Quick and easy Strawberry Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the convenience of a boxed mix with the fresh flavors of strawberries. This cake is perfect for birthdays, picnics, or any celebration where you want to impress your guests. It stands out with its moist texture and vibrant strawberry flavor, making it a favorite among cake lovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple to Make: With just a few ingredients, you can whip this cake together in no time.
- Delicious Flavor: The addition of real strawberries elevates the taste, making it rich and fruity.
- Versatile for Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday party or a family gathering, this cake fits right in.
- Dress It Up: You can easily customize this cake with different toppings or fillings for added flair.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun project to involve the kids in the kitchen and let them enjoy their creation.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, having the right tools is essential for creating the perfect Strawberry Cake.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 2 nine-inch round pans
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Food processor (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing Bowls: These are crucial for combining ingredients thoroughly, ensuring an even batter.
- Electric Mixer: Saves time and effort when beating ingredients together for a smooth batter.
- Cooling Rack: Allows cakes to cool evenly, preventing sogginess from steam.
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 Frosting
- ⅓ cup butter (softened)
- 2 ⅓ cups powdered sugar
How to Make Strawberry Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare your two nine-inch round pans by greasing and flouring them 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 with an electric mixer until smooth.
Step 3: Prepare Strawberries
In a small bowl or food processor, mash the thawed strawberries. Set aside three tablespoons for later use in frosting. Add the remaining mashed strawberries and water into your batter mixture and stir until combined.
Step 4: Bake the Cakes
Pour the batter evenly into each prepared pan. Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow them to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 5: Make the Frosting
In another bowl, combine softened butter with the reserved three tablespoons of mashed strawberries. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until your frosting is light and fluffy.
Step 6: Assemble Your Cake
Place one cooled round cake on your serving platter. Spread half of your frosting on top before placing the second round cake over it. Finish by frosting the outside of both layers with remaining icing to create a beautiful finish.
How to Serve Strawberry Cake
Serving Strawberry Cake is all about enhancing its delightful flavor and presentation. This cake is perfect for various occasions, from casual gatherings to formal celebrations. Here are some creative serving suggestions to make your Strawberry Cake even more enjoyable.
With Fresh Berries
- Top with fresh strawberries: Scatter sliced strawberries on top of the frosting for a burst of color and flavor.
- Mixed berry compote: Serve alongside a warm mixed berry compote for added sweetness and a tangy contrast.
Accompanied by Whipped Cream
- Classic whipped cream: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on each slice for a light and airy texture.
- Flavored whipped cream: Infuse your whipped cream with vanilla or almond extract for an extra layer of flavor.
As Part of a Dessert Table
- Dessert platter: Include Strawberry Cake on a dessert platter with other sweets like cookies and brownies for variety.
- Layered presentation: Create a layered dessert by cutting pieces of cake and alternating them with layers of whipped cream and berries in a glass dish.
How to Perfect Strawberry Cake
Perfecting your Strawberry Cake involves paying attention to details that elevate its taste and texture. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out beautifully every time.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure eggs, butter, and other ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy; overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
- Cool completely before frosting: Let the cakes cool completely on wire racks before applying frosting to prevent melting.
- Experiment with flavors: Try adding lemon zest or vanilla extract to the batter for additional depth of flavor.
- Store properly: Keep leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate it to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cake
Pairing side dishes with Strawberry Cake can enhance the overall dining experience. A well-chosen side can complement the sweetness and richness of this delightful dessert. Here are some great options:
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cake.
- Ice Cream: Vanilla or strawberry ice cream adds creaminess and contrasting temperatures that elevate each bite.
- Panna Cotta: This creamy Italian dessert provides a smooth texture that pairs well with the cake’s fluffiness.
- Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites offer a rich, tangy companion that contrasts nicely with strawberry flavors.
- Chocolate Mousse: The richness of chocolate mousse pairs beautifully, providing a decadent finish after the fruity cake.
- Lemon Bars: The tartness from lemon bars creates an exciting flavor contrast that complements the sweet Strawberry Cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a Strawberry Cake, even a simple recipe can lead to common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the Greasing Step: Not greasing your cake pans can lead to a messy removal. Always grease and flour your pans to ensure a smooth cake release.
- Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can make your cake dense. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
- Ignoring Baking Time: Every oven is different. Check your cake a few minutes before the suggested time to avoid overbaking.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Cold ingredients can affect how well your cake rises. Make sure all ingredients, especially eggs and butter, are at room temperature before mixing.
- Not Cooling Completely: Frosting a warm cake can cause it to melt. Allow your cakes to cool completely on wire racks before adding frosting.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Strawberry Cake in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Keep layers separated with parchment paper if necessary.
Freezing Strawberry Cake
- Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place wrapped layers in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Strawberry Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place the cake on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use medium power and heat slices for 15-20 seconds at a time until warm.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a pan over low heat, covering with a lid. Heat gently for about 5 minutes, checking frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen for my Strawberry Cake?
Yes, you can use fresh strawberries! Just make sure they are mashed well before adding them to the batter.
How can I customize my Strawberry Cake?
Consider adding lemon zest or vanilla extract for extra flavor. You can also mix in chopped nuts or other fruits!
What is the best way to frost my Strawberry Cake?
Start with one layer on a platter, apply half the frosting, then add the second layer and frost the top and sides evenly for an appealing look.
Can I make this Strawberry Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake and freeze the layers ahead of time. Just frost it when you’re ready to serve.
What should I do if my cake is too dry?
If your Strawberry Cake comes out dry, you may have overbaked it. Always check doneness early and keep an eye on baking times based on your oven’s performance.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cake recipe is not only quick and easy but also bursting with strawberry flavor that everyone will love! Its versatility allows you to customize it with various flavors or toppings. Give it a try and enjoy a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion!
Strawberry Cake
Indulge in the delightful simplicity of this Strawberry Cake, a perfect fusion of convenience and flavor. Using a boxed cake mix as a base, this recipe incorporates fresh strawberries to create a moist and flavorful dessert that’s ideal for birthdays, picnics, or any celebration. With its vibrant color and delicious taste, this Strawberry Cake is sure to impress your guests and become a favorite at any gathering. Easy to make, versatile, and customizable with various toppings, it’s a fun project to involve kids in the kitchen too.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 people 1x
Ingredients
- 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
- For Frosting: ⅓ cup softened butter
- 2 ⅓ cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two nine-inch round pans.
- In a large bowl, mix white cake mix and Jell-O until blended. Add egg whites and canola oil; beat until smooth.
- Mash thawed strawberries; reserve three tablespoons for frosting. Stir remaining strawberries and water into the batter.
- Pour batter into prepared pans; bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- For frosting, combine softened butter with reserved strawberries; gradually add powdered sugar until fluffy.
- Assemble by layering cakes with frosting in between and covering the top and sides.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (98g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg