The BEST EVER Strawberry Cake

Moist, Flavorful & Topped with Creamy Strawberry Icing

This Best Ever Strawberry Cake is a showstopping dessert that layers rich strawberry flavor in both the cake and the frosting. With a tender crumb, vibrant pink icing, and real pureed strawberries throughout—it’s a celebration of everything sweet, fruity, and buttery.

Perfect for birthdays, baby showers, or anytime you want to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• 🍓 Strawberry from Top to Bottom: Fresh flavor in the cake and the frosting—no artificial taste here!
• 🍰 Box Mix Magic: Starts with white cake mix but tastes homemade.
• 🧁 Cream Cheese Frosting Twist: Silky, slightly tangy, and packed with berry goodness.
• ⏱️ Easy Baking: No fancy tools or techniques—just mix, pour, and frost.
• 🎉 Crowd-Pleasing Classic: A favorite at potlucks, family dinners, or holiday parties.

Ingredients (Makes 12–16 servings):

For the Strawberry Cake:

• 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix (or vanilla cake mix)
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (helps create a smoother texture with Jello)
• 1 (3 oz) strawberry Jell-O (adds concentrated berry flavor and color)
• ½ cup water
• ¾ cup canola oil (or vegetable oil)
• 4 large eggs (room temperature for best rise)
• 1 cup pureed fresh or frozen strawberries (unsweetened – add more for stronger flavor if desired)

For the Cream Cheese Icing (Adapted from Paula Deen):

• 1 stick (½ cup) butter , softened
• 8 oz cream cheese , softened
• 1 cup pureed strawberries (fresh or frozen – unsweetened)
• 3 cups powdered sugar (adjust for consistency)
• Optional: ½ tsp vanilla extract for extra depth

To Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh strawberries
• Mint leaves
• Edible flowers

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prep Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) .

Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking—shake off excess flour before pouring batter.

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl:

• Combine dry ingredients:
  • White cake mix
  • Flour
  • Strawberry Jell-O powder
  • Water

Then add wet ingredients:

• Gradually beat in:
  • Oil
  • Eggs , one at a time
  • Pureed strawberries

Mix on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth and fully blended.

Tip: If using frozen strawberries, thaw and drain well before pureeing.

Step 3: Bake Until Golden

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.

Bake for 35–45 minutes , or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let cool completely before frosting—about 1 hour at room temperature.

Step 4: Prepare the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

In a large bowl, beat:

• Softened butter
• Cream cheese
• Strawberry puree

until smooth and creamy.

Gradually add:

• Powdered sugar , 1 cup at a time
• Beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy

Add a splash of milk or cream if too thick.

Spread generously over cooled cake.

Step 5: Decorate & Serve

Top with:

• Whole fresh strawberries
• A drizzle of strawberry puree
• Or a dusting of powdered sugar

Slice into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Each bite brings together:

• Moist, tender strawberry cake
• Silky, sweet creamy frosting
• And all the joy of summer in a slice!

Tips for Success:

• 🥣 Use Room-Temp Dairy: Butter and cream cheese should be soft—not melted.
• 🍓 Boost Berry Flavor: Add ½ tsp almond extract to the cake or frosting for bakery-style richness.
• ❄️ Make Ahead Magic: Frost and chill overnight for deeper flavor and easier slicing.
• 🧁 Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cake mix and flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• 🍽️ Double the Batch: Great for gifting or freezing slices for future cravings.

Serving Suggestions:

• Pair with coffee, milk, or sparkling rosé for a full dessert experience.
• Perfect at bridal showers, birthday parties, or weekend brunches.
• Ideal as a make-ahead treat for school events or bake sales.

Nutritional Information (per serving, makes 12 – approximate):

(Without garnish – based on regular ingredients and frosting)

• Calories: ~350 kcal
• Protein: ~4g
• Carbohydrates: ~45g
• Fat: ~20g
• Fiber: ~0.5g
• Sugar: ~30g

This Best Ever Strawberry Cake lives up to its name—sweet, moist, and layered with real strawberry flavor from crust to topping. With a boxed base and homemade twist, it’s easy enough for any baker… yet impressive enough for every occasion.

So go ahead and bake this today… because once you take a bite—you’ll never need another strawberry cake recipe again!