Paula Deen Strawberry Cake Recipe is a sweet, moist, and flavorful dessert that brings a perfect balance of rich strawberry flavor and a light, airy texture.
The cake is made with fresh strawberries and a hint of vanilla, giving it a homemade, comforting taste. The cream cheese frosting adds a smooth, tangy touch that complements the sweetness of the cake.
This Paula Deen Strawberry Cake Recipe is often made for special occasions like birthdays, holidays, or family gatherings because of its vibrant color and delicious taste.
It’s perfect for celebrations where you want something sweet yet refreshing. After you’ve made it, this cake is best enjoyed when it’s fresh, but it still tastes great for a couple of days if stored properly.
Guests, especially strawberry lovers, will rave about this delightful treat after taking a bite!
Why It’s a Favorite Among Dessert Lovers?
Paula Deen Strawberry Cake Recipe is a favorite among dessert lovers because of its irresistible combination of fresh, fruity sweetness and rich, moist texture.
The use of real strawberries in the cake makes it vibrant and flavorful, while the creamy, tangy frosting perfectly balances the sweetness.
It’s a comforting, nostalgic treat that appeals to both kids and adults, making it a go-to for celebrations and gatherings.
The Paula Deen Strawberry Cake Recipe beautiful color and delicious taste make it not only a treat for the taste buds but also a visual delight on any dessert table.
Paula Deen Strawberry Cake Recipe
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Southern
Yield: 14
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls (large and small)
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand)
- Whisk
- Spatula
- 2 (9-inch) round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 (18.25-ounce) box white cake mix
- 1 (3-ounce) box strawberry-flavored instant gelatin
- 1 (15-ounce) package frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed and puréed
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup water
For the Frosting:
- 1/4 cup softened butter
- 1 (8-ounce) package softened cream cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon strawberry extract (optional)
- 7 cups confectioners’ sugar
- Fresh strawberries, sliced (for garnish)
How to Make Paula Deen Strawberry Cake Recipe
1. Preheat and Prep:
● First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easier removal.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
● In a large bowl, whisk together the cake mix and strawberry gelatin. This adds a beautiful pink hue and a subtle strawberry flavor to the cake.
3. Wet Ingredients and Mix:
● In another bowl, whisk together the puréed strawberries, eggs, oil, and water. Gently fold this wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix!
4. Bake the Cakes:
● Divide the batter evenly between your prepared cake pans. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
● Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Frosting Time:
● While the cakes cool, whip up the frosting! In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy.
● If you’re using strawberry extract, add it now and mix well. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, one cup at a time, until you reach a smooth and spreadable consistency.
6. Assemble and Frost:
● Once the cakes are cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting over the top.
● Carefully place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake, sides and all. Decorate with fresh sliced strawberries for that extra pop of color and freshness.
Special Note:
Ensure the frozen strawberries are completely thawed before pureeing them to ensure a smooth batter.
Nutrition Facts Paula Deen Strawberry Cake Recipe
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Sugar | 30g |
| Protein | 3g |
Delicious Variations
1. Strawberry Shortcake Cake: Layer the strawberry cake with whipped cream and fresh strawberries for a lighter, more airy texture, giving it a shortcake feel with a creamy finish.
2. Chocolate Strawberry Cake: Add cocoa powder to the batter for a rich chocolate base, then top with the usual cream cheese frosting and fresh strawberries for a delicious chocolate-strawberry combo.
3. Strawberry Lemonade Cake: Mix in lemon zest and a little lemon juice to the cake batter for a tangy, citrusy twist that pairs beautifully with the strawberry flavor.
4. Strawberry Coconut Cake: Add shredded coconut to the cake batter for extra texture and a tropical flavor that complements the strawberries. You can even sprinkle some on top for decoration.
5. Strawberry Cheesecake Cake: Layer the cake with a creamy cheesecake filling in between the layers for a decadent, cheesecake-inspired treat that’s extra indulgent.
Amazing Serving Ideas
As a maker of Paula Deen Strawberry Cake Recipe, I love getting creative with serving ideas to make the experience even more special.
For a casual gathering, I might serve slices alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream for added richness.
For a more elegant presentation, I’ll arrange individual servings in parfait glasses with layers of cake, cream cheese frosting, and fresh strawberries, creating a beautiful, layered dessert.
For a fun twist, I sometimes drizzle a bit of strawberry syrup or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top before serving.
These little touches make the cake even more delicious and visually stunning, making it the perfect treat for any occasion!
How To Make With More Delicious
To make Paula Deen Strawberry Cake Recipe even more delicious, here are a few tips and tweaks:
1. Use Fresh, Ripe Strawberries: Opt for the freshest strawberries you can find to bring out the natural sweetness and vibrant flavor. If you want a deeper strawberry flavor, you can puree some of the strawberries and mix them into the batter.
2. Add a Little Extra Vanilla: Adding a splash more vanilla extract can enhance the cake’s flavor, creating a more aromatic base that complements the strawberries.
3. Try Buttermilk Instead of Milk: Using buttermilk in the batter makes the cake extra moist and adds a subtle tang, balancing the sweetness of the strawberries.
4. Make Homemade Frosting: While store-bought cream cheese frosting is great, making your own with real butter and cream cheese will elevate the flavor and texture, making it creamier and richer.
5. Top with Strawberry Compote: To add an extra layer of strawberry goodness, you can create a simple strawberry compote by simmering fresh strawberries with sugar until thickened, and drizzle it over the cake for an extra burst of flavor.
How to Store Leftovers
To store leftover Paula Deen Strawberry Cake Recipe, place it in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap to keep it fresh.
Store it in the refrigerator to maintain its moisture and prevent the frosting from softening too much. The cake will stay good for about 3 to 4 days.
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual slices by wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can savor the cake even after it’s made!
Conclusion
Paula Deen Strawberry Cake Recipe is a delightful and irresistible dessert that brings together fresh strawberries, a moist texture, and a creamy frosting, making it perfect for any celebration.
As a maker of this cake, I can confidently say it’s a true crowd-pleaser. The balance of flavors and its vibrant appearance make it a standout treat that everyone will enjoy, leaving a lasting impression on any occasion.
It’s a dessert that I’m proud to create, knowing it will bring smiles to those who taste it!
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Paula Deen Strawberry Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (large and small)
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand)
- Whisk
- Spatula
- 2 (9-inch) round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 18.25-ounce box white cake mix
- 1 3-ounce box strawberry-flavored instant gelatin
- 1 15-ounce package frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed and puréed
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup water
For the Frosting:
- 1/4 cup softened butter
- 1 8-ounce package softened cream cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon strawberry extract optional
- 7 cups confectioners’ sugar
- Fresh strawberries sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat and Prep:
- ● First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easier removal.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
- ● In a large bowl, whisk together the cake mix and strawberry gelatin. This adds a beautiful pink hue and a subtle strawberry flavor to the cake.
Wet Ingredients and Mix:
- ● In another bowl, whisk together the puréed strawberries, eggs, oil, and water. Gently fold this wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix!
Bake the Cakes:
- ● Divide the batter evenly between your prepared cake pans. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- ● Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting Time:
- ● While the cakes cool, whip up the frosting! In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy.
- ● If you’re using strawberry extract, add it now and mix well. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, one cup at a time, until you reach a smooth and spreadable consistency.
Assemble and Frost:
- ● Once the cakes are cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting over the top.
- ● Carefully place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake, sides and all. Decorate with fresh sliced strawberries for that extra pop of color and freshness.