Are you craving a deliciously moist and fruity cake that will impress your friends and family? Look no further than “The Best Strawberry Cake Ever” recipe. This delightful cake combines the irresistible flavors of strawberries with a fluffy white cake and a luscious cream cheese frosting.
Whether celebrating a birthday, hosting a party, or simply treating yourself, this strawberry cake will be a hit. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the recipe step by step, share some valuable tips and variations, and provide recommendations for storage and pairing. Let’s get started!
Equipment
Before diving into the recipe, gather the following kitchen equipment:
- 2 (9-inch) round cake pans
- Electric mixer
- Large mixing bowls
- Wooden pick or cake tester
- Wire racks for cooling
Tips and Variations
- For a healthier version of this cake, you can try substituting the white cake mix with a whole grain cake mix or a homemade white cake recipe using whole wheat flour.
- Add a few drops of strawberry extract to the cake batter if you prefer a more robust strawberry flavor.
- For a lighter option, experiment with different frostings, such as a classic vanilla buttercream or a whipped cream topping.
- Consider adding sprinkles or edible flowers as decorations for a more festive touch.
- You can transform this recipe into cupcakes by pouring the batter into lined pans and adjusting the baking time accordingly.
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving to enhance its flavor and texture.
Food and Drink Pairings
“The Best Strawberry Cake Ever” pairs wonderfully with various beverages and accompaniments. Here are a few suggestions:
- Pair it with a refreshing iced tea or lemonade for a delightful summer treat.
- Serve cake slices alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Enjoy it with a cup of coffee or hot tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
The Best Strawberry Cake Ever
Ingredients
- 1 18.25-ounce box white cake mix
- 1 3-ounce box strawberry-flavored instant gelatin
- 1 15-ounce package frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed and pureed
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup water
- Strawberry cream cheese frosting recipe follows
Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
- ¼ cup butter softened
- 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
- 1 10-ounce package frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed and pureed
- ½ teaspoon strawberry extract
- 7 cups confectioners’ sugar
- Freshly sliced strawberries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease 2 (9-inch) round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix and strawberry-flavored gelatin. Add the pureed strawberries, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pans. Bake for 20 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, remove them from the pans and let them cool completely on wire racks.
For the frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy.
- Beat in ¼ cup of the strawberry puree and the strawberry extract. Gradually add in the confectioners’ sugar, continuing to beat until the frosting is smooth.
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread the frosting between the layers and over the top and sides of the cake.
- If desired, garnish the cake with sliced fresh strawberries.
