Are you craving a moist, delicious strawberry cake that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This recipe takes the classic Duncan Hines cake mix and elevates it with fresh strawberries, creating a homemade treat that's perfect for birthdays, afternoon tea, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth. This easy recipe is a fantastic option for quick dinner ideas or a delightful dessert. Get ready to bake up some happiness!
Ingredients:
- 1 box Duncan Hines Strawberry Supreme Cake Mix (or your favorite flavor for a variation)
- Ingredients listed on Duncan Hines box (usually eggs, oil, water)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze (optional):
- ½ cup strawberry jam
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the Duncan Hines cake mix box. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This ensures your cake will release easily once baked.
Prepare the Cake:
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, oil, and water according to the instructions on the Duncan Hines box. Mix until just combined; don't overmix. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
- Gently fold in half of the sliced strawberries into the batter. This will distribute the strawberries throughout the cake.
Bake the Cake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for the time specified on the Duncan Hines box, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This is a crucial step to ensure your cake is perfectly baked.
Cool and Frost:
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cakes cool, prepare the whipped cream frosting. In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Make sure your bowl and beaters are cold for optimal whipping.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer with a generous amount of whipped cream. Top with the remaining sliced strawberries.
- Carefully place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream.
Add the Glaze (optional):
- For an extra burst of strawberry flavor, gently heat the strawberry jam and lemon juice in a small saucepan until melted and smooth. Let it cool slightly, then drizzle over the frosted cake.
Tips for Success:
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
- Don't overmix the batter. This will result in a tougher cake.
- Let the cakes cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- If you don't have heavy cream, you can use whipped topping instead.
Variations:
- Chocolate Strawberry Cake: Use a chocolate cake mix instead of a strawberry cake mix.
- Lemon Strawberry Cake: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter for a citrusy twist.
- Other Berries: Substitute raspberries, blueberries, or a mix of berries for the strawberries.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
- Calories: Around 350-400 (depending on the cake mix and frosting used)
- Fat: Around 15-20g
- Sugar: Around 40-50g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
This easy strawberry cake recipe is a delightful treat for any occasion. Enjoy the delicious homemade goodness! This recipe offers delicious dishes, making it perfect for your next gathering or simply a sweet treat for yourself. It’s a healthy meal alternative compared to some other desserts, while remaining a scrumptious and satisfying option. It's one of the best recipes for beginner bakers and experienced cooks alike. Let us know how your strawberry cake turned out!