Why You’ll Love this Fresh Strawberry Cake Recipe
When you take your first bite of this Fresh Strawberry Cake, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite among dessert lovers. The moist, fluffy texture combined with the sweet, juicy strawberries creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible.
Each slice is like a bite of summer, perfect for any occasion. I love how easy it’s to make, too; it’s a delightful way to impress friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen.
Plus, the creamy frosting adds just the right touch of richness. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked on this delightful dessert.
Ingredients of Fresh Strawberry Cake
When it comes to baking, having the right ingredients makes all the difference, especially for a cake as delightful as the Fresh Strawberry Cake. This cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors that dances on your taste buds. The combination of a moist cake infused with fresh strawberries and a creamy frosting is simply a match made in heaven.
Now, let’s explore the list of ingredients you’ll need to whip up this delicious treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 (18 1/4 ounce) box vanilla, white, or yellow cake mix
- 1 (3 ounce) box strawberry gelatin powder (Jell-O)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 pint fresh strawberries (or 1 cup crushed fresh strawberries)
- 0.5 (4 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk
Now, before you rush off to the store, let’s talk about some considerations regarding these ingredients. First off, fresh strawberries are key to achieving that burst of fruity flavor, so choose the ripest ones you can find. If you have a local farmer’s market, that’s often the best bet for fresh produce.
Also, don’t forget to make sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature. Trust me, trying to mix cold ingredients is a workout I’m not sure you signed up for.
And if you find yourself with leftover frosting (which, let’s be honest, is a possibility), it can be a delightful topping for other treats or even enjoyed straight off the spoon—no judgment here.
Now, let’s move on to the fun part: making the cake!
How to Make Fresh Strawberry Cake
Let’s plunge into the delicious world of Fresh Strawberry Cake! First things first, gather your ingredients: you’ll need 1 (18 1/4 ounce) box of vanilla, white, or yellow cake mix, 1 (3 ounce) box of strawberry gelatin powder, 4 large eggs, 1 cup of vegetable oil, and 1/4 cup of water. And of course, you can’t forget the stars of the show—1 pint of fresh strawberries (or 1 cup of crushed strawberries).
For the frosting, grab 0.5 (4 ounce) package of softened cream cheese, 1/3 cup of softened butter, 2 cups of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of milk.
Now let’s get baking. Preheat your oven to 350°F because who wants to wait for the oven to heat up later? Spray a 9×13 baking dish with some nonstick cooking spray—trust me on this one, no one wants to deal with a cake that refuses to come out of its pan.
While that’s warming up, rinse your fresh strawberries and pat them dry. Remove the stems and chop them up into small pieces. You can totally crush them in a plastic Ziploc bag using a rolling pin (or whatever heavy object you have handy). It’s like a mini workout and a stress reliever all in one.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix and strawberry gelatin powder. Mix it well; you want those flavors to mingle. Next, stir in your 1 cup of vegetable oil, 4 eggs, and 1/4 cup of water. This is where the magic starts to happen.
Once everything is combined, gently fold in that lovely cup of smooshed strawberries. You want to be gentle here, like cradling a tiny baby bird. Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and pop it into the oven for about 30 to 33 minutes.
I know it’s hard, but resist the urge to open the oven door too soon—nobody wants a sunken cake. Just stick a toothpick in the center after the time is up; if it comes out clean, you’re golden. Let that cake cool completely before you even think about frosting it.
While the cake is cooling, let’s whip up that creamy frosting. In a bowl, mix together your softened cream cheese and softened butter until it’s smooth and lump-free. An electric mixer is your best friend here—manual mixing can lead to a workout you didn’t sign up for.
Once smooth, gradually mix in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until everything is well combined and creamy. Once your cake is cool, spread that luscious frosting on top, slice it up, and serve.
And if you have any leftovers… well, let’s just say you might want to hide it from the rest of the household because it’s hard to resist. Enjoy your creation and revel in the compliments that are sure to come your way.
Fresh Strawberry Cake Substitutions & Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up with your Fresh Strawberry Cake, there are plenty of substitutions and variations that can elevate this classic dessert.
You can swap the vanilla cake mix for chocolate or lemon for a unique twist. Instead of strawberry gelatin, try raspberry or peach for a different flavor profile.
For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt in place of butter in the frosting. You can also fold in other berries like blueberries or blackberries into the batter.
Each adjustment brings its own flair, making your cake a delightful surprise every time you bake it!
What to Serve with Fresh Strawberry Cake
What pairs well with a slice of Fresh Strawberry Cake? I love serving it with a dollop of whipped cream, which adds a light, creamy texture that complements the cake’s sweetness.
Fresh mint leaves also make a beautiful garnish, bringing a pop of color and an invigorating taste. If you’re feeling indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream is always a hit, balancing the flavors perfectly.
For a drink, I recommend a chilled glass of lemonade or iced tea; both enhance the fruity notes of the cake. These pairings elevate the experience and make every bite even more delightful!
Additional Tips & Notes
While baking the Fresh Strawberry Cake, I’ve found a few tips that can really enhance the final result.
First, using room temperature eggs helps the batter mix more evenly.
Also, if you can, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
For added strawberry flavor, consider using fresh strawberries instead of crushed ones in the batter.
Finally, don’t skimp on the frosting; it adds a delicious creaminess that complements the cake perfectly.
Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share with friends and family!