Homemade Strawberry Cake Recipe from Scratch

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If you’re looking for the best strawberry cake recipe to make at home, you’ve come to the right place! This homemade strawberry cake is packed with real strawberry flavor and is incredibly easy to make. It’s perfect for strawberry season, and you’ll love how fluffy and moist the cake turns out. Plus, it’s made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake

• 1 box of white cake mix
• 4 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 cup of frozen strawberries in sugar (thawed)
• 1 pack of strawberry Jello
• 2/3 cups avocado oil

For the Strawberry Frosting

• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 stick of unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/2 cup of strawberries in syrup

Instructions

Preparing the Cake

Preheat the oven

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare your round cake pans. Line the bottom of each pan with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking. Then, lightly grease the sides of the pans with butter or a non-stick spray. This step is crucial to ensure your cake layers come out smoothly after baking.

Prepare the dry ingredients

 In a large bowl or in a stand mixer, combine the box of white cake mix and the pack of strawberry Jello. These are your dry ingredients. Whisk them together until well combined. The strawberry Jello will add both flavor and a hint of pink color to your cake batter. Set this bowl aside for now.

Add eggs and avocado oil

Crack 4 eggs and add to the dry ingredients. Make sure they are at room temperature, as this will help them mix more evenly with the other ingredients. Slowly pour in the 2/3 cup of avocado oil and begin to mix at medium speed. Avocado oil is a great choice because it has a mild flavor and helps create a moist cake. Mix until the oil is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.

Incorporate the strawberries

Take your thawed frozen strawberries in sugar and gently fold them into the egg mixture. The strawberries should be broken down enough to blend into the batter but still leave some small chunks for texture. If you like, you can briefly pulse the strawberries in a food processor to create a smoother consistency. Mix on low speed until the strawberries are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Pour the batter

Once your cake batter is ready, pour it into the prepared cake pans. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly, ensuring that the top is smooth. If you’re making a single-layer cake, use one pan. For a strawberry layer cake, divide the batter evenly between two pans.

Bake the cake

Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for approximately one hour. However, oven temperatures can vary, so start checking the cakes around the 35-40 minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking frequently.

Cool the cake

Once baked, remove the pans from the oven and allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. This helps the cake settle and makes it easier to remove from the pan. After 10 minutes, run an offset spatula or butter knife around the edges of the cake to loosen it from the pan. Carefully flip the cakes out onto a wire rack and peel off the parchment paper. Allow the cakes to cool completely on the wire rack before frosting. This is important because frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt and slide off.

Making the Strawberry Frosting

Prepare the butter

Start by placing the 1/2 stick of unsalted butter into a medium-sized bowl. Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature, as this will make it easier to whisk and create a smooth frosting. If your butter is still cold, you can cut it into small cubes and let it sit out for about 10-15 minutes to soften.

Add the powdered sugar

Gradually add the 3 cups of powdered sugar to the butter. Using a hand mixer or the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and powdered sugar together at medium speed. Start on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud, then increase to medium speed. Mix until the butter and sugar are fully combined and the mixture is smooth.

Incorporate the strawberries

Add the 1/2 cup of strawberries in syrup to the frosting mixture. The syrup will add both moisture and a delicious strawberry flavor to the frosting. Continue to whisk the mixture at medium speed until the strawberries are fully incorporated and the frosting is smooth. If the frosting is too runny, you can add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Adjust the consistency

If the frosting is still too thick, you can add a small amount of heavy cream or milk, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a spreadable consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, continue adding powdered sugar until it thickens up. The frosting should be thick enough to hold its shape when spread but soft enough to spread easily.

Assembling and Frosting the Cake

Frost the cake layers

Once your cake layers are completely cool, it’s time to assemble the cake. Place one layer on a cake stand or serving plate. Use an offset spatula to spread a thick layer of frosting evenly over the top of the cake. If you’re making a strawberry layer cake, place the second layer on top of the first and add another layer of frosting.

Frost the sides and top

Once the layers are stacked and frosted, use the remaining frosting to cover the sides and top of the cake. Smooth the frosting as much as possible, but don’t worry if it looks a bit rustic—it adds to the homemade charm! If you want a thicker layer of frosting, feel free to make a double batch.

Decorate the cake

For an extra special touch, you can decorate the top of the cake with fresh strawberry slices, a drizzle of strawberry jam, or a sprinkling of freeze-dried strawberry powder. If you’re feeling fancy, use a piping bag to add decorative swirls or borders around the edges of the cake.

Let the cake set

After frosting, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set slightly. This will make it easier to slice and serve.

Serve and enjoy

Once the cake has set, slice it up and enjoy! This delicious strawberry cake is perfect for any celebration or just as a treat to enjoy with family and friends.

Storage Tips

• Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If refrigerating, allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
• If you plan to make the cake in advance, you can wrap the unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze them for up to a month. Thaw frozen layers in the refrigerator overnight before frosting.

Tips for the Best Strawberry Cake

• Use fresh strawberries whenever possible for the most authentic flavor. You can also make a strawberry reduction by simmering fresh strawberry puree with a bit of sugar and lemon juice over medium heat until thickened.
• If you want a more intense strawberry flavor, consider adding a few drops of strawberry extract or a bit of freeze-dried strawberry powder to the cake batter.
• For a beautiful pink color, add a few drops of red food coloring to the cake batter and frosting.
• Store the cake in an airtight container to keep it fresh. You can also wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for a day or two before serving.
• If you prefer a different frosting, strawberry cream cheese frosting or strawberry buttercream frosting are both delicious options.

Serving Suggestions

This homemade strawberry cake is perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to family gatherings. Decorate the top of the cake with fresh strawberry slices for a pretty finishing touch. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.

Conclusion

This easy strawberry cake recipe is one of my favorite cakes to make, especially during strawberry season. The combination of the moist cake, fresh strawberry flavor, and fluffy frosting makes it a hit every time. Plus, with detailed instructions and simple ingredients, you’ll find it a breeze to whip up. Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll become one of your go-to cake recipes!

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