Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cake Recipe
When you take a bite of this strawberry cake, you’ll immediately know why it’s a favorite. The moist layers are bursting with sweet strawberry flavor, and each mouthful feels like a celebration.
I love how the coconut and pecans add a delightful crunch, making every bite unique. It’s not just a cake; it’s a memory maker for birthdays and gatherings.
The colors are vibrant, and the frosting is perfectly creamy, tying everything together. You’ll find it’s easy to make, too, which means you can whip it up for any occasion.
Trust me, you won’t be able to resist another slice!
Ingredients of Strawberry Cake
When it comes to baking a strawberry cake, the ingredients can make all the difference, and trust me, this recipe is a gem. You’ll need a mix of sweet and crunchy elements that come together to create a delightful treat. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s plunge into what you’ll need to whip up this beautiful cake.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this list has everything you need to get started.
Ingredients:
- 1 box white cake mix
- 1 (3 ounce) package strawberry Jell-O gelatin dessert
- 1 cup corn oil
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup frozen strawberries, thawed and not drained
- 1 cup coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 box powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup drained strawberries
- 1/2 cup coconut (for frosting)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (for frosting)
Now, let’s talk about some of these ingredients. The white cake mix is your base, and it’s a huge time-saver. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even make a homemade cake mix, but let’s be real—life is busy.
The strawberry Jell-O adds that lovely burst of flavor and keeps things moist. And the frozen strawberries? They’re not just for decoration; they really amp up the strawberry goodness.
Don’t forget the coconut and pecans; they bring a little crunch and texture that makes every bite interesting. Also, if you’re not a fan of pecans, you could switch them out for walnuts or even skip them altogether.
It’s all about making this cake your own!
How to Make Strawberry Cake
Making a strawberry cake might sound a bit intimidating, but trust me, it’s as easy as pie—well, easier than pie, actually. Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 350 degrees. While that’s warming up, grab your 1 box of white cake mix and the 1 (3 ounce) package of strawberry Jell-O gelatin dessert. Mix those two together in a large bowl. It’s like a sweet little party in there already.
Next, add in 1 cup of corn oil, 1/2 cup of milk, and 4 eggs—crack them in one at a time to keep it simple and make sure you don’t have any shell surprises. Now, here’s the fun part: fold in 1 cup of thawed (but not drained) frozen strawberries, followed by 1 cup of coconut and 1 cup of chopped pecans. I always get a little nervous when I start folding things in; it’s like a gentle hug for the ingredients. Just be careful not to overmix; we want a fluffy cake, not a dense brick.
Once your batter is all mixed—and it should be looking pretty darn good—grab your greased and floured 3 layer pans or a trusty 9×13 dish. Pour the batter evenly into the pans. The smell of the batter alone is enough to make you want to jump in, but hold your horses. Bake those beauties for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick or tester comes out clean. That’s your golden ticket right there.
While the cakes are cooling, you can whip up the frosting. In a separate bowl, blend together 1/2 cup of softened butter and a whole box of powdered sugar. It’s going to look a bit like snow, and who doesn’t love a good snow scene? Add in your 1/2 cup of drained strawberries, 1/2 cup of coconut, and 1/2 cup of chopped pecans to give that frosting a little more personality.
Once your cakes have cooled, frost them generously—don’t be shy, this is the best part. Layer them up, and you’ve got yourself a stunning strawberry cake that’s not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Enjoy every bite; you’ve earned it!
Strawberry Cake Substitutions & Variations
If you’re looking to put your own twist on the classic strawberry cake, there are plenty of delicious substitutions and variations to explore.
For a richer flavor, try using a vanilla bean instead of vanilla extract. You can swap the white cake mix for a strawberry or yellow mix to enhance the berry taste.
Want a bit of a crunch? Consider adding walnuts instead of pecans. For a tropical twist, replace the coconut with crushed pineapple.
You can even experiment with different frostings, like cream cheese or whipped cream, to elevate your cake to new heights.
Enjoy creating your perfect dessert!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your strawberry cake turns out perfectly, I recommend measuring your ingredients accurately and preparing your pans properly.
Preheating your oven before you start mixing is essential, too; it helps make certain even baking.
If you want a more intense strawberry flavor, consider adding fresh strawberries to the batter.
Don’t forget to let your cake cool completely before frosting it; this prevents the frosting from melting.
Finally, if you’re not serving it right away, store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Enjoy your baking, and I’m sure your cake will be a hit!