Welcome, fellow bakers! Today we're diving into a delightful dessert that combines the nostalgic charm of strawberry jello with the tender crumb of a homemade cake. This strawberry cake recipe with jello is a fantastic way to capture the essence of summer in every bite.
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The secret? A box of strawberry gelatin not only infuses the cake with vibrant color and intense strawberry flavor but also helps create an incredibly moist texture. It's a simple trick that yields impressive results, making it perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or just because.
In this guide, I'll walk you through each step with precision, share pro tips for success, and answer common questions. Let's get started!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
1 box (15.25 oz / 432g) white cake mix
Use a good quality brand like Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker. You can substitute with a homemade white cake recipe if preferred.
1 box (3 oz / 85g) strawberry jello (gelatin)
This is the star! Feel free to use sugar-free if you'd like to reduce sugar, but note the texture may vary slightly.
4 large eggs
Room temperature eggs incorporate better and give a higher rise.
1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
Canola or melted coconut oil work too. Avoid olive oil for its strong flavor.
1 cup (240ml) water
Use warm water to help dissolve the jello completely.
1 cup (150g) fresh strawberries, chopped
If fresh aren't in season, frozen (thawed and drained) work well. Pat dry to avoid excess moisture.
Tips & Tricks
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Do not overmix the batter; stir just until combined to keep the cake tender.
- Grease your pan thoroughly, even if it's non-stick, to guarantee easy release.
- For even baking, rotate the pan halfway through the baking time.
Pro Tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray and set aside.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the cake mix and strawberry jello powder until well combined. This ensures the jello is evenly distributed.
3. Add Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs, oil, and water to the dry mixture. Mix on medium speed with an electric mixer for 2 minutes, scraping the bowl as needed. The batter will be smooth and slightly thick.
4. Fold in Strawberries
Gently fold in the chopped strawberries using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix, as this can break down the fruit and tint the batter unevenly.
5. Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The edges will start to pull away from the pan.
6. Cool the Cake
Remove the cake from the oven and place on a wire rack. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto the rack to cool completely. Do not frost until fully cool.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Once cool, you can dust with powdered sugar, top with whipped cream and fresh strawberries, or serve as is. Slice and enjoy!
Delicious Variations
Cream Cheese Frosting
Top with a tangy cream cheese frosting for extra richness.
Strawberry Glaze
Mix powdered sugar with strawberry puree for a simple, fruity glaze.
Layer Cake
Bake in two 8-inch round pans and layer with strawberry whipped cream.
How to Store Strawberry Cake Recipe With Jello
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The moisture from the jello keeps it fresh.
Freezer
Wrap unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating
For a warm treat, microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds. Or serve at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use sugar-free jello?
Yes, you can use sugar-free jello to reduce sugar. The cake will be slightly less sweet and the texture may be a bit more delicate, but it still works.
Q: Do I need to use a cake mix?
No, you can use a homemade white cake recipe. Just add the jello powder to the dry ingredients and proceed as directed.
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, frozen strawberries work. Thaw them first, drain excess liquid, and pat dry to prevent the batter from becoming too wet.
Q: How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. The edges will also be lightly browned.
Q: Can I make this into cupcakes?
Absolutely! Bake in lined muffin tins for 18-22 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Check for doneness with a toothpick.
I hope you enjoy this strawberry cake as much as my family does! If you try it, leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. Happy baking!
Strawberry Cake Recipe With Jello
This strawberry jello cake is incredibly moist, bursting with fresh berry flavor, and easy to make. Perfect for summer desserts!
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz / 432g) white cake mix
- 1 box (3 oz / 85g) strawberry jello (gelatin)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 1 cup (240ml) water
- 1 cup (150g) fresh strawberries, chopped
📋 Instructions
- 1Preheat and Prepare — Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray and set aside.
- 2Mix Dry Ingredients — In a large bowl, whisk together the cake mix and strawberry jello powder until well combined. This ensures the jello is evenly distributed.
- 3Add Wet Ingredients — Add the eggs, oil, and water to the dry mixture. Mix on medium speed with an electric mixer for 2 minutes, scraping the bowl as needed. The batter will be smooth and slightly thick.
- 4Fold in Strawberries — Gently fold in the chopped strawberries using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix, as this can break down the fruit and tint the batter unevenly.
- 5Pour and Bake — Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The edges will start to pull away from the pan.
- 6Cool the Cake — Remove the cake from the oven and place on a wire rack. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto the rack to cool completely. Do not frost until fully cool.
- 7Serve and Enjoy — Once cool, you can dust with powdered sugar, top with whipped cream and fresh strawberries, or serve as is. Slice and enjoy!
Jonas writes about home renovation and woodworking, focusing on DIY projects that are achievable for beginners. He emphasizes careful planning and using simple tools to create lasting results.
