paula deen strawberry cake
If you’re craving a dessert that’s moist, flavorful, and bursting with fresh strawberry goodness, Paula Deen’s Strawberry Cake is an absolute must-try. This classic Southern recipe mixes a white cake base with strawberry gelatin and puree, topped with a luscious cream cheese strawberry frosting. It’s a crowd-pleaser perfect for birthdays, holidays, or whenever you want to indulge in a slice of sweet heaven. In this article, you’ll find everything you need from ingredients and detailed instructions to tips, variations, and expert advice to make this iconic cake effortlessly at home.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Paula Deen Strawberry Cake
What sets Paula Deen’s strawberry cake apart is its perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, combined with a tender, moist crumb. The use of strawberry gelatin adds a subtle fruity depth to the cake, while the pureed strawberries bring a fresh, natural sweetness. The cream cheese frosting is decadently creamy with hints of strawberry, creating a delightful contrast to the cake’s light texture. Whether for a casual family dessert or a formal party centerpiece, this cake impresses every time.
Easy Paula Deen Strawberry Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour 2 nine-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
- Puree Strawberries: Thaw frozen strawberries and puree 15 ounces in a blender or food processor until smooth. Reserve 1/4 cup of puree for frosting.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine white cake mix and strawberry gelatin powder. Add pureed strawberries, eggs, oil, and water. Beat with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and well-mixed.
- Bake the Cake: Pour batter into prepared pans evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool for 10 minutes in pans, then remove and cool completely on wire rack.
- Prepare Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat butter and cream cheese in a large bowl until creamy. Add strawberry extract and reserved strawberry puree. Gradually add confectioners sugar, beating until frosting is thick and spreadable.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on serving plate. Spread frosting evenly on top. Add second cake layer, frost the top and sides completely.
- Garnish and Chill: Optionally garnish with sliced fresh strawberries. Refrigerate cake to set frosting before serving.
Notes
Ingredients For Paula Deen Strawberry Cake
Cake Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix (18.25 oz)
- 1 box strawberry-flavored gelatin (3 oz)
- 1 package frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed and pureed (15 oz + 1/4 cup for frosting)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup water
Frosting Ingredients
- 1/4 cup softened butter
- 8 oz softened cream cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon strawberry extract
- 7 cups confectioners sugar
- 1/4 cup strawberry puree (from frozen strawberries)
How to Make Paula Deen Strawberry Cake
paula deen strawberry cake is a classic Southern dessert combining a moist white cake base with strawberry gelatin and pureed strawberries, layered and frosted with creamy strawberry cream cheese frosting. This luscious layer cake is perfect for special occasions, packed with authentic strawberry flavor and easy to make with simple ingredients.
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter or non-stick spray and flour them or line with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Puree Strawberries
Thaw the frozen strawberries and puree 15 ounces of them in a food processor or blender until smooth. Reserve 1/4 cup for the frosting.
Step 3: Mix Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix and strawberry gelatin powder. Add the pureed strawberries, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Using an electric mixer, blend on medium speed until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking for moist results.
Step 5: Cool Cake Layers
Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then remove and place on a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Step 6: Prepare Strawberry Cream Cheese Frostin
In a large bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese together until creamy and smooth. Add strawberry extract and the reserved 1/4 cup strawberry puree. Gradually blend in the confectioners sugar, about one cup at a time, until the frosting reaches a thick, spreadable consistency.
Step 7: Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a third of the frosting evenly over the top. Place the second layer on top and use the remaining frosting to cover the entire cake (top and sides).
Step 8: Garnish and Chill
Optionally, garnish the cake with sliced fresh strawberries for added freshness and visual appeal. Refrigerate the cake until ready to serve to allow the frosting to set
Estimated Cost: 15 USD
Supply:
- 2 (9-inch) round cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
- Food processor or blender (for pureeing strawberries)
Tools:
- Oven
- Electric mixer
- Food processor or blender
- Mixing bowls
- Cooling rack
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Materials: For Cake 1 box white cake mix (18.25 oz)1 box strawberry-flavored instant gelatin (3 oz)1 package frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed and pureed (15 oz + 1/4 cup for frosting)4 large eggs1/2 cup vegetable oil1/4 cup waterFor Frosting 1/4 cup softened butter1 (8 oz) package softened cream cheese1/2 teaspoon strawberry extract7 cups confectioners sugar
Tips for Perfect Paula Deen Strawberry Cake
- Ingredient Substitutions: Fresh strawberries can be used instead of frozen if you puree them well. If you want a gelatin-free version, try agar-agar or a fresh strawberry reduction to maintain flavor.
- Keep Frosting Firm: Chill the cream cheese and butter before mixing. If the weather is warm, refrigerate the frosting briefly before application to avoid runniness.
- Freeze-Dried Strawberries: For an intense strawberry flavor, sprinkle freeze-dried strawberry powder into the frosting.
- Baking Tips: Room temperature eggs and ingredients mix better and create a tender crumb. Use parchment paper in pans for easy cake removal.
- Storage: Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted layers and frost just before serving.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Vegan Strawberry Cake: Substitute the cake mix with a vegan-friendly mix. Use flax eggs or a chia seed egg replacement and vegan cream cheese for the frosting.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free white cake mix and check all ingredients for gluten-free certification.
- Frosting Options: Swap the cream cheese frosting for whipped cream or buttercream for lighter or richer coatings.
- Serving: This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of fresh lemonade for a refreshing contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does paula deen strawberry cake last?
Store in the refrigerator covered for up to 4 days. Avoid leaving the cake at room temperature for extended periods due to the cream cheese frosting.
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
Yes! Puree fresh, ripe strawberries well to use in place of frozen. Adjust the quantity for water content.
How do I prevent strawberry frosting from being runny?
Use chilled cream cheese and butter. Add confectioners sugar gradually until the frosting stiffens to the right consistency.
What can substitute for gelatin?
Agar-agar powder or cornstarch mixtures can be alternatives, though flavor and texture may vary slightly.
Can this cake be frozen?
Freeze baked, unfrosted cake layers tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before frosting and serving.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 12g
- Sugar: 30g
Note: Nutritional content varies with ingredient brands and serving size.
Why paula deen strawberry cake Is the Best
paula deen strawberry cake recipe delivers a nostalgic Southern classic that’s both simple and exceptional. Its unique use of strawberry gelatin and pureed frozen strawberries ensures a moist, flavorful cake unlike typical box mix recipes. The creamy strawberry cream cheese frosting adds balance and richness. Compared to other strawberry cakes, this recipe’s elegant ease without sacrificing flavor or texture is why it remains beloved by bakers nationwide.
Conclusion
paula deen strawberry cake is more than just a dessert it’s a celebration of fresh strawberries and classic Southern baking. Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying this cake for the first time, this recipe guarantees a delicious success that will impress family and friends. Don’t forget to share your baking adventure in the comments below and spread the joy by sharing this recipe on your favorite social channels!
Related Recipes You’ll Love
Looking for more delicious ideas? Try these reader favorites:
- Ultimate Brisket Sandwich Recipe: How to Make the Best Leftover & Smoked Brisket Sandwich
- Yum Yum Sauce Recipe – Authentic Japanese Steakhouse Copycat
- Bacon & Cream Cheese Stuffed Doritos Recipe
- Easy Burrata Bruschetta Recipe | Fresh Tomato & Creamy Burrata Delight
- How to Make moe’s adobo chicken: The Perfect Copycat Recipe for Authentic Flavor
Find these and more on YummyUmRecipes.com.
Author Bio
Recipe and photos by YummyUmRecipes.com. Dedicated to bringing you the best viral drink recipes, lunch ideas, and family-friendly food inspiration... Follow on Pinterest YumYum Foodie for daily recipes and creative kitchen
