There’s something magical about a homemade strawberry cake—soft, moist, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. Whether it’s for a birthday, a summer picnic, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this cake is a perfect balance of fruity freshness and rich, creamy frosting.

Unlike many strawberry cakes that rely on artificial flavors, this recipe uses real strawberry puree in both the cake and frosting, giving it an authentic taste. The addition of strawberry gelatin enhances the color and flavor, while the luscious cream cheese frosting adds the perfect amount of tangy sweetness.

If you’ve been searching for the ultimate strawberry cake, this one is easy to make, incredibly delicious, and guaranteed to impress.

Why This Strawberry Cake Stands Out

This cake is not your average strawberry cake. Here’s what makes it special:

  • Intense Strawberry Flavor – With real strawberry puree and strawberry gelatin, every bite is packed with natural sweetness.
  • Moist and Tender Texture – Thanks to oil and eggs, the cake stays soft and fluffy.
  • Perfectly Balanced Frosting – The cream cheese frosting brings a light tanginess that complements the sweetness of the cake.
  • Easy to Make – Using a cake mix as the base makes this recipe quick and foolproof, while the fresh ingredients elevate the flavor.
  • Vibrant Color and Presentation – The cake’s beautiful pink hue makes it a stunning dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients: A Burst of Strawberry Flavor

  • For the Cake:
    • White cake mix
    • Strawberry-flavored instant gelatin
    • Frozen strawberries in syrup, pureed
    • Eggs
    • Vegetable oil
    • Water
  • For the Frosting:
    • Confectioners’ sugar
    • Cream cheese, softened
    • Butter, softened
    • Frozen strawberries in syrup, pureed
    • Strawberry extract

Directions: Baking a Cake That Tastes Like Summer

  1. Prepare the Oven: Preheat to 350°F and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. Make the Batter: Mix cake mix, gelatin, strawberries, eggs, oil, and water until smooth.
  3. Bake to Perfection: Pour into pans and bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  4. Create the Frosting: Beat butter and cream cheese, then mix in strawberry puree, extract, and confectioners’ sugar until smooth.
  5. Frost and Assemble: Spread frosting between layers and over the cake. Garnish with fresh strawberries if desired.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Slice and indulge in this moist, fruity masterpiece.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Approximate):

  • Calories: ~400
  • Carbohydrates: ~55g
  • Protein: ~4g
  • Fat: ~18g
  • Sugar: ~45g

The Secret to a Perfect Strawberry Cake

Achieving the best homemade strawberry cake comes down to a few key techniques:

  1. Use Real Strawberries – Fresh or frozen strawberries pureed into the batter and frosting create a natural, fruity flavor.
  2. Enhance the Flavor with Strawberry Gelatin – This adds depth to the strawberry taste while giving the cake a lovely pink color.
  3. Keep It Moist – Using vegetable oil instead of butter ensures a super soft and moist texture.
  4. Balance the Sweetness – The cream cheese frosting provides a slight tang that prevents the cake from being overly sweet.
  5. Chill Before Serving – Allowing the cake to sit in the refrigerator for a bit intensifies the strawberry flavor and helps the frosting set.

Best Ways to Serve This Strawberry Cake

This cake is versatile and pairs well with a variety of flavors and toppings. Here are some of the best ways to serve it:

  • With Fresh Strawberries – Garnish the cake with sliced or whole strawberries for a fresh, juicy bite.
  • Paired with Ice Cream – Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for extra indulgence.
  • Drizzled with Chocolate – A light chocolate drizzle pairs beautifully with the strawberry flavors.
  • Layered with Whipped Cream – For a lighter twist, substitute part of the frosting with whipped cream.
  • With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar – A simple sprinkle adds an elegant touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What makes this strawberry cake so moist?

This cake stays incredibly moist due to vegetable oil, eggs, and the moisture from the strawberry puree. Unlike butter, which can create a denser texture, oil keeps the cake light and soft for days.

2. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?

Yes! While the recipe calls for frozen strawberries in syrup, you can use fresh strawberries instead. Simply puree them with a little sugar to create a similar consistency.

3. Can I use homemade cake mix instead of a boxed mix?

Absolutely! If you prefer to make the cake from scratch, substitute the boxed mix with a homemade mix using flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. However, the boxed mix provides convenience and consistent results.

4. How do I prevent my cake from becoming too dense?

To ensure a light and fluffy texture:

  • Avoid overmixing the batter, as this can lead to a dense cake.
  • Use room temperature eggs for better incorporation.
  • Measure flour correctly (spoon and level it instead of scooping directly).

5. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! This cake actually tastes even better the next day because the flavors have time to meld. You can:

  • Store the baked cake layers in the fridge for up to 2 days before frosting.
  • Fully assemble and refrigerate the cake for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight before frosting.

6. Can I make cupcakes with this recipe?

Yes! Simply divide the batter into cupcake liners and bake at 350°F for about 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. What’s the best way to store leftovers?

  • Refrigerator: Store the cake in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.

8. Can I substitute the cream cheese frosting with another type?

Yes! If you’re looking for alternatives, try:

  • Buttercream frosting – For a classic, sweeter finish.
  • Whipped cream frosting – Lighter and less sweet.
  • Strawberry glaze – For a fresh, fruity twist.

Fun Variations to Try

Want to put your own spin on this cake? Here are some creative variations:

  • Lemon-Strawberry Cake – Add lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice to the batter for a citrusy contrast.
  • Chocolate-Strawberry Cake – Add a layer of chocolate ganache between cake layers.
  • Almond Strawberry Cake – Substitute the vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty twist.
  • Berry Medley Cake – Mix in blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry flavor.

Final Thoughts: A Cake That’s Worth Every Bite

This Best Strawberry Cake Ever is a celebration of fresh, fruity flavors with a rich and creamy twist. The moist, tender crumb combined with the luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting makes it an irresistible dessert for any occasion.

Whether you’re making it for a birthday, a family gathering, or just because you love strawberries, this cake will never disappoint. It’s easy to make, beautiful to serve, and absolutely delicious.

So go ahead—bake a slice of summer, share it with loved ones, and enjoy every bite of this sweet, nostalgic treat!