Sometimes, you just need a simple yet delicious dessert that’s quick to whip up but still hits all the sweet spots. Enter the Strawberry Box Cake. It’s the kind of treat that feels homemade, without the fuss. With just a few pantry ingredients and a box of strawberry cake mix, you’ll have a moist, fluffy cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a casual get-together, or simply because you’re in the mood for something sweet, this cake will surely hit the mark.
Trust me, you’re going to love how easy it is to make and how irresistible it tastes. Plus, it’s a perfect base for all kinds of fun toppings and frostings. If you’re craving something light, fruity, and full of flavor, this is the cake you’ve been waiting for.
Why You’ll Love Strawberry Box Cake
Easy and Quick: The box cake mix is a total time-saver! It cuts down on prep time, and you don’t need any fancy baking skills to make this delicious cake.
Light and Fluffy: This cake turns out moist and soft, with a lovely pink hue and a natural strawberry flavor that comes from the cake mix and any extra additions you might want to add.
Versatile: Top it with whipped cream, fresh strawberries, or even a simple glaze to make it your own. You can customize it to fit whatever mood or occasion you’re baking for.
Crowd-Pleaser: This cake is always a hit at parties and family gatherings. It’s sweet, fruity, and guaranteed to disappear in no time!
Budget-Friendly: A simple box mix can go a long way in creating a homemade-style cake that feels fancy without breaking the bank.
Ingredients for Strawberry Box Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious, easy cake:
For the Cake:
- 1 box strawberry cake mix: This is your base for the cake, providing the strawberry flavor and texture.
- 1 cup water: Helps moisten the cake mix and turn it into a smooth batter.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: For added moisture and tenderness.
- 3 large eggs: These will help bind the ingredients and provide structure.
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries (optional): For an extra burst of strawberry flavor, you can add mashed fresh or thawed frozen strawberries.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a little extra depth to the flavor.
For the Frosting (Optional):
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): For a creamy base to your frosting.
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar: For sweetness and smooth texture.
- 2 tbsp milk: To thin the frosting to the right consistency.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: For flavor.
- 1/4 cup fresh strawberries, pureed: This will give your frosting that extra strawberry kick.
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to bake? Here’s how to make this easy and delicious strawberry cake:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, water, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. If you’re using fresh or frozen strawberries, mash them and add them to the mix as well.
- Use a hand mixer or whisk to beat the batter for about 2 minutes, until smooth and well combined.
3. Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and smooth it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 28-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be sure to check it around the 25-minute mark to prevent overbaking.
4. Cool the Cake:
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Make the Frosting (Optional):
- While the cake is cooling, make the frosting by beating together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the milk, vanilla extract, and pureed strawberries, and continue mixing until smooth and spreadable.
6. Frost the Cake:
- Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top of the cake. You can also add fresh strawberries on top for an extra burst of color and flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice the cake into generous pieces and serve it up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy every bite!
(Note: The full instructions, including times and temperatures, are provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 10
Calories per serving: 260
Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 220mg
Carbohydrates: 31g - Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 22g
Protein: 3g
Vitamin A: 2%
Vitamin C: 20%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 4%
(Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and ingredient substitutions.)
How to Serve Strawberry Box Cake
Whipped Cream: Serve this cake with a generous topping of whipped cream to make it extra decadent.
Fresh Fruit: Add a handful of fresh berries (like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries) on top of the cake for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream goes perfectly with this cake for an extra indulgent treat.
Cake Glaze: If you want a simple finish, drizzle the cake with a homemade glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and a touch of vanilla extract.
Additional Tips
- Make Ahead: You can make the cake a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. Just frost it before serving.
- Extra Moist Cake: If you want the cake to be even more moist, you can replace the vegetable oil with applesauce or add a bit of sour cream to the batter.
- Flavored Frosting: You can use a store-bought strawberry frosting if you’re short on time, or get creative and mix in some strawberry jam to your buttercream for an extra fruity twist.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
A1: Absolutely! You can use a vanilla or chocolate cake mix if you prefer a different flavor, though this will change the flavor profile of the cake.
Q2: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
A2: Yes, frozen strawberries work just as well! Be sure to thaw them first and mash them before adding them to the batter or frosting.
Q3: How do I store leftover cake?
A3: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week.
Q4: Can I freeze the cake?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the cake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.
Q5: Can I use a different frosting?
A5: Of course! Feel free to use cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, or a simple glaze—whatever you prefer.
Q6: How can I make the cake more colorful?
A6: You can add sprinkles to the batter or top the cake with colorful frosting to make it more festive.
Q7: Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
A7: Yes! If you love chocolate, feel free to fold in some mini chocolate chips for an extra touch.
Q8: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A8: No, but you can use a gluten-free strawberry cake mix if you need a gluten-free option.
Q9: Can I make this cake without eggs?
A9: Yes! You can substitute the eggs with flax eggs or an egg replacer if needed.
Q10: How do I make this cake even more decadent?
A10: Try adding a layer of strawberry jam between the cake layers for extra flavor or drizzle some chocolate syrup on top for a sweet finishing touch.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Box Cake is perfect for anyone looking for a quick and tasty dessert. It’s light, fluffy, and packed with sweet strawberry flavor. Whether you make it for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, it’s bound to be a hit. The best part? It’s so easy to make! Enjoy every slice, and don’t forget to share with those you love.
PrintStrawberry Box Cake
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Box Cake is a simple and delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Using a box of strawberry cake mix, you can create a moist, flavorful cake with a light strawberry taste, ideal for birthdays, celebrations, or even just a sweet treat after dinner. Top it with frosting, fresh strawberries, or whipped cream for the perfect finishing touch.
Ingredients
- 1 box strawberry cake mix (approximately 15.25 oz)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water (or milk for extra richness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- Fresh strawberries (for garnish, optional)
- Whipped cream or frosting (for topping, optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square cake pan, or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the Cake Batter:
- In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water (or milk). If you’re adding vanilla extract, stir it in as well.
- Use an electric mixer on medium speed or a hand whisk to mix until smooth and fully combined, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to even it out.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Frost and Garnish (Optional):
- Once the cake is completely cooled, frost with your favorite frosting (cream cheese frosting or whipped cream pairs wonderfully with strawberry cake).
- For extra flavor and decoration, garnish with fresh strawberries, sliced or whole, on top.
5. Serve:
- Slice the cake and serve. Enjoy the sweet, fruity flavors of this easy strawberry box cake!
Notes
- Cake Mix Variation: You can use other flavors of box cake mix like vanilla or chocolate and still incorporate fresh strawberries for a twist.
- Frosting Options: Cream cheese frosting, buttercream, or whipped cream are great options for topping this cake.
- Extra Toppings: You can add chopped strawberries or even a drizzle of strawberry syrup for an extra fruity boost.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 28-32 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the cake
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg