Strawberry Cake

Strawberry Cake is a delightful dessert that brings a taste of summer to any occasion. This easy-to-make cake combines the convenience of a boxed mix with fresh flavors, creating a treat that’s perfect for birthdays, picnics, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. The vibrant strawberry flavor shines through, making it a standout dish that will impress family and friends alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This Strawberry Cake can be made in under an hour, perfect for busy days.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of cake mix and real strawberries ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.
• Versatile Occasion: Ideal for celebrations, casual gatherings, or as a simple weekend treat.
• Customizable Option: Feel free to add more fruit or change the frosting to suit your taste.
• Perfect for All Ages: Kids and adults alike will love this sweet dessert.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready makes the cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Makes beating batter effortless and ensures a smooth consistency.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without mess.
• Cooling rack: Allows cakes to cool evenly, preventing sogginess at the bottom.

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 cup 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 and set them aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix and sugar-free strawberry Jell-O mix until thoroughly mixed. Add in the egg whites and canola oil. Beat until well blended.

Step 3: Incorporate Strawberries

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

Step 4: Bake

Place both pans in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Check if they are done by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean. Once baked, let them cool for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

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

Step 6: Assemble Your Cake

Once cooled, place one cake layer on your serving platter. Top it with half of your frosting mixture. Add the second layer on top and finish by frosting the outside of your Strawberry Cake with any remaining icing.

Enjoy this delicious Strawberry Cake that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering!

How to Serve Strawberry Cake

Strawberry Cake is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether it’s a special occasion or a simple family dinner, serving this cake can be both fun and elegant.

Classic Slice

• A traditional slice of Strawberry Cake is perfect on its own, allowing the rich strawberry flavor to shine through.

With Fresh Berries

• Top your cake slice with some fresh strawberries for added texture and a burst of flavor. This also enhances the visual appeal.

A La Mode

• Serve a slice of Strawberry Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy ice cream complements the sweetness of the cake beautifully.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• For chocolate lovers, a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce over the cake adds an indulgent touch that elevates the dessert.

Coffee Pairing

• Pair a slice of Strawberry Cake with a cup of freshly brewed coffee. The bitterness of coffee balances out the sweetness of the cake perfectly.

How to Perfect Strawberry Cake

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

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your egg whites and butter to reach room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter.

• Don’t Overmix: When combining ingredients, mix just until they are incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake texture.

• Check Oven Temperature: Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking.

• Cool Completely: Let your cakes cool completely before frosting them. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures it stays fluffy.

• Store Properly: Keep any leftover Strawberry Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain its freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cake

Strawberry Cake pairs wonderfully with several side dishes that complement its sweet flavor. Consider these options:

1. Whipped Cream
   Light and airy whipped cream adds a creamy contrast to the dense cake.

2. Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits offers freshness and balance alongside the sweet cake.

3. Cheese Platter
   A variety of cheeses provides savory notes that enhance the overall dessert experience.

4. Pistachio Ice Cream
   The nutty flavor of pistachio ice cream contrasts nicely with strawberries, adding unique taste profiles.

5. Lemon Sorbet
   The tartness of lemon sorbet cleanses the palate, making each bite more enjoyable.

6. Chocolate-Covered Almonds
   These provide a crunchy texture and rich flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Strawberry Cake can be simple, but a few common mistakes can hinder your success. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the greasing step: Failing to grease and flour your cake pans may lead to difficulty in removing the cakes. Always prepare your pans properly to ensure easy release.

• Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Using cold eggs or butter can result in an uneven batter. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best mixing results.

• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too long can create a dense cake. Blend until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.

• Not checking oven temperature: An inaccurate oven temperature can cause cakes to bake improperly. Use an oven thermometer to ensure precise baking conditions.

• Cutting before cooling: Slicing into the cake while it’s still warm can lead to crumbling. Always let your cake cool completely on a wire rack before cutting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Strawberry Cake in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Ensure it’s fully cooled before refrigerating to prevent moisture build-up.

Freezing Strawberry Cake

• Wrap slices of Strawberry Cake tightly in plastic wrap.
• Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Strawberry Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, wrap the cake in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Cake:

How can I make my Strawberry Cake more flavorful?

Adding fresh strawberries or strawberry puree enhances the flavor. Incorporate these into both the batter and frosting for extra strawberry goodness.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh strawberries work well! Just ensure they are ripe and sweet for optimal taste in your Strawberry Cake.

What is the best way to frost my Strawberry Cake?

For even frosting, use an offset spatula and apply thin layers first before adding thicker layers of icing. This creates a smooth finish.

Is there a way to make this cake gluten-free?

Substituting regular cake mix with gluten-free cake mix will yield great results without compromising taste or texture.

How do I store leftover Strawberry Cake?

Leftover cake should be stored in an airtight container either in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months.

Final Thoughts

This quick and easy Strawberry Cake offers delightful flavors that everyone will enjoy. Its versatility makes it perfect for any occasion, whether you want it plain or dressed up with additional toppings like whipped cream or fresh fruit. Experiment with variations by adding different fruits or flavorings!