Best Ever Strawberry Cake

This Best Ever Strawberry Cake is a delightful treat bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. With a moist, fluffy texture and a rich cream cheese icing, it’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 box white cake mix
• 3 tablespoons plain flour
• 1 (3 oz) box strawberry jello
• 1/2 cup water
• 3/4 cup oil (canola oil preferred)
• 2 cups fresh or frozen pureed strawberries (divided: one cup for cake & one cup for icing)
• 4 eggs

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

• 1 stick butter, softened
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup frozen or fresh pureed strawberries
• 3 cups powdered sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan, ensuring it’s well-prepared for the batter.

2. Prepare the Cake Batter:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, plain flour, strawberry jello, and water. Stir until just combined.

3. Add Oil and Eggs:

Add the canola oil and then beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure to mix well between each addition.

4. Incorporate the Strawberries:

Fold in one cup of the pureed strawberries. Beat the mixture for about 2 minutes until smooth and fully incorporated.

5. Bake the Cake:

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before icing.

6. Make the Cream Cheese Icing:

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, cream cheese, the remaining cup of pureed strawberries, and powdered sugar. Beat with a mixer until the icing is creamy and smooth.

7. Ice the Cake:

Once the cake has cooled, evenly spread the cream cheese icing over the top. For a decorative touch, garnish with a fresh strawberry or drizzle with additional pureed strawberries.

8. Serve:

Slice, serve, and enjoy this moist, flavorful strawberry cake!

Serving:

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 12

Variations:

• Lemon-Strawberry Twist: Add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the cake batter for a refreshing twist.
• Chocolate Strawberry: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cream cheese icing for an extra indulgent treat.
• Layered Cake: Divide the batter into two round cake pans for a layered cake, adding icing between the layers.

Storage:

• Refrigeration: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: The unfrosted cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before icing and serving.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use a different type of oil?
A: Yes, vegetable oil or melted butter can be used instead of canola oil.

Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A: Substitute the cake mix and flour with gluten-free alternatives to make this cake gluten-free.

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries for the puree?
A: Yes, both fresh and frozen strawberries work well for this recipe.

Conclusion:

This Best Ever Strawberry Cake is a luscious dessert that’s easy to make and sure to impress. Whether for a special occasion or just a sweet treat, this cake’s combination of fresh strawberries and creamy icing is simply irresistible!

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