Whipped Cream, Juicy Berries, and the Cake That Feels Like a Summer Day

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Strawberry cake has a way of instantly transporting me back to sunny afternoons, barefoot on the grass, with the sweet scent of ripe berries in the air. I grew up watching my grandmother whip up her famous strawberry cake with nothing more than a box of mix, a tub of whipped cream, and her secret touch of love—and it never failed to steal the show at every family gathering. Today, I’ve taken that nostalgic flavor and given it a light, creamy upgrade that makes this dessert a dream for spring and summer.

This version is soft, fluffy, bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, and topped with a cloud of whipped cream cheese frosting that melts on your tongue. It’s simple enough for a weekday treat, but elegant enough for a celebration. If you’re craving something fruity, creamy, and impossibly easy, this strawberry cake with whipped topping is your new go-to.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

This cake is incredibly moist with a tender crumb, thanks to the strawberry gelatin and crushed strawberries blended right into the batter. The whipped cream cheese topping adds a perfectly balanced tangy-sweet finish without being heavy. It’s a cake that feels indulgent without overdoing it. Plus, it starts with a box of cake mix, which makes it foolproof—even for beginners!

What Kind of Strawberries Should I Use?

Fresh strawberries are ideal, especially for garnish and that vibrant, natural flavor. However, if you’re baking out of season, frozen strawberries work wonderfully when thawed and drained. For the batter, crushed strawberries give moisture and flavor depth. For decorating, always opt for firm, bright red fresh berries.

Options for Substitutions

If you want to skip the cake mix, a homemade vanilla or white cake base can absolutely work—just be sure to add strawberry puree or extract to retain the flavor. You can also use dairy-free whipped topping and vegan cream cheese for a completely dairy-free version. Don’t have strawberry gelatin? Raspberry gelatin adds a fun twist without losing that fruity flair.

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Ingredients for This Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

• Strawberry Cake Mix: A simple shortcut that provides a consistent strawberry flavor and fluffy texture.
• Strawberry Gelatin (Jell-O): Intensifies the berry flavor and enhances the color of the cake.
• Fresh Strawberries (crushed): Adds natural sweetness, moisture, and texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
• Eggs: Essential for structure and richness.
• Water: Helps bring all the ingredients together into a smooth batter.
• Cream Cheese: For the frosting, it brings tanginess and creaminess.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting without making it grainy.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Whips up into a fluffy, light topping.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the frosting with a warm, aromatic finish.
• Fresh Whole Strawberries (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished cake.

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Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, strawberry gelatin, crushed strawberries (drain excess juice), oil, eggs, and water. Beat on medium speed until fully incorporated and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared dish and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 3: Make the Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until creamy. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.

Step 4: Frost the Cooled Cake

Once the cake has cooled, spread the whipped cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula. The frosting should be thick, airy, and easy to spread.

Step 5: Garnish and Chill

Top with fresh whole or sliced strawberries as desired. For best flavor and texture, chill the cake for at least 1 hour before serving. This helps the frosting set and intensifies the berry flavor.

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How Long to Prepare the Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

Prep Time: The preparation for this cake is surprisingly quick. It takes about 15 minutes to gather and mix the ingredients for the batter. Crushing the strawberries and preparing the cake pan adds just a few extra minutes. The frosting takes another 10-15 minutes to whip up and blend into fluffy perfection.

Bake and Chill Time: The cake bakes in about 30-35 minutes. After baking, allow at least 1 hour for the cake to fully cool before frosting. Once frosted, chill it in the fridge for an additional hour to allow the frosting to set. Overall, plan for around 2 hours and 15 minutes from start to serve.

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Tips for Perfect Strawberry Cake

• Use room temperature eggs and cream cheese for smoother mixing.
• Thoroughly drain crushed strawberries before adding them to the batter.
• Don’t overmix the batter—it should be just combined to keep the cake tender.
• Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture gently to keep the frosting light.
• Chill the cake before serving for the best flavor and texture.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using watery strawberries: Excess juice can make the batter too runny.
• Skipping the chill time: The frosting won’t hold as well if you skip refrigeration.
• Overbaking: Strawberry cake dries out quickly—start checking at 30 minutes.
• Overwhipping the cream: You’ll get butter instead of fluffy whipped cream.
• Not leveling the cake: An uneven cake makes frosting tricky—use a spatula to smooth the batter before baking.

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What to Serve With Strawberry Cake?

1. Fresh Berries with Mint

A bowl of mixed berries and fresh mint makes a refreshing, fruity side.

2. Sparkling Lemonade

The citrusy tang balances the sweet, creamy cake perfectly.

3. Vanilla Ice Cream

A classic combination that makes this dessert even more indulgent.

4. Iced Coffee or Cold Brew

Rich coffee flavors contrast beautifully with the light, fruity cake.

5. Whipped Yogurt with Honey

Light and tangy, it’s a great option if you’re serving this cake for brunch.

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Storage Instructions

In the Refrigerator: Store the cake in an airtight container or wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the fridge. The frosting remains stable and the flavor deepens over time.

In the Freezer: You can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 2 months. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then frost before serving.

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Estimated Nutrition (per serving – based on 12 servings)

• Calories: 320
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Sugar: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Sodium: 260mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make this cake more homemade without using a cake mix?

You can use a basic vanilla or white cake recipe and add strawberry puree and strawberry extract to mimic the boxed flavor.

Can I use Cool Whip instead of homemade whipped cream?

Yes, you can substitute with Cool Whip for convenience, though the flavor won’t be as rich.

Can I use frozen strawberries in the batter?

Absolutely, just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.

How do I keep the frosting from melting?

Keep the cake chilled until serving and avoid leaving it out in warm temperatures for too long.

Can I make this cake a day ahead?

Yes! In fact, making it the night before enhances the flavor. Just store it in the fridge overnight.

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Conclusion

This strawberry cake with whipped cream cheese frosting is as delightful as a summer afternoon. It’s easy, beautiful, and packed with juicy berry flavor. Whether you’re making it for a birthday, a picnic, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, it never disappoints. Make it once, and you’ll be hooked for life.

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