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
Scale
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.
