Why You’ll Love This Fresh Strawberry Cake Recipe
There’s something truly special about a fresh strawberry cake that makes it stand out from other desserts. The vibrant color and sweet aroma pull me in every time. Each bite bursts with juicy strawberry flavor, making it feel like a celebration, no matter the occasion.
I love how the cake’s moist texture complements the creamy frosting, creating a delightful contrast. It’s an easy recipe, perfect for impressing guests or satisfying my own cravings. Plus, the memories of making it with loved ones make it even more special.
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients of Fresh Strawberry Cake
When it comes to making a fresh strawberry cake, the ingredients are key to capturing that delightful burst of flavor in every bite. This cake isn’t just any dessert; it’s a sweet celebration of strawberries, and the ingredients you choose can make all the difference.
Don’t worry; you won’t need to hunt down anything too exotic. Most of these items are pantry staples or easy to find at your local grocery store. So, grab your apron, and let’s check out what you’ll need to whip this beauty up.
Ingredients:
- 1 (18 1/4 ounce) box vanilla, white, or yellow cake mix
- 1 (3 ounce) box strawberry gelatin powder (Jell-O)
- 4 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, let’s talk about some considerations with these ingredients. For the cake mix, you can totally use any flavor that speaks to you, but vanilla or yellow tends to pair best with the strawberry flavor.
It’s like a little blank canvas, just waiting for the strawberries to shine. When it comes to the strawberries, fresh is always the way to go; they bring that juicy sweetness that frozen ones just can’t replicate.
And if you’re crushing them up, don’t be shy—get those muscles working, but maybe don’t take it out on the strawberries too hard. No one wants strawberry pulp flying everywhere!
Finally, the cream cheese frosting is a game-changer; it adds a tangy creaminess that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cake. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to bake something delicious!
How to Make Fresh Strawberry Cake
Making Fresh Strawberry Cake is a delightful and rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with the sweet scent of strawberries. Let’s get started, shall we? First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F.
While that’s warming up, grab a 9×13 baking dish and give it a good spray with nonstick cooking spray—trust me, you don’t want your beautiful cake to stick. Now, onto the strawberries. Take 1 pint of fresh strawberries, give them a gentle rinse under cool water, and then dry them off with a paper towel.
Once they’re all clean and dry, remove the stems and dice them up. Here’s where the fun begins: put those diced strawberries into a plastic Ziploc bag and crush them with a rolling pin or whatever heavy object you have on hand—just don’t get too aggressive; we want crushed strawberries, not strawberry pulp on the walls.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 box (18 1/4 ounces) of cake mix with 1 box (3 ounces) of strawberry gelatin powder. Stir it well until it’s all mixed up, which should only take a minute or so.
Now, add in 4 eggs, 1 cup of vegetable oil, and 1/4 cup of water to the bowl. Mix it all together until it’s smooth and combined. Then, gently fold in that glorious 1 cup of crushed strawberries you just made—this is where the magic happens.
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and pop it into the oven for about 30-33 minutes. Keep an eye on it, though; every oven is different. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely before we reach the best part—frosting it.
Now, let’s whip up that delicious frosting. In a mixing bowl, combine 1/3 cup of softened butter and 0.5 (4 ounces) of softened cream cheese. If you have an electric mixer, this is the time to bring it out.
Beat those two together until they’re smooth and creamy—no lumps allowed. Next, add in 2 cups of powdered sugar, along with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of milk.
Mix it until everything is well combined and creamy. When your cake is cool, slather this heavenly frosting all over the top. The contrast of the sweet strawberry cake and the tangy cream cheese frosting is simply irresistible.
Fresh Strawberry Cake Substitutions & Variations
While I adore the classic Fresh Strawberry Cake recipe, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can explore to make it your own.
For a healthier twist, swap the vegetable oil for unsweetened applesauce. You can also use whole wheat flour instead of cake mix for a heartier texture.
If strawberries aren’t your favorite, try raspberries or blueberries. To elevate the flavor, add a splash of almond extract to the frosting.
For a decadent touch, fold in some chocolate chips or nuts into the batter.
Don’t hesitate to experiment; it’s all about finding your perfect combination!
What to Serve with Fresh Strawberry Cake
If you’re looking to elevate your Fresh Strawberry Cake experience, pairing it with the right accompaniments can make all the difference.
I love serving it alongside a dollop of freshly whipped cream; it adds a light, airy texture that complements the cake beautifully. You might also consider a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperature.
To enhance the fruity flavor, fresh mint leaves sprinkled on top can add a revitalizing touch.
Finally, a drizzle of strawberry sauce or a side of fresh berries can really make the presentation pop.
Enjoy experimenting with these pairings!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your Fresh Strawberry Cake turns out perfectly, I recommend measuring your ingredients accurately and following the recipe closely.
Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor. If you prefer a stronger strawberry taste, feel free to add more crushed strawberries to the batter or frosting.
Remember to let the cake cool completely before frosting; this helps the frosting spread smoothly. For an extra touch, consider garnishing with whole strawberries on top.
And if you have leftovers, cover the cake and store it in the fridge to keep it fresh. Enjoy every delicious bite!