Description
This Best Strawberry Cake Ever recipe is a delightful and moist white cake infused with strawberry gelatin and fresh strawberries, layered with a creamy strawberry buttercream frosting. Perfect for celebrations or a sweet treat, this cake combines the lightness of a classic white cake with the fresh and vibrant flavor of strawberries.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 1 box white cake mix (regular size)
- 1 package (3 oz) strawberry-flavored gelatin
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup canola or vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup crushed fresh strawberries
- 4½ to 5 cups confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Prepare pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the white cake mix, strawberry gelatin, granulated sugar, and all-purpose flour until fully combined.
- Add wet ingredients and beat: Add in the water, canola or vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds to combine, then increase to medium speed and beat for 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and homogenous.
- Fold in strawberries: Gently fold the finely chopped fresh strawberries into the batter, distributing them evenly without overmixing.
- Bake the cake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool cakes: Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess.
- Make the frosting: Beat the softened unsalted butter until creamy and smooth. Mix in the crushed fresh strawberries, then gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, beating until the frosting is thick, fluffy, and spreadable.
- Assemble the cake: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of strawberry frosting over the top. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides evenly.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the assembled cake briefly to help the frosting set for cleaner slices and an enhanced texture before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor in both the cake and frosting.
- Make sure to fully cool the cake layers before frosting to prevent melting.
- For a more intense strawberry flavor, add a few drops of strawberry extract to the batter or frosting.
- The frosting consistency can be adjusted by adding more or less confectioners’ sugar.
- Store the cake covered in the refrigerator, and bring to room temperature before serving for optimal taste.
