Introduction
If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, The Best Strawberry Cake Ever is exactly what you need. With its soft, tender crumb, sweet strawberry flavor, and eye-catching pink hue, this cake is perfect for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, spring celebrations, or simply to satisfy your craving for something fruity and sweet. It’s a recipe that combines convenience with a homemade touch, using real strawberries alongside a classic cake mix base for the best of both worlds.
My recipe story
This recipe holds a special place in my heart. I first made it for my grandmother’s birthday, and it quickly became a family favorite. Unlike many strawberry cakes that rely solely on artificial flavorings, this one blends real strawberries with gelatin, ensuring both freshness and that nostalgic bakery-style flavor. Every time I bake it, I’m reminded of laughter-filled gatherings, candlelit celebrations, and those sweet moments when a slice of cake can brighten someone’s day. Over time, I’ve perfected this recipe so that it’s easy for anyone to replicate at home without sacrificing flavor or texture.
💡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly moist thanks to real strawberries blended into the batter.
- Bright, natural strawberry flavor enhanced with strawberry gelatin.
- Eye-catching color that makes it perfect for celebrations and special occasions.
- Beginner-friendly recipe with simple ingredients and foolproof steps.
- Pairs beautifully with cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, or fresh fruit.
Ingredient breakdown
One of the best parts of this strawberry cake recipe is how it balances convenience with homemade flair. Using a box of white cake mix as the base ensures consistency, structure, and that classic soft cake crumb we all love. By adding a few extra ingredients, you can easily elevate a standard mix into a bakery-worthy creation.
The strawberry gelatin is key—it not only intensifies the flavor but also gives the cake its signature blush-pink color. Frozen strawberries in syrup bring natural sweetness and moisture, creating a soft and tender texture. Eggs provide richness and stability, while oil helps keep the cake moist for days. Altogether, these ingredients harmonize to create a cake that looks as good as it tastes.
For an extra boost, you can also incorporate a little vanilla extract or even a touch of lemon zest to balance the sweetness with a refreshing tang. These small additions help create layers of flavor that make this cake stand out even more.
Equipment you’ll need
- Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula for folding and scraping
- Two 9-inch round cake pans (or a 9×13 pan)
- Cooling racks
- Blender or food processor for pureeing strawberries
Step-by-step directions
Step 1: Prepare the pans and preheat the oven.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easier removal. Preparing the pans properly ensures the cake layers release cleanly and maintain their shape once baked.
Step 2: Puree the strawberries.
Thaw the frozen strawberries in syrup and pour them into a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, creating a strawberry puree. This step adds natural flavor and moisture, which is essential for that perfect tender crumb.
Step 3: Mix the dry ingredients.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the white cake mix and the strawberry gelatin until well combined. This ensures the gelatin flavor is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 4: Add wet ingredients.
Crack in the eggs, pour in the strawberry puree, and add the oil. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2–3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, until the batter is smooth and evenly colored.
Step 5: Bake the cake.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula, then bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking to keep the cake moist.
Step 6: Cool completely.
Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely before frosting to prevent the icing from melting or sliding off.
The Best Strawberry Cake Ever
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist, tender strawberry cake bursting with real fruit flavor and a gorgeous pink hue. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any sweet celebration.
Ingredients
- 1 (18.25-ounce) box white cake mix
- 1 (3-ounce) box strawberry-flavored instant gelatin
- 1 (15-ounce) package frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed and pureed
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round pans or line with parchment paper.
- Puree the thawed strawberries in a blender or food processor until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix and gelatin powder. Mix well.
- Add eggs, oil, and strawberry puree to the bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until smooth.
- Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Notes
This cake pairs beautifully with cream cheese frosting or whipped cream. Store covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days. Freeze unfrosted layers for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Variations & substitutions
If you want to personalize this recipe, there are many ways to do so. For a lighter version, substitute applesauce for half of the oil. To enhance the fruity flavor, fold in chopped fresh strawberries into the batter. If you don’t have frozen strawberries in syrup, fresh strawberries blended with a little sugar will also work well. For a different presentation, you could bake the batter into cupcakes or even a sheet cake for easier serving at parties.
💡 Expert Tips & Troubleshooting
- Always cool the cake completely before frosting to avoid melting or sliding icing.
- If your cake comes out dense, ensure you’re beating the batter for the full 2–3 minutes to incorporate air.
- For deeper flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract.
- To prevent sticking, line pans with parchment paper in addition to greasing.
Storage, freezing & make-ahead
This strawberry cake stores beautifully. Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap the cooled cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting. You can also bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them covered at room temperature to assemble the next day.
Serving ideas & pairings
This cake shines on its own, but the right frosting or garnish makes it even better. Cream cheese frosting adds a tangy richness that balances the sweetness perfectly. For a lighter option, whipped cream with fresh strawberry slices is divine. Pair with a glass of cold milk, a cup of black coffee, or even a sparkling rosé for a festive touch. Garnishing with chocolate drizzle or white chocolate shavings can take the presentation to the next level.
FAQ
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh strawberries blended with a little sugar make a great substitute for frozen strawberries in syrup.
Can I bake this as cupcakes?
Absolutely! Divide the batter into lined muffin tins and bake at the same temperature for 18–22 minutes.
What frosting goes best with this cake?
Cream cheese frosting is the most popular, but buttercream or whipped cream also pair wonderfully.
Why did my cake sink in the middle?
This usually happens if the cake is underbaked or the oven door was opened too soon. Always check with a toothpick before removing from the oven.
How do I get a brighter pink color?
The gelatin and strawberries add color naturally, but you can add a drop or two of red or pink food coloring for extra vibrancy.
Final thoughts
The Best Strawberry Cake Ever is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration in every slice. Its irresistible combination of soft texture, natural strawberry flavor, and stunning presentation make it a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Whether for birthdays, holidays, or simply a sweet weekend treat, this cake never fails to impress. With simple ingredients, reliable steps, and endless customization options, it’s the ultimate strawberry cake recipe you’ll want to keep in your collection.