Bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, this Double Strawberry Cake is the ultimate treat for strawberry lovers. This recipe takes a classic cake mix to the next level by adding strawberry Jello and real strawberry puree, creating a moist, vibrant cake with a rich berry flavor in every bite. The creamy strawberry-infused cream cheese frosting perfectly complements the cake, making it a delightful dessert for birthdays, gatherings, or any occasion that calls for something extra special. Plus, with the option to garnish with fresh strawberries, this cake is as beautiful as it is delicious. Enjoy a slice of this strawberry dream, and prepare to be enchanted!
Why You’ll Love This Double Strawberry Cake:
Double Strawberry Flavor: This cake doesn’t just hint at strawberries; it’s loaded with them. Both the cake and the frosting feature strawberry puree for a flavor that’s fresh and vibrant.
Moist and Tender: Thanks to the addition of strawberry Jello and vegetable oil, this cake stays perfectly moist with a soft crumb.
Easy Yet Impressive: Using a boxed cake mix as a base simplifies the prep without sacrificing quality, making this an easy recipe that yields bakery-worthy results.
Perfect for Any Occasion: The bright color and fruity flavor make this cake perfect for special celebrations, summer parties, or as a Valentine’s Day treat.
Key Ingredients:
For the Cake:
White Cake Mix: Using a white cake mix is a fantastic shortcut for this recipe, providing a fluffy, neutral base that lets the strawberry flavor shine. Make sure to add the extra flour for a little more structure.
Strawberry Jello: The Jello powder not only enhances the strawberry flavor but also gives the cake a beautiful pink hue. For best results, stick with the classic strawberry flavor, but you can try other berry flavors if you’re feeling adventurous.
Strawberry Puree: Fresh or frozen strawberries work perfectly for this cake. If using frozen, let them thaw and drain any excess liquid before pureeing. Pureeing the berries until smooth ensures that the strawberry flavor is evenly distributed in both the cake and frosting.
Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and helps keep the cake soft. You can substitute with melted coconut oil for a hint of extra flavor, but make sure it’s cooled to avoid curdling the eggs.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
Cream Cheese and Butter: These two ingredients are the base for any rich, creamy frosting. For the best texture, let both sit out at room temperature until they’re soft enough to blend smoothly.
Strawberry Puree: Adding strawberry puree to the frosting infuses it with natural berry flavor without artificial ingredients, though it may add a light pink color. If you want a more vibrant pink, consider a tiny drop of red food coloring.
Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the frosting and provides structure. Add it gradually until you reach the desired consistency. You might need slightly more or less depending on how thick you want the frosting.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure the cake bakes evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
Grease and Flour the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray, then dust with flour to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, all-purpose flour, and strawberry Jello powder. Sift these ingredients together to remove any lumps.
Add Wet Ingredients: Add the water, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and strawberry puree to the dry mixture. Mix until smooth using a stand mixer or hand mixer on medium speed.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is done.
Cool: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
Step 4: Prepare the Frosting
Mix Cream Cheese & Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
Add Strawberry Puree: Gradually add the strawberry puree to the cream cheese mixture, mixing until fully incorporated.
Add Powdered Sugar: Slowly add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. If the frosting is too thick, add a little milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it is smooth and spreadable.
Chill: Refrigerate the frosting until you are ready to use it. Chilling helps the frosting firm up, making it easier to spread on the cake.
Step 5: Frost the Cake
Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the strawberry cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula or frosting knife.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Cut and Serve: Slice the cake and serve with coffee or tea.
Optional Garnishes: Decorate with fresh strawberry slices, a sprinkle of strawberry Jello powder, or shaved white chocolate if desired.
Serving Suggestions:
This Double Strawberry Cake pairs beautifully with light and fresh accompaniments. Here are a few suggestions to enhance your strawberry cake experience:
Berry Compote: Serve a side of mixed berry compote (strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries) to bring out the berry flavor even more.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream on each slice adds a creamy, airy texture.
Sparkling Beverage: Serve with a sparkling lemonade or strawberry-infused mocktail for a refreshing pairing that echoes the cake’s flavor.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips:
This cake can be stored well in both the fridge and freezer, making it an excellent make-ahead option.
Refrigerator: Store the cake covered in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The cream cheese frosting keeps best when chilled.
Freezer: To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Frosting Ahead: You can make the frosting a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before spreading it on the cake.
Delicious Variations:
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable! Here are a few twists to make it your own:
Triple Berry Cake: Substitute half the strawberry puree with a mix of raspberry and blueberry purees for a “triple berry” flavor. This twist adds a delightful complexity to the berry profile.
Chocolate-Strawberry Delight: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the cake batter and sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top for a chocolatey twist that complements the strawberry flavor.
Lemon Strawberry Cake: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter and a tablespoon of lemon juice to the frosting for a tangy note that brightens the strawberry flavor.
Layer Cake Version: Use two 8-inch round cake pans instead of the 9×13 dish and reduce the bake time to 25-30 minutes. Stack the layers with frosting in between for a more elegant presentation.
