Sure! Here’s a full strawberry cake recipe with all the details you’re looking for. I’ve added some history, method, and a little extra love to make it a complete experience!
The Best Strawberry Cake Ever: A Sweet Slice of History 🍓🍰
If you love strawberries, this cake will be your new favorite! It’s a moist, flavorful cake that’s packed with strawberry goodness. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a birthday party, or just because you want a sweet treat, this cake is guaranteed to steal the show. The best part? It’s easy to make, and the combination of the white cake mix with strawberry gelatin brings out the perfect balance of sweetness and tang.
A Little History of Strawberry Cake 🍓 Strawberry cake has been a Southern staple for decades. Its origins can be traced back to the 20th century when cake mixes became popular and home bakers started experimenting with flavors. The addition of gelatin and fresh or artificial strawberry flavor helped bring a vibrant pink color and an irresistible fruity taste to the traditional cake, making it a hit at family reunions and birthday parties across the U.S. This cake holds a special place in the hearts of many for its nostalgic taste and vibrant appearance.
Ingredients
1 (18.25-ounce) box white cake mix
1 (3-ounce) box strawberry-flavored instant gelatin (like Jell-O)
1 cup water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
1 cup pureed fresh strawberries (or use strawberry puree from frozen berries)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt (optional)
For the frosting:
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese (softened)
3-4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1-2 tablespoons heavy cream (for consistency)
Fresh strawberries for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix and the strawberry-flavored gelatin. Make sure they are well blended.
3. Add the wet ingredients: To the dry mix, add the water, vegetable oil, eggs, pureed strawberries, and vanilla extract. Beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes, until the batter is smooth and well-combined. The batter will be slightly thick, but that’s what gives this cake its tender texture.
4. Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Make the frosting: While the cake is cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and a tablespoon or two of heavy cream to achieve your desired frosting consistency. If you want a thicker frosting, use less cream; if you prefer a softer, spreadable texture, add more cream.
6. Frost the cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a cake plate and spread a generous layer of frosting over the top. Add the second layer of cake and frost the top and sides, smoothing it out with a spatula. Garnish with fresh strawberries if desired.
Method Breakdown:
- Using the cake mix gives this recipe an easy shortcut while still delivering an amazingly moist and flavorful cake. The addition of strawberry gelatin not only adds flavor but also makes the cake extra soft.
- Pureeing fresh strawberries gives this cake a fresh, authentic strawberry taste. If you’re in a pinch, you can use store-bought strawberry puree, but fresh strawberries are always the best option for flavor and color.
- Cream cheese frosting balances the sweetness of the cake with a creamy, tangy frosting that complements the strawberry flavor perfectly.
Lover’s Touch 💖: This cake isn’t just for bakers, it’s for lovers of all things sweet, fruity, and indulgent. Whether you’re baking it for your family, a special occasion, or even just because you deserve a treat, this strawberry cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. If you’re making it for someone you love, don’t forget the special touch: a sprinkle of love, a personal note, or a fresh batch of whipped cream on the side. It’s the little things that make it special!
Conclusion:
Strawberry cake is a timeless dessert that brings joy to anyone who takes a bite. The combination of sweet strawberries, fluffy cake, and rich cream cheese frosting creates a flavor profile that’s nothing short of heavenly. So next time you’re looking for a dessert that will impress, bring out this recipe. It’s more than just cake—it’s a piece of happiness in every bite.
Pro Tip: Try pairing it with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence!
Enjoy your cake-making adventure! 🍰🎉