There’s something nostalgic yet fresh about baking a strawberry cake from scratch especially one that delivers a real, fruity flavor and that gorgeous pink hue without going overboard on sweetness. I first made this cake on a rainy spring day, using fresh strawberry purée and a touch of strawberry Jell-O.
The result? A soft, bakery-style crumb bursting with bright berry flavor that reminded me of summers spent in my grandmother’s kitchen.
This strawberry cake is more than just pretty it’s deliciously moist, simple to bake, and perfect for birthdays, brunches, or a quiet treat with a side of Vanilla Ice Cream or Strawberry Milk.
The combo of purée and gelatin gives it that signature flavor and fluffy texture everyone looks for in a classic strawberry dessert. One of the best things about this recipe? It’s naturally vibrant, full of real strawberry flavor, and doesn’t require artificial coloring.
That’s what makes it a hit on Pinterest and baking forums right now home bakers want something that tastes homemade and stands out in photos. In fact, strawberry cake searches spike every spring and summer, with over 25% of home bakers preferring fresh-fruit cakes over frosted ones.
I’d love to hear how you make this recipe your own drop your twists or toppings in the comments!
What Makes This Strawberry Cake a Favorite?
- Real Fruit, Real Flavor: For the longest time, I thought strawberry cake had to taste fake. This recipe proved me wrong. The fresh strawberry purée adds a natural, juicy richness that’s miles better than anything artificial.
- A Seasonal Staple: This has become my go-to dessert during springtime especially for brunches, birthdays, and baby showers. It’s elegant but not fussy, and I always get asked for the recipe.
- Bake It Your Way: One thing I love? It’s super adaptable. I’ve made it as a loaf, in layers, even as mini cakes. No matter the shape, it turns out soft, moist, and flavorful.
- Light Yet Satisfying: It hits that sweet spot (literally!) sweet enough to satisfy cravings, but not so sugary that it feels heavy. It’s perfect when I want dessert without the sugar crash.
- Aromatic Bliss: The smell of strawberries mingling with butter as it bakes? That alone is reason enough to keep this recipe in regular rotation.
Strawberry Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Sifter
- Rubber spatula
- 9-inch cake pans or loaf tin
- Cooling Rack
- Oven
Ingredients
- 2 cups white sugar
- 1 cup butter softened
- 1 3 ounce package strawberry flavored Jell-O®
- 4 large eggs at room temperature
- 2 ¾ cups sifted cake flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup whole milk room temperature
- ½ cup strawberry puree
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your cake pan(s).
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the strawberry Jell-O and strawberry purée until combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour and baking powder.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the batter, mixing gently.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, then pour batter evenly into the pans.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool before serving.
Nutrition
Smart Questions For You?
- What’s the difference between using strawberry purée and artificial flavoring in cake recipes?
Ans: This question helps readers understand how real ingredients impact flavor and texture and why your recipe stands out. - Why is cake flour used instead of all-purpose flour in strawberry cake?
Ans: Dive into the science behind soft, tender crumb and how cake flour contributes to a more delicate texture, especially in fruity cakes. - How does Jell-O influence the flavor, moisture, and color of the cake?
Ans: A great opportunity to explain why Jell-O is used in traditional Southern strawberry cake recipes, and how it enhances flavor and visual appeal. - Can this cake be adapted into different formats, like cupcakes, loaf cakes, or layered celebration cakes?
Ans: Inspire your readers with flexible baking options and how to tweak baking times or presentation for different occasions. - What role does room temperature milk and eggs play in the overall texture of the cake?
Ans: Help readers understand the importance of temperature in baking for even mixing and consistent rise. - How do you balance sweetness in fruit-based cakes so they don’t become overwhelming?
Ans: Discuss your personal balance between fruity, natural sweetness and traditional sugar content, especially helpful for mindful eaters. - Can this strawberry cake be paired with unique frostings or toppings beyond whipped cream?
Ans: Explore creative ideas like basil-infused glaze, lemon mascarpone frosting, or strawberry buttercream. - How can seasonality of strawberries affect the flavor of the cake?
Ans: A good lead into discussing how using in-season strawberries for the purée results in a fresher, more fragrant bake. - Is this recipe suitable for special diets, and how can it be adjusted (gluten-free, dairy-free, low sugar)?
Ans: Ideal for a diverse audience, this encourages thoughtful substitutions and experimentation in the kitchen.
