Why You’ll Love This Easy Strawberry Cake Recipe
You’re going to love this Easy Strawberry Cake Recipe for so many reasons! First, it’s incredibly simple, making it perfect for bakers of all levels. The vibrant strawberry flavor really shines through, and the cake is delightfully moist.
Plus, the combination of vanilla and lemon adds a revitalizing twist that’s hard to resist. I also adore how you can use fresh or frozen strawberries, so it’s a year-round treat.
Finally, the whipped topping frosting is light and fluffy, perfectly complementing the cake. Trust me, this dessert will become a favorite at any gathering or just for a cozy night in!
Ingredients of Easy Strawberry Cake
Making an Easy Strawberry Cake is like taking a delightful stroll through a strawberry field in the summer—sweet, invigorating, and bursting with flavor! The best part? You don’t need to be a master baker to whip this up. Just gather your ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a dessert that will wow your friends and family.
Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to get started.
Ingredients for Easy Strawberry Cake:
- 1 (3 ounce) package strawberry gelatin
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 (18 1/4 ounce) package French vanilla cake mix
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cake flour
- 1/2 cup crushed fresh strawberries or 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
- 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 1 (3 1/2 ounce) package French vanilla instant pudding
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
Now, a little note about the ingredients: Don’t fret if you only have frozen strawberries on hand. They work just as well as fresh ones, and they’re perfect when strawberries are out of season.
And let’s talk about that gelatin—it’s what gives the cake that lovely strawberry flavor and moist texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try experimenting with different flavors of gelatin to switch things up.
Who knows, you might just stumble upon a new favorite cake flavor! So, gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in this easy and scrumptious strawberry delight.
How to Make Easy Strawberry Cake
Making an Easy Strawberry Cake is like commencing on a delicious adventure, and trust me, it’s easier than you might think. First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (that’s 165 degrees C for my metric friends).
While the oven warms up, grab your two 9-inch round cake pans and give them a good greasing and flouring. You want to guarantee those cakes slide out smoothly when they’re done baking, right? We’re not trying to win a wrestling match with our cakes here.
Now, let’s get into the fun part—mixing everything together. In a large bowl, take that 3-ounce package of strawberry gelatin and dissolve it in 1/2 cup of cold water. It’s almost magical how quickly it comes together.
Then, add in the 18 1/4-ounce package of French vanilla cake mix, 4 eggs, 1 cup of vegetable oil, and 3 tablespoons of flour. And don’t forget the star of the show: 1/2 cup of crushed strawberries. Whether you’re using fresh or frozen, just toss them in and mix everything till it’s well combined. I like to think of this part as a workout for my arm muscles—who needs a gym when you’ve got cake batter to whisk?
Once your batter is all mixed up and looking scrumptious, pour it evenly into your prepared pans. Slide them into the preheated oven and let them bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. You know the drill—keep an eye on them, and when they’re golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, they’re ready to rock.
After that, let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before flipping them onto a wire rack. This is the moment of truth. Will they come out perfectly? Fingers crossed.
Meanwhile, while those cakes cool down, you can whip up the frosting. Just combine 1 cup of milk with a 3 1/2-ounce package of French vanilla instant pudding and a teaspoon of lemon extract.
Fold in the thawed 8-ounce container of whipped topping, and voilà, you have a luscious frosting to slather on your cooled cakes. Top with fresh strawberries for that extra touch of deliciousness. It’s all coming together beautifully.
Now, dig in and enjoy your creation; you’ve earned it!
Easy Strawberry Cake Substitutions & Variations
While the classic Easy Strawberry Cake is delightful as it is, experimenting with substitutions and variations can elevate your baking game.
For a lighter cake, I often swap half the vegetable oil for unsweetened applesauce. If you’re craving a twist, try using lemon cake mix instead of vanilla for a zesty flavor.
You can also replace fresh strawberries with blueberries or raspberries for a berry medley. For a gluten-free option, use a certified gluten-free cake mix.
Finally, adding a splash of vanilla extract enhances the overall taste. These tweaks make every bake unique and exciting!
What to Serve with Easy Strawberry Cake
When I whip up an Easy Strawberry Cake, I love to think about the perfect pairings that can enhance the experience. A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast, while a dollop of whipped cream elevates the cake’s sweetness. Fresh strawberries on top bring a burst of flavor and color.
For a revitalizing twist, I sometimes serve it with a side of lemon sorbet. If I’m feeling indulgent, a drizzle of chocolate sauce creates a delightful contrast. Each pairing complements the cake’s lightness, making every bite a delicious moment to savor.
Enjoy mixing and matching to find your favorite!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your Easy Strawberry Cake turns out perfectly, I recommend measuring your ingredients accurately and following the mixing instructions closely.
Make sure to use fresh strawberries when possible, as they give the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, frozen ones work too, but thaw and drain them first.
Don’t forget to let the cakes cool completely before frosting; this prevents melting. For a little extra flair, I love garnishing with whole strawberries on top.
Finally, storing the cake in the fridge helps it stay fresh longer. Enjoy your delicious creation—it’s sure to impress!