberry Cake recipe keeps things simple while maximizing fruity flavor and bakery-style texture. Each ingredient plays its part in building a cake that’s tender, vibrant, and bursting with juicy goodness—let’s walk through what makes each one special!

• White Cake Mix: The secret shortcut for a perfectly soft and tender base every time, with no need to start from scratch.
• Strawberry-Flavored Gelatin: Provides that classic pink color and amps up the strawberry flavor for a cake that practically glows.
• Mashed Fresh Strawberries: Real fruit gives extra moisture and a natural berry essence you just can’t get from extract alone.
• Large Eggs: Help the cake rise and contribute to a light, fluffy crumb.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist for days, and is super easy to mix in—no need to soften butter.
• Whole Milk: Adds richness and a little extra tenderness to the crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Boosts the depth and warmth of the cake’s flavor profile.
• Finely Chopped Strawberries (optional): For bursts of juicy fruit in every slice—use these for extra texture if you love bits of berry.

How to Make Strawberry Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans—this simple step ensures your strawberry cake releases perfectly without sticking and gives you pretty, even layers.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix and strawberry-flavored gelatin powder. Mixing these together first helps the color and flavor blend evenly into the finished cake.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Add in the mashed fresh strawberries, eggs, vegetable oil, whole milk, and vanilla extract. Beat this mixture with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2–3 minutes, making sure everything’s beautifully smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Fold in Extra Strawberries (Optional)

If you’re adding finely chopped strawberries for pops of fresh fruit, gently fold them in with a spatula. This step makes the strawberry cake even fruitier and slightly more rustic—a treat for real berry lovers!

Step 5: Bake

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly!

Step 6: Cool and Frost

Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes, then carefully turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting with your topping of choice. The cool-down helps lock in the moisture so your strawberry cake stays tender.

How to Serve Strawberry Cake

Garnishes

Top your strawberry cake with clouds of cream cheese frosting or a pretty swirl of whipped topping. For the ultimate finish, add sliced fresh strawberries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a handful of edible flowers for a summery, celebratory look.

Side Dishes

Pair slices with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream, or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. For a spring brunch, complement your cake with a sparkling rosé or a big glass of homemade lemonade for a delightful contrast to the cake’s sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Make this strawberry cake all your own: stack the layers for a dramatic tall cake, bake it in a 9×13-inch pan for a one-layer party treat, or cut rounds for adorable mini cakes. Even better, turn leftovers into cake pops or trifles to keep the fun going!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover leftover strawberry cake tightly in plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container; it’ll stay fresh and moist at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. If the cake is frosted with cream cheese frosting, refrigeration is best for food safety.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap unfrosted cake layers separately in plastic wrap and then foil. Store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before assembling and frosting for a just-baked taste any time.

Reheating

While you don’t need to “reheat” this cake, bringing slices to room temperature from the fridge really wakes up the flavors and softens the texture. Just set out what you plan to serve about 30–60 minutes before dessert time.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix flavor for this strawberry cake?

Absolutely! While white cake mix creates the prettiest pink, yellow cake mix will add a subtle richness. Just keep in mind that darker mixes like chocolate will overpower the strawberry color and flavor.

What kind of frosting pairs best with strawberry cake?

Cream cheese frosting is a classic because it’s tangy and complements the sweet, fruity flavor perfectly. Strawberry buttercream or even a fluffy whipped topping are also fantastic choices.

How can I boost strawberry flavor without adding artificial extracts?

Stick with plenty of real strawberries—both mashed and chopped—along with the gelatin for a natural, robust berry taste. Roasting or macerating the berries before adding can intensify their flavor even further!

Can I turn this strawberry cake recipe into cupcakes?

Yes! Simply divide the batter evenly among lined muffin tins (about two-thirds full) and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Perfect for parties or grab-and-go treats.

Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?

Sure thing! Substitute a plant-based milk (like oat or almond) for the whole milk. Make sure the cake mix and gelatin you use are also dairy-free and you’re good to go.

Final Thoughts

There’s simply nothing like sharing a slice of homemade strawberry cake to make an ordinary day feel a little more special. If you haven’t tried this easy, fruity, crowd-pleasing recipe yet, don’t wait—each bite is pure happiness! I can’t wait for you to bake it, share it, and savor every sweet, berry-filled crumb.

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