Description
Paula Deen’s strawberry cake delivers Southern charm on a plate, blending sweet berries with classic buttermilk richness. Luscious layers of strawberry-infused cake create a delightful dessert you cannot resist sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients:
- 1 (18.25 oz / 517 g) box white cake mix
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
- ¼ cup (60 ml) water
- 1 (3 oz / 85 g) box of strawberry-flavored instant gelatin
- 1 (15 oz / 425 g) package of frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed and pureed
Frosting Ingredients:
- ¼ cup (57 g) softened butter
- 1 (8 oz / 226 g) package of softened cream cheese
- 7 cups (840 g) confectioner’s sugar
- ¼ cup strawberry puree
- ½ teaspoon strawberry extract
Garnish:
- Freshly sliced strawberries (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and meticulously coat two 9-inch round cake pans with a light layer of non-stick cooking spray.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend the strawberry cake mix and strawberry gelatin powder until uniformly combined.
- Incorporate the fresh strawberry puree, large eggs, vegetable oil, and room temperature water into the dry mixture. Utilize an electric mixer to whip the batter at medium speed, ensuring a silky-smooth consistency without any lumps.
- Evenly distribute the vibrant pink batter between the prepared cake pans, carefully smoothing the surface with a spatula.
- Transfer the pans to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, periodically checking with a toothpick inserted into the center to confirm complete doneness.
- Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to rest in the pans for 10 minutes, enabling them to settle and cool slightly.
- Gently release the cakes from the pans and transfer to wire cooling racks, allowing them to reach room temperature completely.
- For the creamy frosting, blend softened cream cheese and unsalted butter in a large mixing bowl until luxuriously smooth and well-integrated.
- Fold in the remaining strawberry puree and a hint of strawberry extract, creating a luscious pink-hued frosting.
- Gradually sift in the confectioner’s sugar, continuously mixing until the frosting reaches a spreadable, velvety texture.
- Position the first cake layer on a serving plate and generously spread a layer of frosting across the surface.
- Carefully place the second cake layer on top and enrobe the entire cake with the remaining strawberry frosting.
- Optional: Garnish the cake’s exterior with delicately sliced fresh strawberries for an elegant, inviting presentation.
Notes
- Fresh strawberry garnish adds vibrant color and a burst of natural sweetness to the cake’s presentation.
- Gentle mixing prevents dense texture, keeping the cake light and tender with minimal stirring.
- Complete cake cooling is crucial to prevent frosting from sliding or melting, ensuring a perfect decorative finish.
- Room temperature cream cheese and butter create ultra-smooth, lump-free frosting with silky consistency.
- Sifting powdered sugar eliminates clumps, delivering a perfectly velvety and professional-looking frosting surface.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 515
- Sugar: 59g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 78g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 85mg