If you’re craving something fun, fruity, and absolutely delicious, then this Strawberry Jello Cake is exactly what you need. Picture this: a soft, fluffy cake with a burst of sweet strawberry flavor in every bite, topped with a creamy, dreamy frosting. This cake is light, refreshing, and perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a family dinner, a party, or just a treat for yourself. Trust me, once you make this cake, it’ll become a go-to recipe in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love Strawberry Jello Cake
This isn’t just any cake—it’s a showstopper. Let me tell you why it’s going to steal your heart:
Bright and Fruity: The strawberry jello adds a sweet, tangy flavor that perfectly complements the soft cake. It’s like a burst of summer in every bite.
Super Moist: Thanks to the jello, this cake stays incredibly moist. You’ll love the tender texture with each forkful.
Easy to Make: No complicated steps here—just simple ingredients and an easy process. If you’re a beginner baker or just looking for something simple yet impressive, this cake is for you.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a casual get-together, this cake will always be the star of the show.
Customizable: You can adjust the flavor by using a different flavor of jello (hello, lime or cherry!), or get creative with the frosting. The options are endless!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this super simple and delicious cake:
Strawberry Jello: The key ingredient that gives this cake its vibrant color and fruity flavor.
Cake Mix: A box of white or yellow cake mix forms the base of the cake. It’s easy and convenient, and gives the cake a soft, fluffy texture.
Eggs: They help bind the ingredients together and give the cake its structure.
Vegetable Oil: For moisture—this ensures the cake stays soft and tender.
Water: To combine all the ingredients and bring the batter together.
Whipped Topping: Light and airy, the whipped topping is the perfect finishing touch for this cake.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese in the frosting adds a rich and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cake.
Powdered Sugar: For the frosting, powdered sugar helps create the perfect sweet and creamy texture.
Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the flavors of both the cake and frosting.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get started on this deliciously simple cake:
Prepare Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Make the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Mix well until everything is fully combined and smooth.
Add the Jello: Dissolve the strawberry jello in hot water, then pour it into the cake batter. Mix until it’s evenly incorporated, and the batter is a bright pink color.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
Prepare the Frosting: In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Frost the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, spread the frosting evenly on top. Top with a dollop of whipped topping for an extra light, airy touch.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice, serve, and enjoy! This cake is perfect for any occasion, and it’s guaranteed to impress your guests.
How to Serve Strawberry Jello Cake
This cake is light and fruity, making it perfect on its own, but here are a few ideas to make it even more special:
Fresh Strawberries: Top the cake with fresh strawberries for added flavor and a beautiful presentation.
Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream pairs wonderfully with the light, fruity cake.
Fruit Salad: Serve the cake alongside a refreshing fruit salad for a colorful, sweet, and healthy contrast.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Make Ahead: You can bake the cake and prepare the frosting ahead of time. Store the cake in an airtight container and keep the frosting in the fridge. Frost the cake just before serving.
Use a Different Flavor of Jello: Feel free to switch things up by using a different flavored jello, like raspberry or orange, to make this cake your own.
Storage Tips: Store leftover cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it tightly to keep it fresh.
Double the Recipe: If you need to feed a crowd, you can double the recipe and make two cakes or a larger layered cake.
Make It Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and whipped topping to make this cake dairy-free.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a homemade cake mix instead of boxed?
A1: Yes! You can definitely use a homemade cake recipe instead of a boxed mix. Just make sure it’s a light cake that will absorb the jello well.
Q2: Can I use sugar-free jello?
A2: Yes, you can substitute sugar-free jello to make this a lower-sugar option. The cake will still be delicious!
Q3: Can I freeze this cake?
A3: Yes, you can freeze the cake (without frosting) for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge before frosting and serving.
Q4: Can I use a different type of frosting?
A4: Absolutely! You can substitute the cream cheese frosting with a whipped cream frosting or even a buttercream frosting if you prefer.
Q5: Can I add fruit to the cake batter?
A5: Yes! You can add chopped strawberries or other fruits to the batter for extra flavor and texture.
Q6: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A6: Yes, this cake can be made ahead! Bake the cake and prepare the frosting, then store them separately. Frost the cake just before serving.
Q7: Can I use a different pan size?
A7: If you use a different pan size, be sure to adjust the baking time. A larger pan will bake faster, while a smaller pan may take a little longer.
Q8: How do I store leftovers?
A8: Store leftover cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it tightly covered to maintain freshness.
Q9: Can I use a sugar substitute for the frosting?
A9: Yes, you can substitute powdered sugar with a sugar alternative like Stevia or Monk Fruit for a lower-sugar version of the frosting.
Q10: Can I make this cake in individual servings?
A10: Yes! You can bake the cake in a muffin tin for individual servings. Just adjust the baking time and check for doneness with a toothpick.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Jello Cake is one of those recipes you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for any occasion. It’s light, fruity, and irresistibly moist. Whether you’re making it for a special event or just because, this cake is sure to wow everyone at the table. Go ahead and give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Strawberry Jello Cake
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy-to-make Strawberry Jello Cake is a crowd favorite, featuring a soft, moist cake infused with fruity strawberry flavor. Perfect for summer gatherings, this dessert is sure to become your go-to treat!
Ingredients
- 1 (15.25 ounce) box white cake mix
- 3 eggs (or as noted on cake mix box)
- 1 cup water (or as noted on cake mix box)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or as noted on cake mix box)
- 1 (3 ounce) box strawberry gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- 8 ounces Cool Whip (thawed)
- 2 cups sliced strawberries
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Blend with a hand mixer until well combined.
Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cake springs back when touched. Remove from the oven and let cool for 20 minutes on a wire rack. - Poke Holes in the Cake:
Once the cake has cooled, poke several holes halfway into the cake with the end of a wooden spoon, spacing them about ½-inch apart. - Prepare the Jello:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the strawberry gelatin powder and boiling water. Whisk until completely dissolved.
Spoon the Jello liquid over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes. Any remaining liquid can be poured over the cake. - Chill the Cake:
Place the cake in the refrigerator and chill for 1 hour to allow the gelatin to set. - Top and Serve:
Remove the cake from the refrigerator. Spread the Cool Whip over the cake using an offset spatula.
Top with sliced strawberries and serve immediately.
Notes
- Let the cake chill for 1 hour to ensure the gelatin sets properly before adding the Cool Whip.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 96
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg