Strawberry Cake

Quick and easy Strawberry Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the convenience of a boxed mix with the fresh flavor of strawberries. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply as a sweet treat at home, this cake stands out with its vibrant color and luscious frosting. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this scrumptious cake that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With a boxed cake mix as the base, this recipe simplifies baking without sacrificing flavor.
• Bursting with Strawberry Flavor: The addition of strawberry Jell-O and fresh strawberries elevates the taste to a whole new level.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or an afternoon tea, this cake fits perfectly into any event.
• Light and Fluffy Texture: The combination of egg whites and whipped frosting gives the cake a delightful lightness.
• Customizable Decoration: Feel free to add toppings like whipped cream or additional fruit for an extra special touch.

Tools and Preparation

Getting ready to bake your Strawberry Cake is simple with the right tools. Make sure you have everything in place before you start mixing.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Round cake pans (9-inch)
• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Food processor or small bowl (for mashing strawberries)
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Round cake pans: Essential for creating that classic layer cake shape, ensuring even baking and presentation.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer: Makes it easy to blend ingredients thoroughly, resulting in a well-mixed batter.
• Wire rack: Allows cakes to cool evenly, preventing sogginess on the bottom.

Ingredients

Quick and easy Strawberry Cake that started with a boxed mix that is easily dressed up for a cake full of strawberry flavor.

For the Cake

• 15.25 ounces white cake mix
• .3 ounces sugar-free strawberry jello (1 package)
• 4 egg whites
• ⅓ cup canola oil
• 1 cup frozen unsweetened strawberries (thawed)
• ½ cup water

For the Frosting

• ⅓ cup butter (softened)
• 2 ⅓ cup powdered sugar

How to Make Strawberry Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour two 9-inch round pans, then set them aside.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix and strawberry Jell-O mix.
1. Stir until fully mixed.
2. Add in egg whites, and canola oil. Beat until well blended.

Step 3: Prepare Strawberries

In a small bowl or food processor:
1. Mash the frozen strawberries.
2. Set aside 3 tablespoons for icing.
3. Combine remaining mashed strawberries with water, then add this mixture to your batter. Mix thoroughly before pouring into prepared pans.

Step 4: Bake

Place your pans in the preheated oven:
1. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center.
2. Cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

In a small bowl:
1. Combine softened butter with reserved mashed strawberries.
2. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 6: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cooled round cake on a serving platter.
2. Spread half of the icing on top.
3. Add the second round cake on top of the first layer.
4. Finish frosting around the outside of both layers for a beautiful presentation!

How to Serve Strawberry Cake

Strawberry Cake is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to impress guests at a party or simply indulge in a sweet treat, here are some creative serving suggestions.

With Fresh Strawberries

• Top slices of Strawberry Cake with fresh strawberries for an extra burst of flavor. This adds freshness and enhances the cake’s berry taste.

A Scoop of Ice Cream

• Serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream. The creaminess of the ice cream pairs perfectly with the moistness of the cake.

Whipped Cream Topping

• Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for a light and airy complement. This gives the cake an elegant touch and makes it even more indulgent.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• For chocolate lovers, drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the cake. The combination of strawberry and chocolate creates a rich and delicious contrast.

Garnished with Mint Leaves

• Fresh mint leaves can add a pop of color and a refreshing taste. Simply place a few leaves on top for visual appeal and flavor enhancement.

How to Perfect Strawberry Cake

To achieve the best results when making Strawberry Cake, consider these essential tips that will elevate your baking game.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing and better cake texture.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until combined to keep your cake light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense cakes.
• Check for doneness: Use a toothpick to test if the cake is fully baked. It should come out clean when inserted into the center.
• Cool completely before frosting: Allow your cakes to cool completely on a wire rack before applying frosting to prevent it from melting.
• Store properly: Keep any leftover Strawberry Cake in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Strawberry Cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad provides a refreshing side that complements the sweetness of the cake.
2. Cheese Platter: A variety of cheeses can create an interesting flavor balance against the sweet notes of the Strawberry Cake.
3. Pineapple Upside Down Cake: This classic dessert brings tropical flavors that pair well with strawberries.
4. Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea can enhance your dessert time, making it cozy.
5. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The salty crunch adds contrast to the sweetness, creating a satisfying snack alongside your cake.
6. Mini Cupcakes: Offer guests mini cupcakes in other flavors as an additional sweet delight that complements your main dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Strawberry Cake, it’s easy to encounter pitfalls. Here are some common mistakes and how to sidestep them.

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Precision is crucial in baking. Always use the correct measuring cups for dry and liquid ingredients to ensure the best results.

• Ignoring cake mix instructions: Each cake mix can vary slightly. It’s important to read and follow the specific instructions on the box for optimal texture and flavor.

• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Combine ingredients just until blended to preserve lightness in your Strawberry Cake.

• Skipping cooling time: Allowing your cake to cool completely is vital before frosting. Frosting a warm cake can melt your icing and ruin the layers.

• Using cold ingredients: For a better rise and texture, make sure eggs and butter are at room temperature before mixing them into your batter.

• Forgetting to adjust oven temperature: Each oven can vary in accuracy. Consider using an oven thermometer to ensure perfect baking conditions for your Strawberry Cake.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Strawberry Cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Consider placing parchment paper between layers if stacking cakes.

Freezing Strawberry Cake

• Wrap pieces of cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil.
• You can freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Strawberry Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices for about 20-30 seconds on medium power.
• Stovetop: Warm slices in a skillet over low heat with a lid for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions often asked about making Strawberry Cake.

How do I make my Strawberry Cake more flavorful?

Adding fresh strawberries or a splash of vanilla extract can enhance the flavor profile of your Strawberry Cake significantly.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh strawberries! Just ensure they are well-mashed, and adjust sugar if necessary since fresh strawberries tend to be sweeter than frozen ones.

What frosting pairs well with Strawberry Cake?

Cream cheese frosting or whipped cream complements Strawberry Cake beautifully, adding richness without overpowering the strawberry flavor.

How can I customize my Strawberry Cake?

You can add lemon zest for a citrusy twist or layer it with whipped cream and fresh berries for added texture and taste!

Final Thoughts

This quick and easy Strawberry Cake is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to customize it as you like. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to impress everyone. Give it a try today!