Are you craving a cake that’s both incredibly easy to make and packed with fruity goodness? This Old Strawberry Box Cake is the answer! Perfect for any occasion, from a cozy family dinner to a summer picnic, this cake offers the nostalgic flavors of sweet strawberries combined with the classic moist texture of a homemade cake. The best part? You can whip it up in no time with a few simple ingredients and enjoy it with friends and family.
This cake brings back fond memories of the kind of desserts that my grandmother used to make—simple, yet irresistible. The strawberry flavor is a timeless favorite, and with the added touch of a homemade frosting, this cake takes the best of both worlds. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive into how to make this delightful treat!
Why You’ll Love This Old Strawberry Box Cake
There’s something about the combination of cake mix and Jell-O that makes this recipe truly special. This Old Strawberry Box Cake isn’t just your typical cake—it’s a fun twist on the traditional strawberry dessert that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. With a simple cake base that’s enhanced by the tangy sweetness of frozen strawberries, this cake is the perfect balance of light, fluffy, and rich.
Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:
- Quick and Easy: Using a box cake mix and Jell-O gives you a head start, making this a super fast dessert to prepare for any occasion.
- Rich Flavor: The addition of frozen strawberries and strawberry juice creates a moist, flavorful cake that’s packed with the taste of summer.
- Versatile: This cake is ideal for birthdays, holidays, potlucks, or any casual get-together. Plus, it’s customizable to suit your preferences!
- Delicious Frosting: The homemade strawberry frosting is creamy and sweet, providing the perfect finishing touch to this delightful cake.
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Old Strawberry Box Cake
Before you start baking, gather these simple ingredients. You’ll find most of them in your pantry already!
For the Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix
- 1 (3oz) box strawberry Jell-O
- ⅔ cup vegetable oil
- 4 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup frozen strawberries (thawed, with the juice)
For the Frosting:
- 1 (16-ounce) box confectioners’ sugar
- 1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter, softened
- ½ cup frozen strawberries (thawed)
How to Make the Old Strawberry Box Cake
Let’s get into the steps to create this sweet, fruity masterpiece. This recipe is straightforward and requires no special baking skills—perfect for beginners or anyone looking to make something delicious with minimal effort.
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans and Preheat the Oven
Start by lining two 9-inch cake pans (or three 8-inch pans) with wax paper. This helps ensure the cake layers come out of the pans easily once they’re done baking. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s hot and ready when you need it.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix and strawberry Jell-O. Stir until they’re fully incorporated—this is where the magic happens, adding that burst of strawberry flavor to the cake. Next, add in the vegetable oil, beaten eggs, thawed strawberries, and strawberry juice. Mix everything until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Pro Tip: Be sure to drain any excess water from the thawed strawberries before adding them to the batter for the best consistency.
Step 3: Bake the Cake Layers
Evenly divide the cake batter between the two prepared pans, spreading it out with a spatula if necessary. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes. Start checking at the 15-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake layers—if it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
Once done, remove the cake layers from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting. Cooling is key to making sure the frosting doesn’t melt into the cake.
How to Make the Homemade Strawberry Frosting
While your cake is cooling, it’s time to make the delicious strawberry frosting! The frosting for this cake is a simple but creamy blend that adds an extra layer of strawberry flavor.
Step 1: Beat the Butter and Sugar
Start by beating the confectioners’ sugar and softened butter together until smooth and fluffy. This should only take a couple of minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
Step 2: Add the Thawed Strawberries
Once the sugar and butter are well mixed, add the thawed strawberries. Continue to beat until the frosting reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. The natural sweetness from the strawberries will balance out the richness of the butter and sugar, giving the frosting a lovely texture and flavor.
Pro Tip: If you prefer a thicker frosting, you can add more powdered sugar a little at a time until you get the desired consistency.
Assemble the Old Strawberry Box Cake
Now comes the fun part—putting it all together!
Step 1: Frost the Cake Layers
Place one of the cooled cake layers on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of the strawberry frosting over the top of the cake, smoothing it out to cover the entire surface. Top with the second layer of cake and apply the frosting generously to the top and sides of the cake.
Step 2: Decorate (Optional)
For a more decorative look, you can top the cake with additional fresh strawberries or even a drizzle of strawberry syrup. This adds a lovely finishing touch and makes your cake even more tempting!
Tips for Success and Customizing the Recipe
While this Old Strawberry Box Cake is delicious as written, there are many ways to customize it to fit your taste and dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- Make It Healthier: If you prefer a lighter cake, try using a sugar-free Jell-O mix and a low-fat cake mix. You can also use a sugar substitute in the frosting to reduce the sweetness and calories.
- Add More Fruit: Consider adding fresh strawberries to the cake batter for an extra burst of flavor or fold in blueberries, raspberries, or even chunks of banana for a different twist.
- Make It a Layer Cake: If you’re looking for a more impressive presentation, consider making a multi-layer cake by using three cake pans instead of two. This will result in more layers of frosting and a beautiful layered effect when sliced.
Why This Cake is Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re baking for a birthday, celebrating a holiday, or just enjoying a cozy afternoon with family, this Old Strawberry Box Cake is an excellent choice. Its sweet and fruity flavor is perfect for all ages, and the bright pink color of the cake is sure to stand out on any dessert table.
The cake is also easy to customize to suit any dietary needs or preferences, making it versatile for different occasions. Plus, it’s an affordable option that doesn’t skimp on flavor or quality.
The Final Word: A Simple, Delicious Cake That Everyone Will Love
Baking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious, and this Old Strawberry Box Cake is proof of that. It’s a cake that combines the joy of easy-to-make ingredients with the irresistible flavor of fresh strawberries. Whether you’re a beginner baker or someone with more experience in the kitchen, this cake will bring a smile to your face and a burst of sweetness to your day.
So, next time you’re craving something sweet, why not try making this strawberry delight? It’s a simple, fun recipe that delivers on flavor and will be the star of your next gathering.
Final Thoughts
This Old Strawberry Box Cake is a wonderful, quick dessert that offers the perfect balance of sweetness, strawberry flavor, and a moist cake base. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, a birthday party, or just need a treat for yourself, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
What’s great about this recipe is its flexibility—it’s easy to make, customizable, and absolutely scrumptious. So go ahead, give it a try, and share the love (and the recipe) with friends and family!
Enjoy! 🍓
Printold strawberry box cake
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
Description
Are you craving a cake that’s both incredibly easy to make and packed with fruity goodness? This Old Strawberry Box Cake is the answer! Perfect for any occasion, from a cozy family dinner to a summer picnic, this cake offers the nostalgic flavors of sweet strawberries combined with the classic moist texture of a homemade cake. The best part? You can whip it up in no time with a few simple ingredients and enjoy it with friends and family.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix
- 1 (3oz) box strawberry Jell-O
- ⅔ cup vegetable oil
- 4 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup frozen strawberries (thawed, with the juice)
For the Frosting:
- 1 (16-ounce) box confectioners’ sugar
- 1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter, softened
- ½ cup frozen strawberries (thawed)
Instructions
- Line two 9-inch cake pans (or three 8-inch pans) with wax paper and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix and strawberry Jell-O. Stir until well incorporated.
- Add the vegetable oil, beaten eggs, thawed strawberries, and strawberry juice. Mix everything until the batter is smooth and combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center of the cakes.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
- To make the frosting, beat together the confectioners’ sugar, softened butter, and thawed strawberries until smooth and creamy.
- Once the cakes are fully cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top of one cake layer.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
- Optional: Decorate with additional fresh strawberries for a beautiful finishing touch.
Notes
- Be sure to drain any excess water from the thawed strawberries before adding them to the batter.
- For a thicker frosting, you can add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.
- You can customize this cake by adding other fruits or a drizzle of strawberry syrup on top for extra flavor.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can use a sugar-free Jell-O mix and low-fat cake mix.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes