Name: Paula Deen Strawberry Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box White Cake Mix (18 ounces); 1 box Strawberry Jell-O (3 ounces); 15 ounces Frozen Strawberries (pureed); 4 Large Eggs; 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil; 1/4 cup Water; 1/4 cup Butter (softened); 1 package Cream Cheese (8 ounces – softened); 2 ounces Frozen Strawberries (pureed); 7 cups Powdered Sugar; Fresh Strawberries (for garnish)

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If you are searching for a show-stopping dessert that’s bursting with fresh, fruity flavor and southern charm, you absolutely must try the Paula Deen Strawberry Cake. This delightful treat combines moist, tender layers infused with real strawberries and a luscious cream cheese frosting that keeps everyone coming back for more. Whether for a festive occasion or a simple weekend gathering, Paula Deen Strawberry Cake brings warmth and sweetness to the table that’s truly unforgettable.

Paula Deen Strawberry Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Paula Deen Strawberry Cake lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each element lends something essential: the white cake mix gives the perfect soft crumb, strawberry Jell-O adds a vibrant color and tang, and fresh strawberries provide an authentic burst of berry flavor. Together, they create a harmonious blend that’s easy to make and irresistibly delicious.

White Cake Mix (18 ounces): Forms the base of your cake with a tender and fluffy texture perfect for layering.
Strawberry Jell-O (3 ounces): Enhances the cake’s pink hue and adds a touch of sweet, fruity flavor.
Frozen Strawberries (15 ounces): Pureed to infuse the cake batter with fresh strawberry essence and moisture.
Large Eggs (4): Provide structure and richness to the cake layers.
Vegetable Oil (1/2 cup): Keeps the cake wonderfully moist without overpowering flavors.
Water (1/4 cup): Helps achieve the perfect batter consistency.
Butter, softened (1/4 cup): Adds creaminess and depth to the frosting.
Cream Cheese, softened (8 ounces): Gives the frosting its velvety, tangy richness that complements the strawberry notes.
Frozen Strawberries (2 ounces): Pureed and folded into the frosting for extra flavor and a fresh strawberry punch.
Powdered Sugar (7 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting for that classic creamy finish.
Fresh Strawberries (for garnish): Adds a beautiful and delicious finishing touch to your masterpiece.

How to Make Paula Deen Strawberry Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Pans and Strawberry Puree

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease two 9-inch cake pans and line them with parchment paper — this little extra step ensures your cakes will come out perfectly every time. While the oven warms, take your frozen strawberries and blitz them in a food processor or blender until you have a smooth, luscious puree that’s ready to be folded into both the cake and the frosting.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix with the strawberry Jell-O powder. This partnership brings a fabulous strawberry flavor and a lovely pink tint. Next, add in 15 ounces of your fresh strawberry puree, along with four large eggs, half a cup of vegetable oil, and a quarter cup of water. Use a handheld mixer to blend everything together until the batter is silky and smooth — no lumps here, just pure joy.

Step 3: Bake the Cake Layers

Evenly pour your batter into the prepared pans, striving for equal thickness to ensure uniform baking. Pop them into the oven for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely — the patience here is so worth it!

Step 4: Make the Dreamy Frosting

While your cakes are cooling, start on that irresistible frosting. Beat together softened butter and cream cheese until silky smooth. Then, fold in the remaining 2 ounces of strawberry puree, which guarantees that bright strawberry flavor shines through. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low until you reach a creamy, spreadable consistency that is simply perfect for frosting.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on your serving plate and generously spread about one-third of the frosting over the top. Gently set the second layer over the first and use the remaining frosting to coat the top and sides evenly. For best results, refrigerate the cake until it’s firm and ready to serve — this helps everything set beautifully and enhances the flavors.

How to Serve Paula Deen Strawberry Cake

Garnishes

The easiest way to elevate your Paula Deen Strawberry Cake is by adorning it with fresh strawberries. Their bright red color and natural sweetness perfectly complement the rich frosting and moist cake layers. You can slice them neatly for a polished look or add whole strawberries for a rustic, inviting feel that will have your guests swooning.

Side Dishes

While this cake shines as a star dessert, it pairs beautifully with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. These cool, creamy sides balance the strawberry sweetness and add an extra layer of indulgence — perfect for celebrations or simply treating yourself to a little southern hospitality in dessert form.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to take your Paula Deen Strawberry Cake presentation up a notch, consider serving individual slices with a drizzle of strawberry sauce or a sprinkle of crushed pecans for a delightful crunch. Alternatively, build a festive cake trifle with layers of cake, frosting, and fresh strawberries in clear glasses for a whimsical twist on a southern classic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once assembled, the Paula Deen Strawberry Cake keeps best when stored in the refrigerator, covered loosely with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. This will maintain its moisture and protect the fresh strawberry flavor for up to 3-4 days while keeping the frosting fresh and creamy.

Freezing

Want to make this cake ahead of time? You can freeze the fully frosted cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. When properly stored, it can last up to a month. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor before serving.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer it slightly warmer, just let your slice sit out for about 20 minutes before digging in. Avoid microwaving, as the frosting can melt and the texture can suffer from heat.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?

You can, but frozen strawberries puree better and help maintain moisture in the cake. If using fresh, make sure they’re ripe and puree them well to keep the texture smooth.

Is this cake very sweet because of the Jell-O?

The strawberry Jell-O adds flavor and a slight sweetness but doesn’t make the cake overly sweet. The powdered sugar in the frosting balances it out perfectly to keep every bite delightful.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free white cake mix to keep the same texture and taste while accommodating gluten-free needs. Just be sure your other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

How long does the frosting last on the cake?

When refrigerated, the cream cheese and strawberry frosting stays fresh and creamy for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet.

Can I double the recipe for a larger cake?

Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients and bake in bigger pans or make three layers for an even more impressive dessert. Adjust baking time accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Bringing the warm flavors and southern charm of Paula Deen Strawberry Cake into your kitchen is truly a joyful experience. This cake is simple enough to make any day special but impressive enough to wow a crowd. Its lovely pink hue, fresh strawberry flavor, and creamy frosting come together to create a dessert that feels like a sweet celebration with every bite. Don’t wait for a special occasion — bake this gem soon and share the love with those you care about.

Paula Deen Strawberry Cake Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 18 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Paula Deen’s Strawberry Cake is a delightful and moist dessert that blends the sweetness of fresh and frozen strawberries with a classic white cake base. Enhanced with strawberry Jell-O for extra flavor, this cake is layered and frosted with a creamy strawberry cream cheese frosting, making it perfect for celebrations or any special occasion.

Instructions

Prepare the pans: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease two 9-inch cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Puree strawberries: In a food processor or blender, puree the frozen strawberries for both the cake batter and frosting until smooth.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the white cake mix and the strawberry Jell-O powder until well combined.
Add wet ingredients: Add the 15 ounces of strawberry puree, eggs, vegetable oil, and water to the dry ingredients. Using a handheld mixer, blend everything together until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
Bake the cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then remove and place on wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
Prepare frosting base: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together using a handheld or stand mixer until creamy and smooth.
Add strawberry puree: Mix the remaining 2 ounces of pureed frozen strawberries into the cream cheese mixture until evenly combined.
Incorporate powdered sugar: Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add the powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time, until the frosting is smooth and well mixed.
Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread approximately one-third of the frosting evenly over the top.
Add second layer and frost: Place the second cake layer on top, then use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake thoroughly.
Chill and serve: Refrigerate the cake until firm and ready to serve. Garnish with fresh strawberries just before serving for an extra touch of color and flavor.

Notes

You can substitute fresh strawberries for frozen if preferred, adjusting the puree quantity accordingly.
Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for a smooth frosting texture.
For best results, allow the cake to chill for at least 1 hour before slicing to ensure the frosting sets well.
If you want a stronger strawberry flavor, add a teaspoon of strawberry extract to the batter or frosting.
This cake can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American