Indulge in the ultimate strawberry experience with this Fresh Strawberry Cake, a beloved family recipe passed down through generations. Featuring succulent fresh strawberries baked into the cake layers and infused into the creamy, vibrant pink frosting, this dessert is an absolute must-try for any strawberry enthusiast. It’s more than just a cake; it’s a taste of cherished memories and pure delight.
The Secret to the Best Strawberry Cake: Freshness & Simplicity
If the thought of biting into a wonderfully moist cake bursting with natural strawberry flavor excites you, then you’ve come to the right place. This exquisite Fresh Strawberry Cake is truly packed full of real strawberries, delivering an authentic taste that few recipes can rival. What makes it even more appealing is its surprising simplicity. The journey to this beautiful dessert begins with a humble white cake mix, elevated by the clever addition of strawberry Jell-O and, crucially, frozen real strawberries. This combination ensures a consistently moist crumb and an intense strawberry essence throughout every bite. The crowning glory, its gorgeous pink frosting, derives its natural hue and incredible flavor entirely from the fresh strawberries themselves. Forget artificial colorings; here, nature does all the work, creating a visually stunning and deliciously vibrant treat.
A Cherished Recipe from a Dear Friend: Grandmother Mary’s Legacy
This incredible cake recipe, which I first shared almost four years ago, holds a special place in my heart, thanks to my dear friend, Candi. Candi has been one of my closest companions for over two decades, and she also happens to be a fantastic food blogger herself, sharing her culinary creations at The Devilish Dish. I’ve often mentioned that baking wasn’t always my passion. In fact, my mind often wanders to new recipes during unexpected moments, like when I can’t sleep or even during church services (truly, see my Marshmallow Cheesecake for proof!). Candi, however, has always possessed a natural flair and deep love for baking, and her talent is truly amazing. This particular strawberry cake recipe from her blog was one I always intended to make. And oh, how I wish I hadn’t waited so long! The moment I tasted it, I knew I had discovered something truly extraordinary.
^ Pin This Strawberry Cake for Later! ^
Candi affectionately calls this recipe Grandmother Mary’s Strawberry Cake, a name that perfectly encapsulates its heartwarming origin. I highly recommend visiting her blog to read her post; it’s one of my all-time favorites. Her grandmother baked this cake every single Sunday, a testament to her granddaddy’s enduring love for it. That, my friends, is more than just a recipe; it’s a beautiful tradition, a weekly act of love served on a plate. It’s this kind of familial connection and dedication that makes this strawberry cake recipe so incredibly special and worth sharing with your own loved ones.
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Perfect for Any Occasion: From Easter Gatherings to Everyday Treats
I initially stumbled upon this recipe while searching for the perfect dessert for our Easter dinner years ago. It was one of those “aha!” moments when a recipe just clicks and effortlessly completes your menu. While some aspects of our Easter dinner evolve year by year, certain elements, like a truly memorable dessert, are always a priority. Typically, the dessert course is where I like to experiment, but this strawberry cake changed everything. You know those rare individuals who claim they “couldn’t eat another bite” or “don’t really do dessert”? Even *those* people found themselves requesting “just a sliver” of this cake, only to return for a second, more generous slice! There’s nothing quite like savoring a magnificent piece of strawberry cake, perhaps on a sunny patio, letting its fresh flavors transport you.
But PLEASE don’t wait until Easter to make this incredibly fresh strawberry cake! It’s too good to reserve for just one holiday.
May I suggest Valentine’s Day as another perfect occasion? This cake, with its delightful pink hue, is ideally suited for that romantic holiday I hold so dear. Sometimes, when you slice a fresh strawberry, you’ll even find a natural heart shape hidden within. Whether you discover that heart-shaped strawberry accidentally or create it intentionally, adorning your cake with it undeniably screams… ❤︎ Be My Valentine! ❤︎ This cake is not just delicious; it’s a beautiful expression of love, perfect for celebrating with someone special or simply treating yourself.
Just look at all those strawberries nestled within the cake layers! This cake isn’t just flavorful; it’s incredibly moist, a quality often hard to achieve with simpler recipes. I know some bakers might raise an eyebrow at using a cake mix as a base, but I’m here to tell you a secret: if you don’t reveal that this strawberry cake recipe isn’t entirely from scratch, no one will ever know. The combination of ingredients transforms a simple mix into a gourmet-level dessert. In fact, they’ll be so impressed, they’ll undoubtedly ask you for the recipe. So, be prepared to share your secret – or at least point them to this amazing recipe!
Key Ingredients for an Unforgettable Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Frosting:
Achieving this cake’s incredible flavor and moist texture requires just a few simple, yet effective, ingredients:
- **White Cake Mix:** The convenient base that makes this recipe approachable for all skill levels.
- **Strawberry Gelatin:** Amplifies the strawberry flavor and contributes to the cake’s beautiful pink hue and moist crumb.
- **Frozen Strawberries:** These are crucial for baking directly into the cake and for creating that intensely flavored, natural pink frosting. Using frozen, then thawed and drained, ensures maximum flavor and moisture without making the batter too wet.
- **Flour:** A little extra flour helps create a sturdier cake structure, especially with the added liquid from the strawberries and gelatin.
- **Oil and Water:** Standard cake mix additions that provide necessary moisture.
- **Eggs:** Bind the ingredients and add richness to the cake.
- **Butter:** The foundation of the rich, creamy frosting.
- **Powdered Sugar:** Creates the smooth, sweet texture of the frosting, perfectly balancing the strawberry tartness.
Expert Frosting Tips for a Perfect Finish
While this cake is relatively straightforward to bake, it’s worth noting that the frosting, due to its high strawberry content, has a unique consistency compared to a typical buttercream. The first time I prepared it, my kitchen was quite warm from other cooking, so I found it helpful to chill the frosting slightly in the refrigerator to achieve the perfect spreading texture. This small step makes a significant difference.
When assembling this as a layer cake, I’ve found that applying a “crumb coat” and then chilling the cake for about 30 minutes before adding the final layer of frosting makes the process much easier and yields a professional-looking result. Candi’s original recipe suggested less frosting, but trust me, once you taste this luscious strawberry frosting, you’ll want to eat it with a spoon! The quantity provided in my recipe is perfectly generous, allowing for ample frosting between the layers and a beautifully thick, smooth coating on the outside of the cake. If you opt to make this cake as a single 9×13 sheet cake, you won’t need quite as much frosting; simply halve the frosting recipe for a perfectly balanced amount.
What Exactly is a Crumb Coat?
For those new to cake decorating, a crumb coat is a thin, initial layer of frosting applied to a cake. Its primary purpose is to seal in any loose crumbs, preventing them from mixing into your final, visible layer of frosting. After applying this thin layer, place your cake in the refrigerator to allow the crumb coat to set up firmly before you apply the beautiful, smooth, final coat of frosting. This simple technique ensures a flawless finish every time.
The Art of Garnish: When to Add Fresh Strawberries
After frosting my cake, I decided to adorn the top with some fresh strawberry slices. Luckily, I captured the photos right away! When I later went to serve the cake, I was reminded of an important lesson: fresh strawberries, when placed directly onto a sugary frosting, tend to release their juices, creating delicious but visually disruptive “strawberry syrup rivers” in your beautifully frosted cake. While this syrupy goodness is perfect for something like shortcake, it can alter the appearance of your pristine cake. So, a crucial note to myself, and to you: if you plan on placing fresh strawberries or other juicy fruit as a garnish on your cake, do it immediately before serving! This ensures your cake looks as perfect as it tastes.
Beyond Cake: Baked Chocolate Covered Strawberry Donuts
Last week, I had a truly brilliant idea that stemmed from this very cake recipe! I wondered: what if I adapted this amazing strawberry cake batter and baked it in my trusty donut pan? And then, what if I topped those delightful strawberry donuts with a silky chocolate ganache? To take it a step further, I imagined dusting them with adorable sprinkles, transforming them into the perfect festive treat for Valentine’s Day. Well, I did all of those things, and the result was nothing short of spectacular! These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Donuts are, quite simply, crazy good, friends. They offer a fun, bite-sized alternative to the cake, perfect for parties or a special breakfast treat.
Discover More of Our Favorite Strawberry Recipes:
If you’re a devoted fan of strawberries, you’ll be thrilled to explore more delicious ways to enjoy this vibrant fruit. Here are some other beloved strawberry recipes from our collection:
Among all the strawberry cake mix recipes out there, this one remains, without a doubt, my absolute favorite. It’s truly amazing how combining simple ingredients like a white cake mix, strawberry Jell-O, and frozen strawberries can yield such an incredibly delicious and moist cake. Who would have thought that these humble components could create something *this* good? It’s a testament to how a few smart additions can transform an ordinary cake mix into a show-stopping dessert.
Now, it’s your turn to experience the joy of making and tasting the BEST strawberry cake EVER! Happy baking! 
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Print Recipe
Strawberry Cake
Ingredients
- FOR THE CAKE:
- 1 white cake mix
- 3 Tablespoons flour
- 3 eggs
- 3/4 cup water
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 3 ounce package Strawberry Jell-o
- 1/2 cup frozen strawberries thawed, drained
- FROSTING:
- 1 1/2 sticks butter softened
- 3/4 cup frozen strawberries thawed, drained
- 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour two 9″ round cake pans thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, flour, vegetable oil, water, eggs, and the strawberry Jell-O powder. Beat these ingredients together with your mixer for approximately 2 minutes until well combined and smooth. Gently fold in the thawed and drained frozen strawberries.
- Evenly pour the cake batter into the two prepared 9-inch cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
- Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for a few minutes before inverting them onto a wire cooling rack. Let them cool completely before frosting.
- **Prepare the Frosting:** In a clean mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, thawed and drained frozen strawberries, and powdered sugar. Beat with a mixer until the frosting reaches your desired consistency – it should be smooth and spreadable. If it’s too thick, add a small amount of the reserved strawberry liquid (from draining the frozen strawberries) or a touch of milk until it’s perfect. If it’s too thin, gradually add more powdered sugar. Frost between the layers and generously cover the outside of the cake as you would any traditional layer cake.
- Garnish with fresh strawberry slices, if desired. Remember, for the best presentation, add this garnish just before serving to prevent the strawberries from becoming syrupy and creating “rivers” in your frosting.
Notes
- **Strawberry Measurement:** 1/2 cup of frozen strawberries is approximately equivalent to one 10-ounce container of frozen strawberries.
- **Frosting Consistency:** Reserve any liquid drained from the thawed strawberries. This can be used to thin out your frosting if it becomes too thick while mixing, adding extra strawberry flavor.
- **Generous Frosting:** The original recipe called for a smaller amount of frosting. This updated quantity ensures you have plenty to generously fill between the layers and create a beautiful, thick coating on the outside of the cake. For a professional finish, I recommend applying a thin “crumb coat” of frosting first, chilling the cake in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, and then applying the remaining frosting. If you are making this cake as a 9×13 sheet cake, you will not need this much frosting; halve the frosting recipe, and you will have a good, plentiful amount.
Nutrition
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-Here is a photo of my wonderful friend, Candi, and me enjoying a concert the last time we saw each other, back in November 2014 –
It’s truly never a dull moment when I get the chance to see her! <3