Best Ever Strawberry Cake – Quick Steps, Amazing Results

The Best Ever Strawberry Cake is your sweet ticket to dessert stardom—especially when life calls for a treat that’s equal parts nostalgic and show-stopping. There’s just something about strawberries in cake form that hits differently, right? This beauty combines a simple white cake mix with a strawberry Jell-O twist, and then folds in real strawberries for flavor that’s fresh, fruity, and kind of addictive. Add that luscious cream cheese strawberry icing on top and you’ve got a cake that might just earn you legendary status at your next potluck, birthday party, or Tuesday night on the couch. Yep, it’s that kind of recipe—easy, reliable, and full of “oh wow” flavor.

If you’ve been looking for a strawberry cake that’s moist, flavorful, and doesn’t require a pastry degree to pull off, this is it. The best part? You’ll be whipping it up from start to finish with basic pantry items and just a few fresh ingredients. So go ahead—bake this once, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your forever favorite.

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What is Best Ever Strawberry Cake?

The Best Ever Strawberry Cake is a homemade-style dessert made with a little help from a boxed cake mix and a whole lot of real strawberry goodness. While it starts with a white cake mix, don’t be fooled—this isn’t your average box cake. We give it the ultimate glow-up with strawberry gelatin, pureed strawberries, and a few simple ingredients that completely transform the texture and flavor. It’s soft, moist, and just sweet enough to make your day better.

What sets this cake apart is the balance: it’s fruity without being overly sugary, indulgent but not over-the-top, and topped with a tangy strawberry cream cheese frosting that could probably double as a dip for graham crackers (just saying). Think of it as your go-to spring and summer cake—or really any season where dessert is needed. It’s also the perfect answer when you’re craving something that tastes like childhood but feels like an upgrade. And if you’re looking for a companion dessert, you’ll love the similarly fresh vibes of this Blueberry Lemon Heaven Dessert.

Reasons to Try Best Ever Strawberry Cake

There are cakes, and then there’s this Best Ever Strawberry Cake—the kind of dessert that has everyone sneaking back into the kitchen for “just one more bite.” One of the biggest reasons to try this cake is how simple it is. It looks and tastes like something that came out of a fancy bakery, but it’s made with ingredients you probably already have. Busy mom? Check. Baking beginner? You’re covered. Need something crowd-pleasing but low stress? This is your cake. Another reason? That frosting. Oh, that frosting.

The cream cheese icing with strawberry puree is downright dreamy, tangy, and not too sweet. It turns a great cake into a showstopper. Plus, using real strawberries gives you a burst of natural flavor and a color that’s way more appealing than any artificial dye. And if your garden (or freezer) is full of strawberries, this is a fantastic way to put them to delicious use. Want to explore more easy fruity desserts? You’ll probably also adore this No Bake Lemon Blueberry Pie for its breezy prep and bright flavor.

Ingredients Needed to Make Best Ever Strawberry Cake

1 box white cake mix
3 tablespoons plain flour
1 (3 oz) box strawberry gelatin (Jell-O)
½ cup water
¾ cup canola oil
2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, pureed (divided—1 cup for cake, 1 cup for frosting)
4 large eggs

For the Cream Cheese Strawberry Icing:
1 stick (½ cup) butter, softened
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup pureed strawberries (from above)
3 cups powdered sugar

Instructions to Make Best Ever Strawberry Cake – Step by Step

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pan

Start by setting your oven to 350°F. This gives your cake the perfect warm environment to bake evenly. Next, grab your 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it well—like, “don’t skip a spot” well. You can also lightly flour it to help the cake release cleanly once it’s done. Nothing’s worse than baking a perfect cake only to have it stick to the pan, right?

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine your white cake mix, plain flour, and strawberry Jell-O. Give it a good whisk to evenly distribute everything. Adding a little flour helps give the cake a slightly denser, more homemade texture, and the gelatin infuses it with that signature strawberry color and flavor.

Step 3: Add the Liquids

Now, slowly pour in the water and oil. I like using canola oil here—it keeps the cake tender and neutral in flavor. Mix it gently to get everything moistened. Then, crack in the eggs one at a time. Mixing after each egg gives your batter a smoother consistency, and it helps the cake rise better in the oven. You’ll start to notice a pale pink, creamy batter forming, which already smells amazing.

Step 4: Fold in the Pureed Strawberries

Measure out one cup of your fresh or thawed pureed strawberries and fold it gently into the batter. This step brings that juicy, real fruit taste into every bite. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix. Overworking the batter can make the cake dense, and we’re going for soft and fluffy.

Step 5: Beat the Batter for Volume

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the batter on medium speed for about two minutes. This gives it some air, which helps the cake bake up light while staying moist. You’re looking for a creamy, almost mousse-like consistency that pours easily but isn’t runny.

Step 6: Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. You want an even surface so the cake bakes uniformly. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. At about the 40-minute mark, check it with a toothpick—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s done. If not, give it a few more minutes.

Step 7: Let It Cool

Once baked, let your cake cool in the pan on a wire rack. This helps set the texture and makes it easier to frost later on. Don’t rush this step—warm cake + icing = melty mess (unless you’re into that, no judgment).

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Icing

While your cake cools, it’s time for the frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until they’re silky smooth. This is your base—don’t skimp on this step because you want that ultra-creamy texture. Next, add the remaining cup of pureed strawberries and continue mixing until it’s fully blended. Finally, add the powdered sugar gradually, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. The result? A creamy, strawberry-pink frosting that tastes like summer and spreads like a dream.

Step 9: Frost and Garnish

Once the cake is completely cool, spread your frosting generously across the top. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to swirl it around for that homemade look. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with extra strawberries or a light drizzle of puree. Serve immediately or chill for an hour for a firmer icing.

Want another easy-to-make, fruit-packed dessert? You’ll love this Strawberry Crunch Topping for adding texture and flavor to cakes, parfaits, or even ice cream sundaes.

What to Serve with Best Ever Strawberry Cake

This cake shines solo, but if you’re putting together a dessert table or just want to round it out, there are plenty of sweet partners to serve alongside. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream never hurts—it adds that creamy contrast that takes each bite to the next level. Want something fruity on the side? Try pairing it with this Lemon Blueberry Delight for a bright, citrusy balance. If you’re hosting brunch or a spring gathering, a side of White Bean and Veggie Salad makes an unexpected but fresh and healthy companion to this rich dessert. Bonus points if you serve it with a chilled glass of lemonade or sparkling rosé.

Key Tips for Making Best Ever Strawberry Cake

First, don’t skip the flour and Jell-O in the cake mix—they give this cake its signature texture and color. Make sure your strawberries are pureed smooth—lumps can affect the consistency of both the batter and frosting. If using frozen strawberries, thaw and drain them before blending so the mixture isn’t watery. Room temperature ingredients are key for a smoother batter and frosting, especially the eggs and cream cheese. Want a firmer icing that holds its shape? Chill it for 15 minutes before spreading. And lastly, don’t overbake! Keep a close eye around the 40-minute mark. Every oven is a little quirky, and we’re going for moist, not dry.

Storage and Reheating Tips Best Ever Strawberry Cake

This cake holds up beautifully in the fridge. Store it covered in the pan or transfer slices to an airtight container for up to 4 days. The cream cheese frosting means it’s best kept chilled. If you’re making it ahead, you can even bake the cake the day before and frost it the day of your event. Want to freeze it? Freeze the cake and icing separately if possible. Wrap the unfrosted cake tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. For leftovers, you can microwave a slice for 10–15 seconds to soften the crumb, but keep the frosting chilled unless you like it gooey (which, honestly, isn’t a bad thing).

FAQs

Can I make this cake with a different flavor Jell-O?
Sure! Raspberry or even cherry work if you want to mix things up, though it won’t be quite the same classic strawberry vibe.

Can I use a different frosting?
Absolutely. If cream cheese isn’t your thing, try a whipped topping or buttercream instead. But this frosting? It’s kind of the star.

Can I bake this in round pans?
Yes! Divide the batter into two 9-inch round pans and bake for 30–35 minutes. Perfect for layering or birthday cakes.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Swap the white cake mix and flour for gluten-free versions. Just be sure to check the Jell-O and other ingredients too.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason this is called the Best Ever Strawberry Cake—it’s moist, flavorful, ridiculously easy, and makes you look like a baking queen even if you’re just winging it between soccer practice and laundry day. Whether you’re hosting friends, celebrating a birthday, or just having a cake-craving kind of week, this recipe delivers. Its step-by-step method makes it approachable even for beginners, and the combination of real strawberries and creamy frosting? Next-level good. If you’re ready to make something sweet that folks will rave about, don’t wait—this cake’s calling. And hey, while you’re in a baking mood, check out Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake for another fan-favorite that’s berry delicious.

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