Strawberry Cake

Quick and easy Strawberry Cake is a delightful treat that brings joy to any gathering. With its rich strawberry flavor and fluffy texture, this cake is perfect for birthdays, picnics, or just an afternoon dessert. Using a boxed mix as a base means less time in the kitchen while still delivering a homemade feel. The addition of fresh strawberries and a light frosting elevates this cake, making it a standout choice for various occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: This recipe uses a boxed cake mix, making it quick and straightforward for bakers of all levels.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of strawberry Jell-O and fresh strawberries ensures every bite is packed with delicious strawberry goodness.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a sweet treat at home, this cake suits any occasion.
• Light and Fluffy Texture: The egg whites create a lightness that pairs beautifully with the rich frosting.
• Customizable Frosting: You can easily adjust the sweetness or add flavors to the frosting for your unique touch.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Strawberry Cake, gather the necessary tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable. Having everything ready will help you keep track of your steps.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups
• 9-inch round pans
• Food processor (optional)
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing batter and frosting until perfectly smooth.
• 9-inch round pans: Ideal size for creating even layers that bake uniformly.
• Food processor: Useful for quickly mashing strawberries if you prefer not to do it by hand.

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 cups powdered sugar

How to Make Strawberry Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour two 9-inch round pans and set them aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix and strawberry Jell-O mix until mixed thoroughly. Then add the egg whites and canola oil. Beat everything together until well blended.

Step 3: Incorporate Strawberries

In a small bowl or food processor, mash the thawed strawberries. Set aside 3 tablespoons for icing later. Add water and the remaining mashed strawberries to your batter, then mix well. Pour the mixture evenly into your prepared pans.

Step 4: Bake Cakes

Place the pans in your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. After baking, 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 3 tablespoons of mashed strawberries in a small bowl. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until you achieve a light and fluffy consistency.

Step 6: Assemble the Cake

Once cooled, place one cake layer on a serving platter. Spread half of your icing on top before adding the second layer of cake. Finish by frosting the outer sides of both layers with the remaining icing.

Enjoy every slice of this delightful Strawberry Cake!

How to Serve Strawberry Cake

Serving your delicious Strawberry Cake can elevate your dessert experience. Here are a few delightful ways to present this treat that will surely impress your guests.

With Fresh Strawberries

• Serve slices of the Strawberry Cake topped with fresh strawberries for an added burst of flavor and color.

Whipped Cream Topping

• Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each slice for a light and airy complement to the rich cake.

Ice Cream Pairing

• Pair your Strawberry Cake with vanilla or strawberry ice cream for a classic, creamy contrast to the cake’s texture.

Chocolate Drizzle

• Drizzle some melted chocolate over the cake for an indulgent touch that enhances the sweet strawberry flavor.

Garnished Plates

• Use mint leaves or edible flowers around the plate for a beautiful presentation that adds elegance to your dessert table.

How to Perfect Strawberry Cake

Getting your Strawberry Cake just right is essential for a delicious outcome. Here are some tips to ensure perfection every time.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality cake mix and fresh strawberries. The better the ingredients, the better the flavor.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of fluffy.
• Proper Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cake while it bakes. Check doneness a few minutes before the suggested time by inserting a toothpick.
• Cool Completely: Allow your cakes to cool completely before frosting. This prevents melting and ensures neat layers.
• Experiment with Flavors: Consider adding vanilla extract or lemon zest to enhance the overall taste profile of your Strawberry Cake.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Strawberry Cake can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some fantastic options that complement this sweet treat perfectly.

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a light balance to the sweetness of the cake.
2. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses, such as brie or goat cheese, pairs beautifully with strawberries and adds savory notes to contrast with sweetness.
3. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy and crunchy side that complements cake textures nicely.
4. Pistachio Ice Cream: The nutty flavor of pistachios offers an interesting contrast and enhances the overall dessert experience when paired with strawberry flavors.
5. Chocolate Mousse: A rich chocolate mousse balances out the sweetness of the cake while offering a luxurious texture combination.
6. Coffee or Tea: Serve alongside hot coffee or tea, which can cleanse the palate between bites and enhance flavors in both dessert and beverage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Strawberry Cake can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch for. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the greasing step: Always grease and flour your cake pans. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal after baking.
• Overmixing the batter: Be gentle when mixing. Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of light and fluffy.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use proper measuring cups for dry and liquid ingredients. Accurate measurements are key to achieving the right texture.
• Ignoring cooling time: Allow your cakes to cool completely before frosting. Frosting warm cakes can cause the icing to melt and slide off.
• Using cold ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter for your Strawberry Cake.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Strawberry Cake

• Wrap individual slices or whole cakes tightly in plastic wrap.
• Store in a freezer-safe container; it can last for up to 3 months.

Reheating Strawberry Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm the cake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds; check frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a pan over low heat, covering it with a lid for about 5 minutes until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Strawberry Cake special?

This Strawberry Cake stands out because it’s made with a boxed mix, making it easy yet packed with fresh strawberry flavor.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?

Yes! You can substitute fresh strawberries if you prefer, but ensure they are pureed well for an evenly mixed batter.

How do I make this Strawberry Cake more moist?

To enhance moisture, consider adding a few tablespoons of milk or yogurt into the batter.

Can I frost this cake with something other than strawberry frosting?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with vanilla or cream cheese frosting for different flavors that pair well with strawberries.

What occasions is this Strawberry Cake suitable for?

This cake is perfect for birthdays, picnics, or any summer gatherings—its vibrant color and flavor make it a crowd-pleaser!

Final Thoughts

This easy-to-make Strawberry Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different fruits or adjusting the frosting flavor. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a treat at home, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!

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Quick and Easy Strawberry Cake

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Indulge in the sweet and vibrant flavor of our Quick and Easy Strawberry Cake, a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. This cake combines the simplicity of a boxed mix with fresh strawberries, creating a moist and fluffy texture that will impress friends and family alike. Ideal for birthdays, summer picnics, or afternoon treats, this cake is effortlessly elevated with a light frosting that highlights the strawberry goodness. Whether served on its own or dressed up with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even a chocolate drizzle, this Strawberry Cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 12 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
• For the frosting: ⅓ cup softened butter
• 2 ⅓ cups powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), greasing and flouring two 9-inch round pans.
2. In a large bowl, mix white cake mix and strawberry Jell-O; add egg whites and canola oil, blending until smooth.
3. Mash thawed strawberries and incorporate into batter with water; pour evenly into pans.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes; cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
5. For frosting, blend softened butter with reserved mashed strawberries and gradually add powdered sugar until creamy.
6. Frost cooled cakes by layering and icing the top and sides.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (80g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Use fresh strawberries for an even brighter flavor. Add vanilla extract or lemon zest to the batter for an extra flavor boost. Experiment with different frostings like cream cheese or vanilla to suit your taste.