Transform a simple strawberry cake mix recipes into something extraordinary with these incredibly easy and delicious recipes. Whether you're short on time or just love the convenience of cake mix, these creative variations will make everyone think you've spent hours in the kitchen.
Why You'll Love These Strawberry Cake Mix Recipes
Strawberry cake mix is the perfect starting point for creating mouthwatering desserts that go way beyond the basic box cake. These recipes take advantage of the mix's built-in strawberry flavor while adding fresh twists to create treats that taste completely homemade. Perfect for birthday parties, spring celebrations, or anytime you're craving something sweet and strawberry-flavored.
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Ingredients
the Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup pureed fresh strawberries
- ¼ cup water
- 1 small box strawberry gelatin (3 oz)
- Pink food coloring (optional)
the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup strawberry puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Prepare Your Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper
- Wash and hull fresh strawberries, then puree them in a food processor until smooth
Mix the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix and strawberry gelatin powder
- Add eggs, vegetable oil, strawberry puree, and water
- Mix with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds
- Increase to medium speed and beat for 2 minutes until well combined
- Add a few drops of pink food coloring if desired for a deeper pink color
Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean
- Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes
- Remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks
Prepare the Frosting
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition
- Mix in strawberry puree, vanilla extract, and salt
- Beat until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes
Assemble and Decorate
- Level cake layers if needed
- Place first layer on cake plate and spread with frosting
- Add second layer and frost entire cake
- Garnish with fresh strawberry slices if desired
Equipment For Strawberry Cake Mix Recipes
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- Electric mixer (stand or hand mixer)
- Food processor or blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Wire cooling rack
- Offset spatula for frosting
Storage Instructions
- Store frosted cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
- Bring to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving
- Unfrosted cake layers can be frozen for up to 3 months when wrapped well
Recipe Variations
- Make cupcakes instead of a layer cake (bake for 18-20 minutes)
- Use strawberry cake mix instead of white for extra berry flavor
- Add chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolate-covered strawberry effect
- Create a marble effect by swirling vanilla batter with the strawberry batter
Top Tip
- Let all refrigerated ingredients come to room temperature before starting
- Don't overmix the batter to ensure a tender cake
- Strain the strawberry puree if you prefer a smoother texture
- Pat strawberry garnishes dry to prevent bleeding into the frosting
FAQ
What to add to boxed cake mix?
To enhance boxed cake mix, add these ingredients: replace water with milk or buttermilk, use melted butter instead of oil, add an extra egg, and include 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Other effective additions include: ¼ cup sour cream for moisture, instant pudding mix for richness, or a cup of chips/nuts for texture. These simple swaps create a more homemade taste and improved texture.
How to add fruit to a box cake mix?
To add fruit to box cake mix, use these steps: drain canned fruit completely, or toss fresh fruit in flour to prevent sinking. Add 1-1.5 cups of fruit maximum, fold in gently at the end of mixing. For purees, reduce other liquid ingredients by ¼ cup for every ½ cup of puree added. Fresh berries, diced apples, or crushed pineapple work best. Avoid overly wet fruits.
How to make a box cake taste like homemade?
To make a box cake taste homemade: replace water with whole milk, use butter instead of oil, add an extra egg, include 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and mix in ¼ cup sour cream. Also consider adding 1 package of instant pudding mix, replacing some sugar with brown sugar, or using coffee instead of water in chocolate cakes. Don't overmix the batter.
What is a Mary Jane cake?
A Mary Jane cake is a vintage dessert featuring chocolate cake topped with peanut butter frosting, inspired by the Mary Jane candy's flavor combination. The classic version uses a rich chocolate cake base paired with a creamy peanut butter frosting. Named after the Mary Jane candy, which was a molasses and peanut butter taffy-like treat popular in the early 1900s.
HOW DID YOUR STRAWBERRY CAKE RECIPE TURN OUT?
How did your Strawberry Cake Mix Recipe turn out? Ready to savor something new? This recipe is sure to impress with its perfect balance of real strawberry flavor and moist, tender crumb, all elevated from a simple box mix into a bakery-worthy dessert. If you're a fan of fruit-flavored desserts, be sure to try our Crepe Cake Recipe next – another easy-to-make yet delicious treat!
Did you make this Strawberry Cake Mix Recipe? We'd love to hear about your experience! Leave a star rating and share your thoughts in the comments. Did you try any creative twists or use any unique ingredients? Some bakers have had great success adding fresh strawberry puree, while others love incorporating white chocolate chips or a cream cheese swirl. Your feedback not only helps others but also contributes to our growing community of home cooks. Don't forget to share a photo of your culinary creation!
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Strawberry Cake Mix Recipe
Strawberry Cake Mix Recipe
Equipment
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- Electric mixer (stand or hand mixer)
- Food processor or blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Wire cooling rack
- Offset spatula for frosting
Ingredients
the Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix 15.25 oz
- 3 large eggs room temperature
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup fresh strawberry puree
- ¼ cup water
- 1 box 3 oz strawberry gelatin
- Pink food coloring optional
the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup strawberry puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round pans.
Make the cake:
- Combine cake mix and gelatin powder
- Add eggs, oil, strawberry puree, and water
- Mix on low 30 seconds, then medium 2 minutes
- Add pink coloring if desired
Bake:
- Pour batter into prepared pans
- Bake 25-30 minutes until done
- Cool 10 minutes in pans
- Remove and cool completely
Make frosting:
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth
- Gradually add sugar
- Mix in puree, vanilla, and salt
- Beat until fluffy
Assemble:
- Layer cakes with frosting
- Frost top and sides
- Garnish with fresh strawberries
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs - they blend better and help create a fluffier texture
- Fresh strawberries are best, but thawed frozen strawberries can work in a pinch
- Full-fat cream cheese works better than reduced-fat for the frosting
- Regular white cake mix works better than "super moist" varieties with this recipe
- Choose a high-quality strawberry gelatin for the best color and flavor
Emily says
Mine came out a bit dry 🙁