Are you craving a refreshing and delicious dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this Strawberry Jello Cake! This classic recipe is a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and creamy, guaranteed to impress your family and friends. It's a delightful combination of fluffy cake, vibrant strawberry jello, and a rich creamy topping – all coming together for a taste sensation that's both satisfying and surprisingly simple to whip up. This recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, offering a simple yet elegant dessert solution for any occasion.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) white cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
For the Strawberry Jello Layer:
- 1 (3 ounce) package strawberry gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup cold water
For the Creamy Topping:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
Instructions:
Baking the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This simple step ensures your cake releases easily.
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, oil, and eggs. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay!
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan before adding the jello layer. This prevents the jello from melting.
Preparing the Jello Layer:
- In a medium bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in the boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved.
- Stir in the cold water.
- Pour the jello mixture evenly over the cooled cake.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the jello is completely set.
Making the Creamy Topping:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Beat in the vanilla extract.
- Gently fold in the whipped heavy cream until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the topping will become deflated.
- Spread the creamy topping evenly over the set jello layer.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the topping to set.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer cake, use buttermilk instead of water in the cake batter.
- Feel free to experiment with other jello flavors, such as cherry or raspberry.
- Add fresh strawberries to the creamy topping for extra flavor and texture.
- If you don't have heavy cream, you can substitute with whipped topping. The result might be slightly less fluffy.
- To make this a truly impressive dessert, consider using a Bundt pan for a unique presentation.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. For a precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator and input your exact ingredients and serving size. However, you can expect a serving to be moderately high in sugar and fat, due to the cake, jello, and cream cheese frosting. It's best enjoyed as an occasional treat.
This Strawberry Jello Cake is a fantastic addition to any gathering or a delightful treat for a quiet evening at home. Enjoy this simple yet delicious recipe, and don't hesitate to share your creations and experiences with us!