Strawberry Cake

Quick and easy Strawberry Cake is a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of strawberries with a fluffy cake base. Perfect for birthdays, picnics, or any celebration, this recipe elevates a boxed cake mix into a homemade masterpiece. With its vibrant color and refreshing flavor, this Strawberry Cake is sure to impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: This recipe uses a boxed cake mix, making it quick and straightforward for anyone to whip up.
• Bursting with Flavor: The addition of strawberries and Jell-O creates a moist cake packed with strawberry goodness.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as a dessert for any occasion, you can serve it plain, with whipped cream, or alongside ice cream.
• Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant pink color and fluffy frosting make this cake visually appealing for gatherings.
• Customizable: Feel free to experiment by adding fresh fruit or different flavored frostings to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the deliciousness of Strawberry Cake, gather your tools. Having everything ready will ensure smooth preparation.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Two 9-inch round cake pans

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when blending ingredients thoroughly for a fluffy texture.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients separately before mixing them together.

Ingredients

Quick and easy Strawberry Cake that started with a boxed mix that is easily dressed up for a cake full of strawberry flavor.

For the Cake

• 15.25 ounces white cake mix
• .3 ounces sugar-free strawberry jello (1 package)
• 4 egg whites
• ⅓ cup canola oil
• 1 cup frozen unsweetened strawberries (thawed)
• ½ cup water

For the Frosting

• ⅓ cup butter (softened)
• 2 ⅓ cup powdered sugar

How to Make Strawberry Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it’s heating up, grease and flour two 9-inch round pans to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix and sugar-free strawberry Jell-O mix until well blended. Add in the egg whites and canola oil. Beat the mixture until it’s smooth and fully combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Strawberries

In a small bowl or food processor, mash the thawed strawberries. Reserve 3 tablespoons for the frosting, then add the remaining strawberries along with water to the batter. Mix everything together until well incorporated.

Step 4: Bake the Cakes

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes. Check if they are done by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. Let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

To prepare your frosting, combine softened butter with the reserved strawberries in a small bowl. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until you achieve a light and fluffy consistency.

Step 6: Assemble Your Cake

Once both cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on your serving platter. Spread half of your icing on top of this layer before placing the second layer on top. Finally, use the remaining frosting to cover the outside of your beautiful Strawberry Cake.

How to Serve Strawberry Cake

Serving Strawberry Cake can be a delightful experience, whether it’s for a special occasion or an everyday treat. Here are some fun and creative ways to present this delicious dessert.

Classic Presentation

• Slice and serve: Cut the cake into equal slices and plate them with a dollop of whipped cream on top.
• Garnish with strawberries: Add fresh strawberry slices on each piece for a colorful touch.

Pairing with Beverages

• Serve with tea: A nice cup of herbal or green tea complements the flavors of the cake well.
• Accompany with lemonade: The tartness of lemonade balances the sweetness of the cake perfectly.

Creative Serving Ideas

• Layered dessert jars: Crumble pieces of the cake in jars, alternating layers with whipped cream and fresh strawberries for a fun twist.
• Ice cream sandwich: Use two thin slices of Strawberry Cake to create an ice cream sandwich filled with your favorite flavor.

How to Perfect Strawberry Cake

Perfecting your Strawberry Cake can elevate it from good to sensational. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.

• Use fresh strawberries: Fresh strawberries not only enhance flavor but also add beautiful color and texture.
• Don’t overmix: Mixing too much can make the cake dense; just blend until ingredients are combined.
• Check doneness carefully: Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready.
• Cool completely before frosting: This prevents melting and sliding of your frosting, ensuring a beautiful finish.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cake

To enhance your meal when serving Strawberry Cake, consider pairing it with these delicious side dishes. They complement the sweetness of the cake wonderfully.

1. Garden Salad: A light garden salad offers freshness and balances the richness of the cake.
2. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds sweetness and keeps things light.
3. Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a savory contrast.
4. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creaminess that pairs beautifully with strawberry flavors.
5. Chocolate Ganache Dip: Serve alongside chocolate for those who enjoy a richer taste experience.
6. Lemon Tartlets: The tartness complements strawberry sweetness while adding a zesty kick.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Strawberry Cake can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time.

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure you have the right amounts. Too much or too little can alter the texture and flavor.
• Using cold eggs: Make sure your egg whites are at room temperature before mixing. Cold eggs do not incorporate well and can result in a denser cake.
• Skipping the greasing step: Never skip greasing and flouring your pans. This step helps prevent sticking, making it easier to remove your cake without breaking it.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake instead of a light, fluffy one.
• Not letting the cake cool completely: Allow your cakes to cool fully on a wire rack before frosting. Frosting a warm cake can melt the icing and make it runny.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Strawberry Cake in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Strawberry Cake

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap.
• Store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Strawberry Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place slices on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Use short intervals of 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a pan over low heat, cover with a lid, and heat for about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Strawberry Cake from scratch?

Yes! You can create a homemade version by using fresh strawberries and a basic cake recipe. However, this recipe is designed for convenience with a boxed mix.

How do I enhance the flavor of my Strawberry Cake?

You can add vanilla extract or almond extract for extra flavor. Additionally, using fresh strawberries instead of frozen can elevate the taste.

What is the best way to frost Strawberry Cake?

The best way is to use a spatula to spread an even layer of frosting between the cake layers and then cover the entire outside smoothly for an appealing finish.

How should I store leftover Strawberry Cake?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

This quick and easy Strawberry Cake is perfect for any occasion. Its delightful strawberry flavor makes it versatile enough for birthdays, picnics, or just because! Feel free to customize it by adding layers of whipped cream or fresh fruit on top. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!

Print

Quick and Easy Strawberry Cake

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Indulge in the delightful flavors of a Quick and Easy Strawberry Cake, a perfect blend of fluffy cake and fresh strawberries that will impress everyone at your next gathering. This recipe transforms a simple boxed cake mix into a stunning dessert suitable for birthdays, picnics, or any celebration. The moist texture, vibrant pink color, and refreshing strawberry flavor make this cake not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Elevate your dessert game effortlessly with this simple yet elegant recipe that is sure to become a family favorite.

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 8 slices 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 15.25 ounces white cake mix
• 0.3 ounces sugar-free strawberry Jell-O (1 package)
• 4 egg whites
• ⅓ cup canola oil
• 1 cup frozen unsweetened strawberries (thawed)
• ½ cup water
• ⅓ cup butter (softened)
• 2 ⅓ cups powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease two 9-inch round pans.
2. In a large bowl, mix cake mix and strawberry Jell-O until combined. Add egg whites and canola oil; beat until smooth.
3. Mash thawed strawberries in a small bowl, set aside some for frosting, then add remaining to batter along with water; mix well.
4. Divide batter between prepared pans and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
5. For frosting, combine softened butter with reserved strawberries, then gradually add powdered sugar until fluffy.
6. Once cakes are cool, frost between layers and on top.

• Author: Juniper
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating vanilla extract or almond extract into the batter. Fresh strawberries can elevate both taste and appearance – use them whenever possible.