The Best Strawberry Cake Ever

The best strawberry cake ever is moist, tender, and packed with real strawberry flavor from the cake layers to the creamy pink frosting. This version is perfect for birthdays, spring parties, baby showers, and any time you want a pretty pastel dessert that actually tastes like strawberries.

Ingredients for The Best Strawberry Cake Ever

Strawberry cake layers

• • • 1 box white or vanilla cake mix (15.25 oz)

    • 1 cup pureed strawberries (fresh or thawed frozen, well drained)

    • 1/2 cup vegetable oil

    • 3 large eggs

    • 1/3 cup milk or buttermilk

    • 1 tsp vanilla extract

    • 1 small box (3 oz) strawberry gelatin (optional but boosts color and flavor)

Strawberry cream cheese frosting

• • • 8 oz cream cheese, softened

    • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

    • 4–5 cups powdered sugar, sifted

    • 1/4 cup very thick strawberry puree or strawberry jam

    • 1 tsp vanilla extract

    • Pinch of salt

Use reduced strawberry puree (cooked down until thick) or a good jam so the frosting stays creamy instead of runny.

Step 1: Make the Strawberry Puree

• • 1. Add about 2 cups hulled strawberries to a blender and blend until smooth.

    2. Measure out 1 1/4 cups puree.

    3. Use 1 cup for the cake batter.

    4. Pour the remaining 1/4 cup into a small saucepan and simmer over medium‑low heat, stirring occasionally, until thick and reduced by about half.

    5. Cool completely before using in the frosting.

Step 2: Mix the Strawberry Cake Batter

• • 1. Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8‑inch or 9‑inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.

    2. In a large bowl, whisk cake mix and strawberry gelatin (if using) until combined.

    3. Add strawberry puree, oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla.

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