Paula Deen Strawberry Cake

Discover the ultimate Strawberry Cake recipe inspired by Paula Deen! This moist and flavorful cake features layers infused with strawberry goodness and topped with a creamy strawberry frosting. Perfect for birthdays, parties, or any sweet celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

• 1 box (18.25-ounce) white cake mix
• 1 box (3-ounce) strawberry-flavored instant gelatin
• 1 package (16-ounce) thawed and pureed frozen strawberries in syrup, divided
• 4 large eggs
• 1⁄2 cup vegetable oil
• 1⁄4 cup water

For the Frosting:

• 1⁄4 cup butter, softened
• 1 brick (8-ounce) cream cheese, softened
• 2 ounces thawed and pureed frozen strawberries
• 1⁄2 teaspoon strawberry extract
• 7 cups powdered sugar
• Fresh strawberries, sliced, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Grease 2 (9-inch) round cake pans with butter or non-stick spray.

Mix the Cake Batter

• In a large bowl, whisk together the white cake mix and strawberry-flavored instant gelatin.
• Using an electric mixer at medium speed, beat in 14 ounces of the pureed strawberries, eggs, vegetable oil, and water until smooth, approximately 1-2 minutes.

Bake the Cakes

• Pour the cake batter evenly into the prepared pans.
• Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centers comes out clean.

Cool and Prepare Frosting

• Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
• While the cakes cool, prepare the frosting.

Make the Frosting

• In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy.
• Beat in the remaining strawberry puree (2 ounces) and strawberry extract.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar while continuing to beat until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.

Assemble the Cake

• Place one of the cooled cakes on a serving plate and frost the top with approximately 1/3 of the frosting.
• Top with the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
• Garnish the cake with slices of fresh strawberries.

Chill and Serve

• Refrigerate the cake for 45 minutes or until ready to serve.
• Slice and savor each delicious bite of this heavenly Strawberry Cake.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen for this recipe?

• While frozen strawberries work well for convenience, you can certainly use fresh strawberries if they’re in season. Simply puree them to achieve the desired consistency.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

• Yes, you can make the cake layers and frosting ahead of time. Store the cooled cake layers in an airtight container at room temperature, and refrigerate the frosting until ready to use. Assemble the cake when you’re ready to serve.

Is it necessary to refrigerate the cake before serving?

• Chilling the cake helps the frosting set and makes it easier to slice. However, if you prefer a softer frosting, you can serve the cake immediately after assembling.

Can I customize the frosting flavor?

• Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different extracts or add-ins to customize the frosting to your taste preferences. Lemon or almond extract can be delightful alternatives to strawberry extract.

How should I store leftovers?

• Store any leftover cake in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 3-4 days.