This Double Strawberry Cake is for the strawberry lovers, bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. By supplementing a classic cake mix with strawberry Jello and real strawberry puree, this recipe yields a moist, brilliant cake with a deep berry flavor in each bite. The cream cheese frosting loaded with creamy strawberry flavor is the perfect match with the cake, which makes it a fab spring concert, Birthday, or any reason to have something special dessert. And, because we garnish it with fresh strawberries, this cake is every bit as beautiful as it is delicious. Take a bite of this strawberry fairy tale, and get ready to fall in love!
What I love about this Double Strawberry Cake:
Double Strawberry Flavor: This cake doesn’t merely suggest strawberries; it’s packed with them. Both the cake and the frosting are made with strawberry puree for a flavor that’s bright and new.
Moist and Tender: Due to the inclusion of strawberry Jello and vegetable oil, this cake is both moist and has a soft crumb.
Easy but Beautiful: Starting with a boxed cake mix is a shortcut that you even don’t want to take, because it doesn’t feel a shortcut — it simply works, feels fun and fun and it produces bakery-worthy results.
Great for Any Celebration: This cake, with its bright color and fruity flavor, is great for any special celebration, summer party, or just a Valentine’s Day treat.
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Key Ingredients:
For the Cake:
White Cake Mix: A white cake mix is a great shortcut for this recipe, delivering a fluffy, neutral base that allows the strawberry flavor to shine. Don’t forget all those extra grams of flour for some added structure.
Strawberry Jello powder: The Jello powder both intensifies the strawberry flavor and contributes the most lovely pink hue to the cake. For best results, go with the traditional strawberry flavor, although you can experiment with other berry flavors if you’re feeling a little adventurous.
Strawberry Puree: Fresh or frozen strawberries are fine for this cake. If you use frozen ones, thaw and drain any excess liquid before pureeing. Pureeing the berries until smooth distributes the strawberry flavor throughout not only the cake but also the frosting.
Vegetable Oil: Oil adds moisture and keeps the cake tender. You could swap in melted coconut oil for a bit of extra flavor, but allow it to cool so it doesn’t curdle the eggs.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
Cream Cheese and Butter: These two make the base for any rich and creamy frosting. For optimal texture, allow both to sit at room temperature until softened enough to blend smoothly.
Strawberry Puree: Strawberry puree is another great way to add real berry flavor to the frosting without any sort of artificial ingredients, but if you use enough, it can also add a touch of light pink color. For a more saturated pink, add a tiny drop of red food coloring.
Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the frosting and gives it structure. Add gradually until you get the consistency you want. You may need a little more or a little less, depending on how thick you want the frosting.
Full ingredient measurements and instructions are available in the recipe card below
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
To get started, make sure to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so that your cake bakes evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
Prep The Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray and dust with flour.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl combine white cake mix, all-purpose flour, and the strawberry Jello powder. Sift these ingredients together, to eliminate any lumps.
Combine the Wet Ingredients: Combine the water, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and strawberry puree with the dry ingredients. Until smooth, using either a stand mixer, or a hand mixer, on medium speed.
Pour into Baking Dish: Transfer batter into prepared baking dish, spread it out evenly with a spatula.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Bake: Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. To test if it’s done, poke a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, it’s done.
Cool: Let the cake cool all the way in the pan before frosting.
Step 4: Prepare the Frosting
Mix Cream Cheese & Butter: In a large mixing bowl, blend the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
Incorporate Strawberry Puree: Slowly mix in the strawberry puree until the cream cheese mixture is just combined.
Gradually Add the Powdered Sugar: Add the powdered sugar slowly, starting on low speed so it does not get everywhere, and mixing until the frosting is the consistency you want. If the frosting is too thick, stir in a bit of milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s smooth and spreadable.
Chill: Keep the frosting in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. Chilling allows the frosting to firm, helping to make it spreadable on the cake.
Step 5: Frost the Cake
Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, take a spatula or frosting knife and gently spread the strawberry cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Cut and Serve: Slice and serve with coffee or tea.
Garnish (optional): Top with fresh slices of strawberry, a dusting of strawberry Jello powder, or shaved white chocolate if using.
Serving Suggestions:
This Double Strawberry Cake works beautifully with light and fresh accompaniments. Here are suggestions to give your strawberry cake game a bit of a boost:
Berry Compote: To enhance the berry flavor even further, serve a side of mixed berry compote (strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries).
Whipped Cream: Adding a dollop of fresh whipped cream on each slice brings a creamy, airy component.
Sparkling Beverage: Pair with a sparkling lemonade or a strawberry-infused mocktail for a refreshing accompaniment that echoes the flavor of the cake.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips:
This cake keeps well in both the fridge and freezer, so it’s a great make-ahead bake.
Refrigerator: Keep the cake refrigerated in an airtight container for 3-4 days. The cream cheese frosting does better when refrigerated.
Freezer: For freezing, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will stay well for two months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator, then serve.
Frosting Ahead: You can prepare the frosting a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. Just give it a stir before you spread it on the cake.
Delicious Variations:
This recipe is beautifully adaptable! Here are a couple of features to customize it to you:
Triple Berry Cake: Replace half the strawberry puree with equal amounts of raspberry and blueberry purees for a “triple berry” flavor. This adds a delightful complexity to the berry profile.
Chocolate-Strawberry Delight: Incorporate 1/4 cup of cocoa powder into the cake batter and top it with mini chocolate chips for a sweet and savory chocolate/strawberry combo.
Lemon Strawberry Cake: Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice to the frosting and 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the batter for a zesty note that perks up the strawberry flavor.
Layer cake version: Skip the 9×13 dish and use two 8-inch round cake pans instead, and cut bake time down to 25 to 30 minutes. For a fancier presentation, stack the layers with frosting between them.
Conclusion:
This Double Strawberry Cake is a feast for the eyes and all parts of your tongue! Each bite of the moist, strawberry cake and the fluffy icing is pure joy. Whether you want a super simple recipe to make with your kids, an impressive dessert to bring to a party, or just something to fulfill your sweet craving, this cake ticks all the boxes. Once you make it, I promise you it will become a family favorite!
So, get baking and savor every single bite of your berry-licious creation! 🍓
Double Strawberry Cake
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix 14.25 ounces
- 3 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 box strawberry Jello 3 ounces
- 1/2 cup water
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 4 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup strawberry puree from fresh or frozen berries
- 1 package cream cheese 8 ounces, room temperature
- 1/2 cup butter 1 stick, room temperature
- 1 cup strawberry puree for frosting
- 4-5 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure the cake bakes evenly.
- Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large bowl, mix the white cake mix, flour, and strawberry Jello powder. Add water, oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and strawberry puree. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the baking dish. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add strawberry puree, then slowly add powdered sugar until desired consistency. Chill until ready to use.
- Spread the chilled strawberry cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
- Slice the cake and serve with optional garnishes, such as fresh strawberries, a sprinkle of Jello powder, or white chocolate shavings.