If you have a soft spot for all things strawberry and want a dessert that bursts with vibrant flavor and delightful texture, this Double Strawberry Cake Recipe is a must-try. Imagine a light, moist cake infused with strawberry gelatin and purée, perfectly complemented by a luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting. Every bite offers a beautiful balance of sweetness and fresh fruitiness that feels like a celebration. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to brighten up your day, this recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite in your collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to mastering this Double Strawberry Cake Recipe. Each one plays a vital role, from the cake’s tender crumb to the creamy, fruity frosting. You’ll find these staples easy to work with and essential for creating that signature strawberry flavor and inviting texture.
- 1 box white cake mix: A simple base that keeps the cake light and airy.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Adds structure to balance out the moistness.
- 1 box (3 oz) strawberry-flavored gelatin: Boosts strawberry flavor and gives the cake a beautiful pink hue.
- 1 cup water: Essential for hydrating the gelatin and cake mix ingredients.
- ½ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake rich and moist without heaviness.
- 4 large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
- ¾ cup strawberry purée (fresh or frozen): The star ingredient, bringing fresh fruit flavor into the batter.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: For a tangy, creamy frosting base.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds smoothness and richness to the frosting.
- ½ cup strawberry purée: Incorporated into the frosting for that perfect strawberry punch.
- 4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the frosting to fluffy perfection.
- Fresh strawberries, sliced: A fresh garnish that makes the cake look as amazing as it tastes.
How to Make Double Strawberry Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Choose your baking dish depending on your plan – either a 9×13-inch pan for a single-layer cake or two 9-inch cake pans if you want layers. Make sure to grease the pans well so your cake doesn’t stick and comes out beautifully every time.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, all-purpose flour, and the strawberry-flavored gelatin. This trio forms the foundation for a cake that’s not only fluffy but also packed with strawberry flavor and that lovely pink tint.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, pour in the water, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and strawberry purée. The purée is the real magic here, enhancing the strawberry taste and adding moisture. Beat everything on medium speed until your batter is smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour your smooth batter into the prepared pan(s) and spread it evenly. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes if using a single pan or 25 to 30 minutes for layer cakes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Then, be patient and let it cool completely before moving to frosting.
Step 5: Make the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake cools, whip up the frosting. Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth. Add in the strawberry purée, then gradually mix in powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Keep beating until the frosting is light and fluffy, rich with the delightful strawberry flavor that complements the cake perfectly.
Step 6: Frost and Garnish
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake, making sure to cover every inch. Finally, decorate the cake with fresh strawberry slices for a stunning, fresh finish that adds texture and that irresistible fruity aroma.
How to Serve Double Strawberry Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh strawberries are the easiest and most effective garnish here – they add visual appeal and a juicy burst with every bite. For an extra touch, consider a sprinkle of finely chopped mint or a dusting of powdered sugar for a delicate finish that whispers elegance.
Side Dishes
This strawberry cake pairs wonderfully with light accompaniments. Think freshly whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or even a small bowl of mixed berries. Each adds a complementary contrast that turns your dessert into a true celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not dress up your Double Strawberry Cake Recipe by layering it with fresh strawberries and cream inside? Or serve individual portions in pretty glass cups with crumbled cake and frosting layers like a strawberry parfait. The vibrant colors alone make it a showstopper on any dessert table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh and delicious for up to four days – easy to grab for a sweet snack or dessert after dinner.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake for longer storage. Wrap it securely in plastic and aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the cake overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
This cake is delightful served chilled or at room temperature. If you want to warm a slice slightly, do so gently in the microwave for just 10-15 seconds to avoid melting the frosting and losing that creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for the purée?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work just as well and can be easily thawed and blended for that fresh purée flavor. They offer great convenience without sacrificing taste.
Is there a substitute for strawberry gelatin?
If you prefer not to use gelatin, you could try using a strawberry-flavored Jell-O mix or even leave it out altogether, but keep in mind the cake’s pink color and intense strawberry flavor might be less pronounced.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version, start with a gluten-free white cake mix and gluten-free flour blends. Just be sure to check that all other ingredients, especially the gelatin and powdered sugar, don’t contain gluten additives.
How long does it take to make this cake?
From start to finish, including cooling and frosting, expect about 55 minutes of hands-on time plus cooling time. It’s a fantastic recipe for a rewarding baking afternoon that fits well into any schedule.
Can I turn this into cupcakes?
Definitely! Simply adjust baking time to 18-22 minutes depending on your muffin tin size, and frost once cooled. Cupcakes make this recipe even more fun for parties or grab-and-go treats.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Double Strawberry Cake Recipe that turns an ordinary day into a celebration. From its dreamy pink layers to the rich, fruity frosting and fresh strawberry garnish, it’s a joy to bake and an even greater one to share. Don’t hesitate to dive in and make this delightful cake your next kitchen adventure — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Double Strawberry Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Double Strawberry Cake is a delightful and moist dessert featuring a white cake base enhanced with strawberry gelatin and purée, paired with a creamy strawberry-infused cream cheese frosting. Perfect for summer gatherings or any occasion craving a fresh, fruity treat with a beautiful presentation.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box white cake mix
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 box (3 oz) strawberry-flavored gelatin
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup strawberry purée (from fresh or frozen strawberries)
Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup strawberry purée
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Garnish
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the cake.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or alternatively, two 9-inch cake pans if making a layered cake to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the white cake mix, all-purpose flour, and strawberry-flavored gelatin until thoroughly combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the water, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and strawberry purée into the dry ingredients.
- Beat Batter: Using a mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until the batter is smooth and fully combined, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Pour and Spread Batter: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish or cake pans, spreading it evenly to promote uniform baking.
- Bake Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes if using a 9×13 pan, or 25-30 minutes if baking layer cakes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely before applying frosting to prevent melting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until creamy and smooth.
- Add Strawberry Purée: Mix the ½ cup strawberry purée into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time, beating well after each addition until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Frost Cake: Spread the strawberry cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake, covering all surfaces.
- Garnish: Decorate the top of the cake with fresh sliced strawberries for added taste and visual appeal.
- Serve: Slice the cake and serve chilled or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh strawberries with frozen ones for the purée; just thaw and drain excess liquid.
- For a layered cake, divide the batter evenly between two 9-inch pans, adjusting baking time as needed.
- Ensure the cake is completely cool before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
- To enhance the strawberry flavor, brush the cake layers with a strawberry syrup before frosting.
- Store the cake refrigerated to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh, especially in warmer climates.
