Name: Paula Deen Strawberry Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 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)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 32 reviews

If you love the idea of a cake that bursts with fresh fruity flavor, then you are going to absolutely adore this Paula Deen Strawberry Cake Recipe. It’s a beautiful celebration of strawberries in every layer—from the moist cake infused with strawberry puree and Jell-O, to the luscious cream cheese frosting packed with even more strawberry goodness. This cake is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy, making it a showstopper for any occasion where you want to impress with a homemade dessert that feels both classic and delightfully fresh.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of nine glass bowls and containers placed on a white marbled surface, each holding different baking ingredients. In the top row, from left to right, there is a small bowl with a pale yellow stick of butter, a transparent measuring cup with clear water, and another measuring cup filled with yellow oil. Below these, a large bowl holds white powdered sugar next to a bowl with bright red frozen strawberries covered with frost. To the left of the strawberries is a small bowl containing fine red powder. Below the powdered sugar bowl is a wrapped block of silver-colored margarine or butter. To the right of that, four white eggs sit in a white ceramic egg holder, and below the eggs is a tiny bowl with three frozen strawberries. Everything is arranged neatly on the white marbled surface, bright and clear in natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of the Paula Deen Strawberry Cake Recipe lies in its use of simple, readily available ingredients that come together to create something truly spectacular. Each component brings its own magic—whether it’s the white cake mix providing a tender crumb, or the real strawberries adding vibrant color and natural sweetness.

White Cake Mix (18 ounces): The base of your cake, providing a light, fluffy texture ready to soak up strawberry flavors.
Strawberry Jell-O (3 ounces): Adds extra strawberry flavor and a slight hint of sweetness that enhances the cake’s overall taste.
Frozen Strawberries (15 ounces): Pureed into the batter to deliver fresh, bright strawberry flavor throughout the cake.
Large Eggs (4): Give the cake structure and help bind ingredients for stability and perfect rise.
Vegetable Oil (1/2 cup): Keeps the cake moist without weighing it down.
Water (1/4 cup): Just enough to balance the batter consistency for even baking.
Butter, softened (1/4 cup): For the frosting, lending richness and creaminess.
Cream Cheese, softened (8 ounces): The tangy base of the frosting that pairs perfectly with strawberry flavors.
Frozen Strawberries (2 ounces): Added to the frosting for an extra fruity punch and beautiful color.
Powdered Sugar (7 cups): Sweetens the frosting to a silky, spreadable perfection.
Fresh Strawberries (for garnish): The final touch for an inviting presentation and fresh flavor burst.

How to Make Paula Deen Strawberry Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Preheat Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease two 9-inch cake pans and line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This little preparation guarantees your cakes will release perfectly after baking, making it easier to layer and frost them later.

Step 2: Puree the Strawberries

Place the frozen strawberries into a food processor or blender and puree them until smooth. You’ll use this puree both in your cake batter and your frosting, so feel free to separate the portions carefully as you prepare.

Step 3: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the white cake mix and strawberry Jell-O powder. Add in 15 ounces of the strawberry puree, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Use a handheld mixer to blend everything until the batter is smooth and fully combined. This batter is already infused with so much strawberry flavor, your kitchen will start smelling amazing!

Step 4: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer them onto wire racks to cool completely. Cooling fully is crucial to avoid frosting melting later.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

Beat together softened butter and cream cheese until creamy and smooth. Add in the remaining 2 ounces of strawberry puree and mix to combine. Slowly reduce your mixer speed and gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until you achieve a luscious, spreadable consistency. The strawberry in the frosting adds a fresh tang and a lovely pink tint.

Step 6: Assemble the Cake

Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate and spread about one-third of the frosting evenly on top. Carefully add the second cake layer and then cover the entire cake with the rest of the frosting, smoothing out the sides and top. For the best flavor and texture, chill the cake in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

How to Serve Paula Deen Strawberry Cake Recipe

A slice of two-layer pink cake with a moist, soft texture sits on a white plate, each cake layer separated by a thin layer of smooth white frosting. The outside of the cake is covered with the same white frosting, which looks thick and creamy with soft swirls. In the background, there is another slice of the same cake on a white plate and a white bowl filled with fresh bright red strawberries with green leaves. The setting is on a smooth white marbled surface with a soft, light cloth in the upper background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh strawberries are your best friend when it comes to garnishing this cake. Slice or halve them and arrange elegantly on top to add freshness, color, and a little extra texture. A light dusting of powdered sugar on the berries right before serving can make it even more visually appealing and sweet.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with simple, complementary sides. Consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to add creaminess without overpowering the tender strawberry flavor. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness if you’re planning a full meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, slice the cake into petite squares and serve it on colorful dessert plates with a drizzle of chocolate or strawberry sauce. You could also deconstruct the cake into layered parfaits in individual glasses by breaking up cake pieces and layering with frosting and fresh berries—a festive, approachable way to enjoy the Paula Deen Strawberry Cake Recipe at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This cake keeps beautifully in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese frosting. Store any leftovers in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap to prevent drying out, and it will stay moist and delicious for up to 4 days.

Freezing

If you want to prepare in advance, the unfrosted cakes freeze wonderfully. Wrap each layer tightly with plastic wrap and then foil to protect from freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw completely in the fridge before assembling and frosting to maintain texture and flavor.

Reheating

The Paula Deen Strawberry Cake Recipe is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is generally unnecessary. If you prefer, allow refrigerated cake to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving to soften the frosting slightly.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?

Fresh strawberries can be used, but frozen strawberries tend to be juicier and provide a more consistent puree, which is ideal for both the batter and frosting. If using fresh, consider mashing them and allowing excess liquid to drain for best results.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the white cake mix with a gluten-free vanilla or white cake mix. Ensure that all other ingredients, especially the Jell-O and powdered sugar, are certified gluten-free to keep the cake safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

How can I make the frosting less sweet?

You can reduce the powdered sugar slightly, but keep in mind it impacts the frosting’s structure. Alternatively, adding a touch more cream cheese or a tiny bit of lemon juice can balance the sweetness without compromising texture.

What’s the best way to achieve even cake layers?

Use a kitchen scale to divide your batter evenly between the pans and tap them gently on the counter to level the batter before baking. This helps the cakes bake uniformly and stack neatly.

Can I make this cake ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! The cake can be assembled and frosted a day ahead, then refrigerated. This actually helps the flavors meld together nicely. Just be sure to add fresh strawberry garnishes right before serving for the best presentation.

Final Thoughts

The Paula Deen Strawberry Cake Recipe truly captures the essence of strawberry season in each bite, balancing moist cake and creamy frosting with bright, natural fruit flavor. I can’t recommend giving it a try enough—whether for a special celebration or just because you deserve something sweet and stunning. Once you make it, this cake will no doubt become a beloved classic in your dessert lineup!