Description
This Best Strawberry Cake Ever is a moist, flavorful dessert made with a white cake mix enhanced by strawberry gelatin and fresh strawberries. Topped with a luscious strawberry buttercream frosting, it’s a perfect treat for any celebration or a delightful everyday dessert.
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
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line them with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cakes.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the white cake mix, strawberry gelatin, granulated sugar, and all-purpose flour until well combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the water, canola oil, and eggs. Beat the mixture on low speed for 30 seconds to combine, then increase to medium speed and continue beating for 2 minutes until the batter is smooth.
- Fold in Strawberries: Gently fold in the finely chopped fresh strawberries to evenly distribute them throughout the batter without overmixing.
- Bake the Cakes: 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 in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring the cake layers are fully cooled before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: Beat the softened unsalted butter in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Mix in the crushed fresh strawberries. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, beating continuously until the frosting becomes thick and fluffy.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting over the top. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake evenly.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the cake briefly to help the frosting set and the flavors meld together before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the strawberries are well-drained before folding into the batter to avoid excess moisture.
- For a more intense strawberry flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of strawberry extract to the batter or frosting.
- If fresh strawberries are not available, frozen strawberries can be used but should be thawed and drained thoroughly.
- Store the cake in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days for best freshness.
