Strawberry Cake

Quick and easy Strawberry Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a tea party, or simply indulging your sweet tooth. This delightful cake starts with a boxed mix, allowing you to create a deliciously moist cake full of strawberry flavor with minimal effort. Its beautiful appearance and fresh taste make it an irresistible treat that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: Using a boxed cake mix means this recipe is quick to whip up, making it ideal for busy bakers.
• Fresh Strawberry Flavor: The addition of real strawberries elevates the taste and adds a natural sweetness.
• Versatile Design: This Strawberry Cake can be dressed up for special occasions or served casually for family gatherings.
• Light and Fluffy Texture: The combination of egg whites and whipped frosting gives this cake a light texture that melts in your mouth.
• Customizable Frosting: You can easily modify the frosting by incorporating other flavors or fruits to match your preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the Strawberry Cake recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process and ensure success in creating this delectable dessert.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups
• Rubber spatula
• 9-inch round cake pans
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Ensures that your batter is mixed thoroughly and achieves the right consistency without much effort.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success; they help maintain the balance of ingredients in your Strawberry Cake.

Ingredients

To make this delicious Strawberry Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

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 cups 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: Prepare the Batter

In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix and strawberry Jell-O mix until well mixed. Add in the egg whites and canola oil. Beat these ingredients together until blended smoothly.

Step 3: Mash Strawberries

In a small bowl or food processor, mash the thawed strawberries. Reserve 3 tablespoons of mashed strawberries for later use in frosting. Mix the remaining strawberries with half a cup of water into the batter until combined. Pour the batter evenly into prepared pans.

Step 4: Bake the Cakes

Place the pans in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center of each cake. Allow them to cool for about 10 minutes before removing them from the pans onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

In a small bowl, combine softened butter with the reserved mashed strawberries. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until you achieve a light and fluffy frosting consistency.

Step 6: Assemble Your Cake

Once cooled, place one round cake on a serving platter. Spread half of your frosting over this layer before placing the second round cake on top. Finish by frosting the entire outside of your beautiful Strawberry Cake.

Now you’re ready to enjoy every delicious bite of this delightful Strawberry Cake!

How to Serve Strawberry Cake

Serving your Strawberry Cake can enhance the overall experience and delight your guests. Here are some creative ways to present this delectable dessert.

With Fresh Strawberries

• Serve slices of Strawberry Cake topped with fresh, sliced strawberries for an extra burst of flavor and color.

Pair with Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of whipped cream on each slice for a creamy contrast that complements the strawberry flavor perfectly.

Accompany with Ice Cream

• Pair your cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold, creamy texture pairs beautifully with the moist cake.

Drizzle with Strawberry Sauce

• Enhance the presentation by drizzling strawberry sauce over each slice for an added touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

Enjoy with Tea or Coffee

• Serve alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat that balances the sweetness of the cake.

How to Perfect Strawberry Cake

To ensure your Strawberry Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients – This helps create a smoother batter and results in a more even bake.
• Don’t overmix the batter – Mixing just until combined prevents the cake from becoming dense.
• Check for doneness early – Ovens vary, so check your cake a few minutes before the suggested baking time.
• Cool cakes completely – Allowing the cakes to cool fully before frosting helps prevent melting and sliding.
• Use high-quality strawberries – Fresh or frozen strawberries should be ripe for maximum flavor impact in both the cake and frosting.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cake

When serving your delicious Strawberry Cake, consider these side dishes that will complement its flavors and textures wonderfully.

1. Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cake.
2. Green Salad with Vinaigrette – A light salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich cake.
3. Cheese Platter – An assortment of cheeses pairs well, adding savory notes to your dessert table.
4. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries – These luxurious treats echo the cake’s flavor while offering a rich chocolate twist.
5. Lemon Sorbet – A tangy sorbet serves as a palate cleanser that contrasts nicely with the sweet flavors of the cake.
6. Pistachio Crumble – A crunchy crumble adds texture that enhances each bite of soft strawberry goodness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Strawberry Cake, there are a few common pitfalls you should be aware of.

• Using the wrong cake mix – Ensure you choose a white cake mix for the best flavor and texture. Other mixes may not complement the strawberries well.
• Overmixing the batter – Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Skipping the cooling step – Allowing your cakes to cool completely in the pans is crucial. If you frost while warm, the icing may melt and slide off.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately – Precision is key in baking. Use proper measuring cups for dry and liquid ingredients to get it right.
• Ignoring oven temperature – Make sure your oven is preheated correctly. An inaccurate temperature can affect baking time and cake consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Strawberry Cake in an airtight container.
• It can last up to 3-5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Strawberry Cake

• Wrap individual slices or whole cakes tightly in plastic wrap, then foil.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Strawberry Cake

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop – Use a non-stick pan over low heat; cover with a lid for even warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Cake.

How do I enhance the flavor of my Strawberry Cake?

Adding vanilla extract or almond extract can elevate its flavor profile without overpowering the strawberries.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh strawberries can be used. Just ensure they are ripe and sweet for the best results.

Is it possible to make this Strawberry Cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the white cake mix with a gluten-free blend that suits your preference.

How can I customize my Strawberry Cake?

You can add layers of whipped cream or other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for added flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This quick and easy Strawberry Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a simple dessert at home, this recipe fits any moment. Feel free to customize it with different fruits or toppings to suit your taste!