Best Ever Strawberry Cake

Ingredients

• 1 box of strawberry cake mix
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
• 4 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
• 1/4 cup fresh strawberry puree (for frosting)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional, for frosting)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Prepare the cake batter: In a large bowl, mix the strawberry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the ingredients together until the batter is smooth. Gently fold in the finely chopped strawberries, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
3. Bake the cake: Divide the cake batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 28-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Prepare the frosting: While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with a hand mixer or stand mixer until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and continue to beat until smooth and fluffy. Add the strawberry puree and vanilla extract, then beat until well combined. If the frosting is too thick, add heavy cream a tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
5. Assemble the cake: Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of strawberry frosting on top of the first layer. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
6. Chill and serve: For best results, refrigerate the cake for about 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set. Once chilled, slice and serve this delicious Best Ever Strawberry Cake. Enjoy the perfect balance of fluffy cake and sweet strawberry frosting!

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cake

This Best Ever Strawberry Cake is the perfect combination of light, moist cake and rich, strawberry-flavored frosting. It’s made with fresh strawberries, so you get that sweet, natural taste in every bite. The cake itself is incredibly tender, and the frosting is velvety smooth, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent. It’s a great way to celebrate the best of strawberry season, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth any time of the year!

Tips for Success

• Use fresh strawberries: For the best flavor, be sure to use fresh strawberries in both the cake and the frosting. This will give the cake a vibrant, natural strawberry taste.
• Let the cakes cool completely: Make sure the cakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting or sliding off.
• Make it your own: You can add a few extra ingredients to personalize this cake. Try adding a dash of lemon zest to the frosting for a refreshing citrus twist, or sprinkle some chopped strawberries on top of the frosting for added texture and color.

Creative Variations

• Strawberry Shortcake Version: Transform this cake into a strawberry shortcake by layering the cake with whipped cream and fresh sliced strawberries between the layers, instead of using frosting.
• Gluten-Free Option: To make this cake gluten-free, simply swap the regular cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix, and make sure to use gluten-free flour in the frosting.
• Frozen Strawberry Cake: Make this cake into a frozen dessert by assembling the layers, then freezing the cake until solid. This will give you a refreshing, ice cream-like treat during hot weather!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries?

It’s best to use fresh strawberries for both the cake and the frosting. However, if you need to use frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw and drain them well before using them to avoid extra moisture in the cake.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the cake layers in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also prepare the frosting ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just bring the frosting to room temperature before using it.

How should I store this cake?

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store it longer, refrigerate the cake to keep it fresh for up to a week.