Description
Rich and creamy paula deen strawberry cake delivers Southern dessert perfection with layers of moist strawberry-infused cake and luscious cream cheese frosting. Strawberry lovers will savor each delectable bite of this classic Southern sweet treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (18.25 oz / 517 g) white cake mix
- 1 (3 oz / 85 g) strawberry-flavored instant gelatin
- 1 (15 oz / 425 g) frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed and pureed
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
- ¼ cup (60 ml) water
- 1 (8 oz / 226 g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (57 g) butter, softened
- 7 cups (840 g) confectioner’s sugar
- ¼ cup strawberry puree
- ½ tsp strawberry extract
- Freshly sliced strawberries (optional)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and thoroughly spray two 9-inch round cake pans with non-stick cooking spray.
- Mixing Base: Combine strawberry cake mix and strawberry gelatin powder in a large mixing bowl, ensuring complete integration of dry ingredients.
- Batter Creation: Whip strawberry puree, eggs, vegetable oil, and water into the dry mixture using an electric mixer at medium speed until achieving a silky, uniform consistency without lumps.
- Pan Filling: Evenly distribute the vibrant pink batter between prepared cake pans, smoothing surfaces with a spatula for uniform thickness.
- Baking Process: Bake for 25-30 minutes, testing cake doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and dry.
- Cooling Technique: Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire cooling racks to reach complete room temperature.
- Frosting Preparation: Blend softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth, then incorporate strawberry puree and strawberry extract to create a luscious pink frosting.
- Sugar Integration: Gradually sift confectioner’s sugar into the frosting mixture, mixing until achieving a spreadable, velvety texture.
- Cake Assembly: Place first cake layer on serving plate, spread frosting evenly, position second layer on top, and completely enrobe cake with remaining strawberry frosting.
- Presentation: Optional – garnish cake exterior with delicately sliced fresh strawberries for an elegant finishing touch.
Notes
- Prevent Cake Sticking: Thoroughly grease pans and consider using parchment paper for easier cake removal.
- Achieve Smooth Batter: Mix ingredients at room temperature and beat until no lumps remain for a silky texture.
- Check Cake Doneness: Use the toothpick test – insert into center, and if it comes out clean, cake is perfectly baked.
- Frosting Consistency Tip: Allow cream cheese and butter to soften completely for a smooth, lump-free frosting that spreads easily.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 11
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 56 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 62 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg