How to make a delicious strawberry cake or strawberry cupcakes

Making an adorable and super scrumptious strawberry cake is easy with this strawberry cake recipe.  Whether you are making cupcakes, a layer cake or a first birthday smash cake…you will love the taste of this strawberry cake!

Recently, I styled a “Berry First Birthday” party for my little baby.  For her party, I made some super yummy strawberry cupcakes and a fun and festive strawberry themed smash cake.  

Today I’m breaking down the recipe for this delicious cake and also how to make the strawberry smash cake complete with fondant strawberry toppers and decorations!

Don’t worry…it’s easier than it looks!!

How to use a Strawberry Cake

Before we dive into the recipe itself…using a strawberry cake is super easy.  You can serve up some cute strawberry cupcakes.  You can make strawberry cake push pops.  You can also make a fun and festive layer cake…like this one. 

Strawberry cake is definitely a versatile party treat!

Ideas for a Strawberry party

If you are planning on throwing a Strawberry themed party…be sure to check out our Berry First Birthday party for inspiration and ideas.

There are tons of fun strawberry party ideas.  Here is another strawberry themed party you can check out for inspiration too!

Strawberry Cake Recipe: STEP by STEP

Alright…let’s take a look at how to bake a strawberry cake!

Ingredients:

Step 1: 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  

Prep pans by rubbing with butter or spraying with non-stick spray.  If you are using multiple cake pans that are the same size or a different sized layers, you can prep them together. 

If you are reusing the same pan, you will need to re-butter in between each bake.  

For a small smash cake, use the smallest size pan (4 inches)  and bake three layers.

Step 2: 

Place eggs and miracle whip into mixer. Mix on low speed.  Add the strawberry gelatin, flour and sugar.  Mix until even.

Step 3:

With mixer still on low, add the cake mix and sprite.  I have found the best method for doing this to alternate the dry and liquids as you add them in to keep the batter even and smooth.

I start with adding a little cake mix, and then a little sprite and go back and forth until it is all added.  Once this is mixed, add the strawberries.  You can use either fresh or frozen.  I prefer frozen.

Once all ingredients are added, I increase speed for a couple minutes and ensure it is fully mixed.  The batter will be a pretty pink color.  If you want a darker shade, you can add a little red food coloring

Step 4:

Pour batter into cake pan or paper lined cupcake tins (about 2/3 full).

Bake cake for 25-30 mins (1 layer at a time) or 18-23 mins for thinner layers.  Cupcakes will bake 25-27 minute.

Cake is done when it is dry in the middle.

Step 5:

Allow layers to cool. You can use a knife or cake leveler to ensure layers are even once they are cool. Freeze cake layers.  I like to place them into gallon size ziplock bags in the freezer overnight. 

Step 6:

Using frozen layers, place a small amount of frosting on the top of a cake plate or stand.  Place bottom layer on plate.   With frosting in a piping bag (with or without a tip) cover the top of the layer with frosting. 

I like to start at the outer edge to ensure that the frosting covers the entire layer.  Keep in mind, the thicker you make the frosting, the more spread apart the cake layers will be.

Repeat the process with each layer until you have stacked all layers.  Frost as desired. 

Easy peasy!

Delicious + Easy Strawberry Cake Recipe

Print

Strawberry Cake Recipe: STEP by STEP

Alright...let's take a look at how to bake a strawberry cake!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 package white cake mix
• 1 package (3 ounces) strawberry gelatin
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sprite
• 1/2 cup miracle whip
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup chopped strawberries (frozen or fresh)

Instructions

Step 1: 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  

Prep pans by rubbing with butter or spraying with non-stick spray.  If you are using multiple cake pans that are the same size or a different sized layers, you can prep them together. 

If you are reusing the same pan, you will need to re-butter in between each bake.  

For a small smash cake, use the smallest size pan (4 inches)  and bake three layers.

Step 2: 

Place eggs and miracle whip into mixer. Mix on low speed.  Add the strawberry gelatin, flour and sugar.  Mix until even.

Step 3:

With mixer still on low, add the cake mix and sprite.  I have found the best method for doing this to alternate the dry and liquids as you add them in to keep the batter even and smooth.

I start with adding a little cake mix, and then a little sprite and go back and forth until it is all added.  Once this is mixed, add the strawberries.  You can use either fresh or frozen.  I prefer frozen.

Once all ingredients are added, I increase speed for a couple minutes and ensure it is fully mixed.  The batter will be a pretty pink color.  If you want a darker shade, you can add a little red food coloring

Step 4:

Pour batter into cake pan or paper lined cupcake tins (about 2/3 full).

Bake cake for 25-30 mins (1 layer at a time) or 18-23 mins for thinner layers.  Cupcakes will bake 25-27 minute.

Cake is done when it is dry in the middle.

Step 5:

Allow layers to cool. You can use a knife or cake leveler to ensure layers are even once they are cool. Freeze cake layers.  I like to place them into gallon size ziplock bags in the freezer overnight. 

Step 6:

Using frozen layers, place a small amount of frosting on the top of a cake plate or stand.  Place bottom layer on plate.   With frosting in a piping bag (with or without a tip) cover the top of the layer with frosting. 

I like to start at the outer edge to ensure that the frosting covers the entire layer.  Keep in mind, the thicker you make the frosting, the more spread apart the cake layers will be.

Repeat the process with each layer until you have stacked all layers.  Frost as desired. 

Easy peasy!

Notes

Materials:

• Stand mixer (optional, but highly recommended)
• measuring cups
• Multi sized Springform Layer Cake Pans

These are my recommended materials.  These help to make baking easy and also ensure everything turns out perfectly.  However, you can totally make them with a hand mixer or the old fashioned way with your whisk…but it will be much faster and much easier with a stand mixer!