Description
This Double Strawberry Cake is a delightful and moist dessert that combines the rich flavors of strawberry-flavored gelatin and fresh strawberry purée in both the cake and the frosting. Perfect for strawberry lovers, this cake features a tender white cake base enhanced with strawberry notes, topped with a creamy strawberry cream cheese frosting and garnished with fresh strawberries for an extra burst of freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 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 Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup strawberry purée
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- Fresh strawberries, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cake evenly.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or if making a layered cake, prepare two 9-inch cake pans by greasing them well to prevent sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the white cake mix, all-purpose flour, and the strawberry-flavored gelatin to ensure they are evenly combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: To the dry mix, add water, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and strawberry purée. These ingredients will add moisture and strawberry flavor to the cake.
- Mix Batter: Beat the combined ingredients on medium speed until the batter is smooth and fully incorporated, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Pour and Spread Batter: Pour the cake batter into your prepared baking dish or pans and spread it out evenly for uniform baking.
- Bake the Cake: Bake for 35-40 minutes if using one large baking dish, or 25-30 minutes if using two 9-inch pans. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool completely before applying the frosting to prevent melting.
- Prepare Frosting Base: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until creamy and smooth.
- Add Strawberry Purée: Mix the strawberry purée into the cream cheese and butter mixture to infuse the frosting with strawberry flavor.
- 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 the Cake: Spread the prepared strawberry frosting evenly over the cooled cake for a luscious finish.
- Garnish: Decorate the top of the cake with fresh sliced strawberries to enhance both the look and flavor.
- Serve: Slice and serve the cake chilled or at room temperature as per your preference.
Notes
- For a layered cake, divide batter evenly between two 9-inch pans and reduce baking time.
- Strawberry purée can be made by blending fresh or thawed frozen strawberries until smooth.
- Ensure cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for easy frosting preparation.
- Chilling the cake after frosting helps the frosting set well and enhances flavors.
- Storage: Keep the cake refrigerated and covered; it will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- Optional: Add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the frosting to balance the sweetness.
