Best Strawberry Cake

Here’s a delicious recipe for what could easily be considered the “Best Strawberry Cake Ever”:

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 box (about 18.25 ounces) white cake mix
• 1 package (3 ounces) strawberry flavored gelatin
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup milk
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Additional Fresh Strawberries for Garnish (optional)

Instructions:

For the Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix and strawberry gelatin powder.
3. Add in the finely chopped strawberries, vegetable oil, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes, or until well combined and smooth.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
7. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Mix in the pureed strawberries and vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and well combined.

Assembly:

1. Once the cakes have cooled completely, place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
2. Spread a layer of the strawberry cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cake layer.
3. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
4. If desired, garnish the top of the cake with additional fresh strawberries.
5. Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to set.

This moist and flavorful strawberry cake is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy!