This Easy Fresh Strawberry Cake starts with a boxed cake mix, strawberry jell-o, fresh strawberries and is topped with cream cheese frosting!
FRESH STRAWBERRY CAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
This Easy Fresh Strawberry Cake starts with a boxed cake mix, strawberry jell-o, fresh strawberries and is topped with a sweetened cream cheese frosting! It is a deliciously simple way to use all those fresh-picked strawberries. The cake mix makes it easy but the fresh strawberries and cream cheese frosting make it taste totally homemade!
TIPS FOR MAKING THIS STRAWBERRY CAKE:
- For this recipe, I'm using my favorite Fresh Strawberry Cake recipe. It's an old favorite and it has never failed me. I am using vanilla cake mix and adding strawberry jell-o instead of using a strawberry cake mix. This gives the cake a bit more flavor and keeps it from tasting like a boxed cake mix.
- I'm also using my go-to cream cheese frosting recipe that I like to use for my RED VELVET CHEESECAKE CAKE. It really is the perfect frosting for this cake! But you can use a store-bought canned frosting if that is your preference.
- Frozen strawberries can be used. Just make sure they are unsweetened and thawed before using.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (FULL RECIPE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE POST)
- vanilla cake mix
- strawberry gelatin mix (Jell-O)
- eggs
- vegetable oil
- water
- fresh strawberries
- cream cheese
- butter
- powdered sugar
- vanilla extract
- milk
HOW TO MAKE FRESH STRAWBERRY CAKE:
Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Spray 9x13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Y'all know I love this kind that has flour in it. Perfect for baking.
Give your strawberries a good rinse then gently dry them with a paper towel. Remove the stems and dice them up.
Then stick them in a plastic Ziploc bag and start crushing them up. I'm using the flat side of my meat tenderizer here but you can use any heavy object or a rolling pin. This will probably take you a minute or two.
Then stick them in a plastic Ziploc bag and start crushing them up. I'm using the flat side of my meat tenderizer here but you can use any heavy object or a rolling pin. This will probably take you a minute or two.
In the bowl, combine cake mix with strawberry gelatin powder. Mix until combined.
Then stir in oil, eggs and water.
Once that is combined, add in 1 cup of your smooshed strawberries. You will want to gently stir those in by hand.
Then pour batter into baking dish.
Bake for about 30-33 minutes. Oven times do vary, so to make sure it is done, stick a toothpick in the center, if it comes out clean, it is good to go. Allow cake to cool completely before adding frosting. If you've ever made a strawberry cake before, you know they always brown a bit on top. No worries, that is normal. We are gonna cover it up with frosting anyway.
To make the frosting, mix together your softened butter and softened cream cheese. It's easiest if you have an electric mixer.
Mix until smooth and creamy and lump-free. Then mix in powdered sugar, vanilla extract and milk. Mix until smooth and creamy. Note: If you have any leftover crushed strawberries, you could always add it to your frosting.
Slather frosting onto cooled cake.
Then slice and serve. If there are any leftovers, you'll want to cover it and put into the fridge.
CRAVING MORE STRAWBERRY RECIPES? GIVE THESE A TRY!
- STRAWBERRY MESS
- STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE CAKE
- STRAWBERRY KOOL-AID PIE
- HOT MILK SPONGE CAKE WITH STRAWBERRIES
- STRAWBERRY MUFFIN MIX WAFFLES
- NO-BAKE STRAWBERRY ANGEL DESSERT
- BANANA CAKE WITH VANILLA FROSTING
- STRAWBERRY JELL-O POKE CUPCAKES
- STRAWBERRY PRETZEL DESSERT
EASY FRESH STRAWBERRY CAKE
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 1 box vanilla cake mix (or white, yellow cake mix)
- 1 3 oz box strawberry gelatin mix (Jell-O)
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup water
- 1 pint fresh strawberries (or 1 cup crushed fresh strawberries)
For the frosting:
- ½ block cream cheese (4 oz) softened
- ⅓ cup butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp milk
Instructions
For the cake:
- Preheat oven to 350F degrees.
- Spray 9 x 13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Give the strawberries a good rinse then gently dry them with a paper towel. Remove the stems and dice.
- Put strawberries into a plastic Ziploc bag and start crushing them up using a rolling pin or other heavy object. This will probably take you a minute or two.
- In the bowl, combine cake mix with strawberry gelatin powder. Mix until combined.
- Then stir in oil, eggs and water.
- Once that is combined, add in 1 cup of the smushed strawberries. You will want to gently stir those in by hand.
- Then pour batter into prepared baking dish.
- Bake for about 30-33 minutes.
- Oven times do vary so to make sure it is done, stick a toothpick in the center, if it comes out clean, it is good to go.
- Allow cake to cool completely before adding frosting.
For the frosting:
- Using an electric mixer, mix together the softened butter and softened cream cheese.
- Mix until smooth and creamy and lump-free.
- Then mix in powdered sugar, vanilla extract and milk. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Slather frosting onto cooled cake. Slice and serve.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published: February 2013
Updated & republished: May 2020
I used lemon cake mix with lemon jello and added the strawberries. Delicious! I made a lemon cream cheese frosting to top it off.
Sounds delicious!
Omg, the best cake ever! I made it exactly as written and I am eating it right now. So so good! This is now my go to strawberry cake!
This looks really delicious, do you think it would work as a layer cake?
You could try but it is EXTREMELY moist and may not hold up well to being a layer cake.
This was loved by all made a three tier cake with strawberry cream cheese frosting
hi! do you use one 15.25 oz box of vanilla cake mix for this recipe? I want to make sure i have the correct sized box of mix. thanks!
Easily the best strawberry cake I've ever made was from using this recipe. Everyone loves it and it's the perfect summertime dessert. Thanks so much for a great recipe!
Made for my grandpa on Father's day and it was AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love hearing that Addi - thank you!
Delicious
SO GOOD AND SO EASY! ( I HAD TO SWITCH OUT RASPBERRY JELLO SINCE I DIDN'T HAVE STRAWBERRY.)
So great, made this for my husband to celebrate 6 months of sobriety! Cut up strawberries on the side to make it kid friendly and decorated the top with “6” out of chocolate chips to represent 6 months. It was amazing, the frosting, the strawberries inside, thank you for sharing!!
This was fabulous! I cubed 1 1/2 cups of strawberries and that yielded 1 cup smashed. I used the French Vanilla cake mix that another reviewer suggested. I also added about 5 or 6 strawberries to the frosting. I didn't have milk so subbed whipping cream. My neighbors loved it and so did I. It is a keeper. Thank you.
I am completely surprised at how good this was! I am always afraid that recipes like this will have that box cake taste. I’m pleased to report this did not! I made 4 - 6 inch rounds and they were all perfectly flat and gorgeous. Absolutely delicious! Thank you!
It was yummy. The family said it was a keeper.
Went strawberry picking today with my family and used some of the fresh strawberries in the mix. Such a moist and delicious cake!
Planning to make this my kid’s bday. Have you tried it in the the round pans (2-3 layers) or is the 9x13 the only recommendation. Thanks!
This recipe sounds like I want more!
My question ; can I use a bundt pan to bake it in??
Hi Jasmine - this cake is extremely moist. You can certainly try but I can't say for certain that it will turn out since I haven't tested it. 🙂
This looks so delicious and moist! Can I also make it into cupcakes?
Can I make this the day before?
& how would I store it?
Do you use instant jello or regular jello? Also, what size package? Thanks!
There's different jellos? I only know of one kind of jell-o. Unless maybe you are thinking of the puddings? If you scroll up you can see my photo of the ingredients if that helps. 🙂
OMG!!! This cake and icing was FANTABULOUS!! It was sooooooo moist and soooooooo fluffy and sooooooooo scrumptious tasting!! I had to make a “MMMM MMMM MMMMMMM” sound on EVERY bite! Thank you Brandie for posting and allowing us to experience the deliciousness of your recipe. I will be trying more!
Hi. For the frosting, did you use salted or unsalted butter? Thanks.
Hi April, I tend to use salted butter for everything. I hate buying separate butter just to make a recipe so I almost always go with salted. Hope that helps! 🙂
Is there anyway to make the frosting strawberry?
Sure! You can add about a tablespoon of strawberry extract or you can add diced fresh strawberries (or a combination of the two!)
I'm going to try this recipe this weekend I wanted to know if this recipe is good for a layered cake
Can I use frozen sweet strawberries instead of fresh?
Hi Shirley, it might turn out a bit too sweet. I haven't tested it that way unfortunately...
This cake is Delicious. I have made it so many times. My friends and family say it is the best cake they have ever eaten.
Oh wow!! So wonderful to hear that Denise! Thanks so much!!
I made this cake last year and it was wonderful! was wondering if you could do these as cupcakes and if so how to adjust the temp/cook time if needed?
Hi Nicole! I've never made these as cupcakes but it would definitely work. The timing you may have to play with though. Maybe start with 18 minutes and go up from there?
On my way home right now to make this beautiful cake
???? my husband has been smiling all day waiting for me to get it done
Awwww - you are so sweet!! Love hearing that Rhonda!!
Hello. I have made this cake before and its delicious... this time I picked up strawberry cake mix instead of vanilla forgetting recipe calls for vanilla...should I skip the gelatin in this case? Thanks a bunch
Hi Dagmara! Yes, just leave out the strawberry gelatin. Of course, it doesn't hurt to add it. It'll just boost the strawberry flavor. 🙂 No harm done either way!
I have not made it yet, but I have had it before and it is very good. Thanks for the recipe. I do have a question though, can I use frozen strawberries and thaw them first? Thank you again.
Hi Barb! I love hearing that! I don't see why you couldn't. 🙂
I made this last weekend. The only change I made was to substitute equal parts apple sauce for the oil which was simply a personal preference for me. I have to say, the cake was easy to make as was the frosting. It was truly delicious and I will definitely make it again..soon!
Love how you made it your own Leann!! That's wonderful!
Delicious! I did not make the frosting, I served it with sugar free Cool Whip. I used a sugar free cake mix. sugar free gelatin and subbed sugar free apple sauce for most of the oil. Thanks for posting, I think different flavors of gelatin and fruit would be good.
I've made this cake twice now and it is absolutely delicious!!! Would highly recommend - my friends have been begging me to make it again for them!
Big hit. So easy and delicious! My icing was too thick, so I added a bit of the strawberry puree which was fabulous, but after sitting it did get just a tad runny, but still tasted great.
In oven now but made with strawberry cake mix and blended frozen strawberries and followed the rest exactly. . Time will only tell now...... Will update here shortly.
I made this with a strawberry cake mix and left out the jello. Came out delicious. Also, you have to double the frosting recipe or there is not enough.
I have made about 6 of the cakes since I found this recipe and it is so good. My friends say that it is the best cake they have ever ate. My son loves it too. I put a cup and a half of strawberries in the cake. I use a block of cream cheese in the icing and no milk. I slice fresh strawberries for the top of cake too.
So, so good!
This cake was good, but it was really rich. The icing was delicious and sweet probably making it rich. I had to bake mine a little longer, the middle of the cake was slow getting done.
does this recipe require any changes to make as a layer cake
It is too simple!!! Today on my mother’s birthday, we made this cake. It was very delicious!!!! Everyone loved it!
I have made this cake about 14 times. I have also varied the recipe to make an "Orange Dream" cake. Replace the strawberry gelatin with orange flavored jello and replace the strawberries with mashed peaches (still fresh or frozen, no sugar added).. Delicious!
You can replace any flavor of gelatin and any fruit that has about the same moisture/texture.
Love it Kate!! And thanks so much for letting us know how it turned out with other combinations!!
Can you tell me how long to bake it if I'm using a bundt pan? This cake is my favorite!!
I have this cake in my oven now. Smells so good. I used frozen berries and partially thawed them in microwave, then put them in a bowl and smashed them with a potato smasher... Can't wait to
try this!
Can this recipe be made in two round cake pans instead? I'm wanting to do a layered cake for my friend's birthday.
Curious if you used 2 rounds. I want to try for daughters bday.
Loved this cake and will make it again. I added strawberries to the icing and added a little to much so it was a little runny but AMAZING!!! Thank you!
This is one of my favorites. Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Instead of jello can I use strawberry extract?
I have never made it that way so I can't say for sure. If you try it this way, come back and let us know how it turned out for you.
Think I'll and use cheesecake pudding mix instead of the jello mix
Can you make and freeze for later?
This one disappears so fast I never have to worry with freezing but I think you could. Make sure you wrap it very tightly.
I am using the Betty Crocker rainbow chip super moist cake delight mix... I was wondering to I still use the 4 eggs you have for your recipe or do I go by what this box says? Thank you 🙂
Follow this recipe and use the 4 eggs.
I usually use applesauce in recipes that call for veg. oil. Can i Use applesauce with this recipe or will the applesauce and the strawberries together in the mix make it too runny?
Thanks!
I have not used applesauce in this recipe so I can't say for sure. I have used applesauce in other recipes with great success. If you try it this way, make sure you come back and let me know how it turned out for you.
How about for cupcakes?
This would be great for cupcakes too!
Could I use a bundt cake for this recipe bad just drizzle the frosting over it? I'm going to make this as a birthday cake....it looks so yummy.
Just made these as cupcakes with my godsister today. Substituted the oil for butter and the water for milk. Turned out great and the fresh strawberries were perfect! Posted pictures on facebook and one of my neighbors came and picked up few since we had so many.
Thanks i will give this a try. It is very similar to a recipe i just used.
Just curious if you can substitute the water for buttermilk?
made this today, it was sooo good!! thanks for sharing, I love your recipes:)
hi love the sound of this cake but in the uk we dont have yellow cake mix, do you know what the uk equivalent would be and is jello - jelly ? sorry to sound like such a thicko
If I use a white cake mix do I use all the eggs or just the whites.
I cooked this cake, and my nephew, who doesn't eat cake, almost had a fit! Says the best cake he has ever had! Each time I cook it, it is gone in one day! My sister (nephew's mom) cooks it for her church socials, and it's always a hit. However, she keeps losing the recipe, which is why I am on this site today. I lost mine when my computer crashed.
I've made this cake several times and it's absolutely one of my favorites. I found blueberry jello and plan on trying a blueberry version soon. Thanks for sharing this recipe, it's delicious.
Made this for years and I use frozen. Berries...I also put some of the purée in the frosting....makes it pink and really makes the cake better........better the second day
I made this for our church 4th of July celebration and it was delicious!! I got a small piece and went back to bring the rest home and it was completely gone!! My mama who is not big on sweets even liked this cake and wanted more, but it was gone!! I was ready to make it again the next day, but didn't have the ingredients!!
Dear Brandie,
thank you for your prompt reply. Should I omit the water and the oil then?
Thanks again!
About the boxed white cake mix, if you can't find where you are, just use your favorite recipe for yellow or white cake and replace that with the boxed cake mix for this.
Oil and water amounts are correct as shown for this recipe. And yes, I think blueberries would work. Sounds wonderful! 🙂
Do you think this would work with Blueberries? Would I just look for a blueberry jello?
just curious about the oil water mixtures. i have seen several people ask and didn't see a reply. are those amounts correct? thanks, looks delish
lisa
Hi there!
I couldn't find Betty Crocker white cake mix here in Athens(Greece, not Georgia) so I used a Greek brand white cake mix. The outcome was something inbetween a crêpe and a pancake but so chewy and gluey that was inedible. It was like it was unbaked...
Can I add the strawberries and the jello to a simlpe cake batter or should it be cake mix? I found only devil's food cake mix by Betty Crocker but I don't know if this will work with the rest of the ingredients.
Thanks!
I don't have jello and really don't want to go to the store 🙂 how necessary is it? Or can I leave it out?
I was wondering if anyone has tried freezing this cake and how texture was after thawing
Just checking recipe says 1 cup vegetable oil and 1/4 cup water. On the cake box it is just the opposite.
Thank you,
I made this for my daughters 15th Birthday today! It was a hit, everone loved it! Sooooooo Good!
I made this cake yesterday and it is delicious. I did alter a few things. I used an entire pack of cream cheese (I think this made it not too sweet), and I used whole frozen strawberries that I thawed out (with no sugar added). So glad I found your site.
I only have raspberry jello will that work?
Making this for my 20 year old for her birthday. She loves strawberry cake but I am going to make cupcakes to make it easier to feed a crowd. Looking forward to tasting!
I was so happy with how this cake turned out. My hubby rarely eats cake but loves strawberries so he thought he would try a sample. He loved it! I can't wait to make it again. Thank you for another great recipe.
Question...when you say "stir in oil, egg and water"...do you use a mixer as it appears in the picture? The cake mix box says to mix 2 minutes on medium speed so I did but wondered if stirring by hand would make a difference.
Thank you for a great recipe! Today is my grandaughters first day of kindergarten and we are having a
Happy First Day of School party tonight and she has been telling me strawberry cake is her favorite although she's never had one! Today another dream comes true....hey, Gramma's got to make what magic she can~ 🙂
Fabulous cake! Was an awesome hit for my 3 year olds party! We have 4 servings left and will make it again in the future! We also added in the rest of the pint of strawberries (minus juice) to the frosting.
Looks amazing! Going to try to make a vegan version for this weekend 🙂 my oldest is allergic to milk and eggs. I think I'll try a soy yogurt frosting 😉
Made this cake w/frosting today with strawberries we picked over the weekend. OMG, yummo!!! Very easy and tasty. I added extra strawberries to the icing but be sure to drain the juice as much as possible (and discard) for the icing or you will be adding a lot of extra sugar to the recipe.
Can this be make in 2 8 inch rounds for a layer cake? If so, should I make more frosting?
I made just one like that/
For the birthday of my princess.
It smells so nice and so good for June... and Summer and for girls who likes strowberries ... mmmmm
I know she will be happy
but 🙁 its always one small "but" in nice stories .... My cake isn't that beutifully pink like yours 🙁 its more strange gray 🙁 (inside of course)
Ready to make another one - but to get this nice pink colour . What was the secret ? Cause of Jelly ? By the way my jelly-powder was not that bright-pink as well...
Already tried small piece ))) mmmmm ooohhh so ideal and so moist ... with frosting on top and fresh strowberries its will be like from the fairy tale -- And I feel my self like a small girl having birhtday my self ;)))
thank you !
Hi! It should definitely be pink inside. Maybe it had something to do with the brand of gelatin you used? There is no secret at all, just red juicy strawberries and the Jell-o is also pink 🙂
Can u use 3cups of all purpose flour instead of box cakemix
Hi Elaine! I'm sorry - I have only made this with boxed cake mix.
I've just tasted this cake and it was sooo tasty! Thank you for the recipe. I had to substitute a couple of ingredients for UK available stuff, but it turned out great. Will be trying one of the pudding poke cakes next! 🙂
That is so great Amanda! SO happy you were able to make this work!
Could you also use strawberry cake mix instead of white cake mix or will that be too much flavor?
I was wondering the same thing since I have a strawberry cake mix in my pantry.
I would not use strawberry cake mix in this as the strawberry flavor would be overwhelming. It is a very sweet cake. Having said that, for the frosting I used a 12 oz container of cool whip and folded into that a container and a half of strawberry yogurt and this cake was perfect. I tried it with the cream cheese frosting and it is just way too sweet. I do like the cake recipe though, it is so moist.
This was awesome! I used the Duncan Hines Fudge Marble cake mix and made the cake just like you said. It tasted just like a chocolate covered strawberry. Huge hit at my house! Thanks for a different way of using those little red fruit.
The recipe calls for 1 cup of oil and 1/4 cup of water. Is it supposed to be the opposite??? Just curious?
I just happened to have strawberries from a really good sale last week... and my son just happened to need a birthday cake for Saturday... so we stayed up half the night making this and it smells SO wonderful in here right now. We licked the batter spoon (but not too much, Sam 'n Ella aren't welcome here) and thought it was heavenly... and we licked the beaters after making the frosting and my boy (almost 8) says it's the best frosting he's ever tasted and that "she sure knows what she's doing!"
Thanks for sharing your wonderful recipes with us!
What a sweet comment! Thank you so very much! I am so thrilled to hear you like this one!
This cake is fabulous!! I made it last weekend & everyone loved it & practically licked the sides of the dish to get all the icing..lol!!!! Will definetly make again...
Hahaha! So cute. Thank you for taking the time to come back and let me know how it turned out!
the answer I have to...
" if the cake is iced, can it be left out on the countertop"
I kept mine refrigerated because of the strawberries in the cake and the frosting seemed to "set" better.
I loved the recipe but I think next time I will make a different frosting, something less sweet. I am going to try using a small strawberry yogurt mixed with an 8 ounce container of cool whip. It would be slightly pink colored and great for a summertime treat.
If the cake is iced, can it be left out on the countertop?
when cream cheese is in the frosting, it's usually best to refrigerate it. at least that's what i've always heard... but i'm FAR from domestic diva, so i dunno. 🙂
I would keep it refrigerated because of the frosting. 🙂
Laine - haha, smashing strawberries does have a way of calming one's soul. LOL. So happy y'all enjoyed this one & thank you for coming back to let me know! ~Brandie
I made this cake on Friday. It was so easy and so GOOD! The kids loved it, so did my husband and I. The tip about smashing the strawberries in the bag worked wonderfully too. I didn't even bother to dice mine, just chopped the tops off, threw them in the bag and took out some frustrations with my tenderizer mallet! LOL
Thanks for yet another great recipe. I will definitely be making this one again!
I was just going to ask about using frozen strawberries when I see you can. Yay! I am not planning a trip to the store for a week or so and I have everything but the fruit. Can't wait to make this!
This is the recipe I use, but I have always used frozen strawberries, cook it in a bundt pan and make and icing out of confectioner sugar and the juice of the strawberries, my family loves it. Requested at holidays and
birthdays. I love the cream cheese frosting idea, I am going to try it your way and see what happens. Thanks for the idea. Love strawberries! Brenda
any pointers on making this into cucakes?? want to make this for my 2-year old's birthday party.
Looks beautiful and perfectly mouth-watering. Gotta try it soon...pinning for now. Thanks for sharing another lovely cake...and a pink one at that. =)
Strawberry cake is one of my all-time favorite, and your recipe sounds delicious!
BLessings,
Leslie
Thanks for another delicious recipe!! Pinned this as well!! 🙂
Brenda
<a href="http://www.chattingoverchocolate.blogspot.com>ChattingOverChocolate.blogspot.com</a>
You have so many delicious recipes on your blog!!! 🙂 I make a cake similar to this called Strawberry Cake but have always used frozen strawberries. I will definitely need to give this a try as the Strawberry Cake is my favorite cake. Check out my blog at http://www.chickyscafe.com
I made this and it was a hit. Next time I will use white cake mix instead of yellow.
Just curious. Why are you going to use white cake mix instead of yellow? To me, yellow cake has so much more flavor than white. I always use yellow when white is called for, unless color is important.
Love this recipe!
Just made it for the hubby he loved it thanks so much for the recipe!
Martha B.
This is the recipe my mom always used for her strawberry cake. She did add some strawberries to the frosting.....it was delish!!!! Thanks for sharing.
This cake sounds and looks delicious! We must have both been thinking about Spring today, I baked a pink lemonade cake with pink lemonade frosting. I have never tried it, so I hope it's not too sweet. Both the cake and frosting are Pillsbury. I didn't add anything to make them my own except I put sprinkles on top. Today's my birthday and I wanted a cake!So I made myself a cake!!
Alicia - you sure could. You want to buy the straight up frozen strawberries, not the kind with added syrup (unless you want this cake super sweet). Let them thaw and then chop and proceed with the rest of the directions. 🙂 ~Brandie
could you use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
frozen,..unsweetened,works
I just made this wonderful cake & used frozen strawberries (not in syrup). I thawed what I needed in the microwave & mashed them with a fork. They produced quite a bit of liquid so I drained most of it off but I used 1/4 c. of it instead of water and the cake was delicious. Just thought I'd pass that along. 🙂
Dang that looks good!
Made this for the second time. Best if you use the French vanilla cake mix, and double the icing. Used organic strawberries; which I think taste better. Cake was even better the second time around. My son requested it for his birthday cake.