The ultimate easy yet impressive dessert with intense strawberry flavor in every bite!
🌟 Why This Recipe Shines
- Double strawberry punch – Jello + fresh berries for maximum flavor
- Super moist texture from oil and pureed strawberries
- Cream cheese icing balances the sweetness perfectly
- Foolproof method using box mix as a shortcut
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Strawberries: Frozen work great – thaw and drain excess liquid
- Oil: Canola or vegetable oil preferred for neutral taste
- Jello: Must be strawberry flavored (not sugar-free)
- Cake Mix: Standard 15.25oz white cake mix
⏳ Time-Saving Tips
- Prep ahead: Puree strawberries day before
- Quick mix: Use blender for strawberry puree
- No-frosting option: Dust with powdered sugar instead
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Perfection
- Preheat oven to 350°F – Grease AND flour 9×13 pan well
- Dry ingredients: Whisk cake mix, flour and Jello powder
- Wet ingredients: Alternate adding water, oil, eggs (one at a time)
- Strawberry magic: Fold in 1 cup puree last
- Bake 40-45 min – Until toothpick comes clean
- Cool completely before frosting (2 hours minimum)
🧀 Cream Cheese Icing Secrets
- Room temp ingredients are crucial – take out 1 hour before
- Adjust consistency:
- Too thick? Add milk 1 tsp at a time
- Too thin? More powdered sugar ¼ cup at a time
- Flavor boost: Add ½ tsp vanilla or lemon zest
🍰 Serving Suggestions
- Garnish ideas:
- Fresh strawberry halves
- White chocolate shavings
- Toasted coconut flakes
- Perfect pairings:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Sparkling rosé
- Iced lemon tea
🔍 Troubleshooting
Problem | Solution
Cake stuck to pan | Next time use parchment paper
Icing too runny | Chill bowl & beaters first
Dry cake | Check oven temp with thermometer
Dense texture | Don’t overmix after adding flour
💡 Creative Variations
- Layered version: Bake in round pans, double frosting
- Strawberry shortcake: Serve with whipped cream
- Lemon twist: Add zest to batter and icing
- Almond accent: ½ tsp almond extract in batter
❄️ Storage Tips
- Room temp: 2 days (covered)
- Fridge: 5 days in airtight container
- Freeze: Unfrosted cake up to 3 months
“This cake tastes like summer in every bite! The strawberry flavor is so much more vibrant than typical strawberry cakes.” – Recipe creator
Pro tip: For extra strawberry intensity, brush cooled cake with reduced strawberry puree before frosting!
