Paula Deen’s Signature Strawberry Cake

Paula Deen Strawberry Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of Southern baking tradition. This luscious layer cake is remarkably easy to assemble, yet delivers an impressive presentation and an explosion of genuine strawberry flavor. Crowned with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting, every forkful promises a moist, decadent experience that will delight your taste buds and impress your guests.

Paula Deen’s recipes are synonymous with comfort and indulgence, and this Strawberry Cake recipe is no exception. It’s truly rich and utterly delicious, making each bite incredibly moist and satisfyingly decadent. Having recently perfected other Southern staples like Paula Deen Pecan Pie, Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, and Paula Deen Banana Pudding, I can confidently say that this strawberry sensation continues her legacy as the queen of Southern cooking. If you adore her style, you’ll also love her Pumpkin Bars.

This Strawberry Cake recipe is destined to become another cherished favorite in your recipe collection. It’s not only a feast for the eyes with its beautiful pink layers, but also surprisingly simple to prepare. For those seeking lighter alternatives, consider a refreshing Strawberry Angel Food Cake or a classic Strawberry Shortcake, both perfect as Easy Summer Desserts. If you’re looking for more strawberry-infused delights, I also highly recommend the Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake, fun Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats, and the incredibly easy Strawberry Dump Cake.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Paula Deen Strawberry Cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience. Here’s why this recipe stands out and quickly becomes a family favorite:

• Stunning Layers of Flavor. Beyond its gorgeous appearance, each bite offers a symphony of sweet and fruity notes. The cake layers are incredibly moist and tender, infused deeply with natural strawberry essence, making every mouthful a truly wonderful and satisfying treat. The beautiful pink hue of the layers also makes it a showstopper for any gathering or special occasion.
• Decadent Cream Cheese Frosting. The rich, tangy, and perfectly sweet strawberry cream cheese frosting is the ideal complement to the cake. It adds a luxurious texture and balances the sweetness of the cake with a delightful hint of cream cheese, elevating the entire dessert to new heights of indulgence. It’s not overly sugary, hitting just the right note of sweetness.
• Easy to Follow. Despite its elegant presentation, this recipe is designed with simplicity in mind. Using a cake mix as a base significantly cuts down on prep time without compromising on flavor or texture, making it accessible even for novice bakers. The instructions are straightforward, ensuring a successful bake every time.
• A Taste of Southern Comfort. Rooted in Paula Deen’s classic Southern style, this cake brings a comforting, homemade feel to your table. It’s the kind of dessert that evokes warm memories and creates new ones, perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Key Ingredients for Success

Let’s take a closer look at the essential ingredients that come together to create this magnificent strawberry cake:

For the Cake:

• White Cake Mix: This is our secret shortcut to an incredibly moist and fluffy cake. Feel free to use your favorite brand; a standard 18-ounce box works perfectly. It provides a reliable base, allowing the strawberry flavors to shine.
• Strawberry Jell-O: The instant strawberry gelatin mix is a game-changer! It not only intensifies the strawberry flavor but also gives the cake its beautiful pink hue and contributes to its exceptional moisture content. A 3-ounce box is all you need for that extra fruity punch.
• Frozen Strawberries: While fresh strawberries are wonderful, frozen strawberries are preferred for this recipe, especially when pureed. They provide a concentrated strawberry flavor and moisture without adding excess water, which can sometimes be an issue with fresh berries. They also blend into a smoother puree.
• Large Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together, provide structure, and add richness to the cake batter, ensuring a tender crumb. Always use large eggs for consistent results.
• Vegetable Oil: Unlike butter, oil keeps the cake incredibly moist and tender by staying liquid at room temperature. It helps create a fine crumb and prevents the cake from drying out.
• Water: Just a small amount of water helps to achieve the perfect consistency for the cake batter, ensuring all ingredients are well combined and the cake bakes evenly.

For the Frosting:

• Unsalted Butter: For the best flavor and texture in your cream cheese frosting, always use real, unsalted butter. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature for smooth blending, as cold butter can lead to a lumpy frosting.
• Cream Cheese: The star of the frosting! Use full-fat cream cheese, softened at room temperature. This provides the signature tangy flavor and creamy consistency that perfectly balances the sweetness of the cake.
• Frozen Strawberries: A small amount of pureed frozen strawberries is added to the frosting for an additional burst of fresh strawberry flavor and a lovely pink color.
• Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): This fine sugar is crucial for a smooth, lump-free frosting. Sifting it before adding to the mix will ensure the silkiest texture.
• Fresh Strawberries (for garnish): Fresh, vibrant strawberries sliced or whole make a beautiful and delicious garnish, adding a fresh contrast to the rich frosting.

You can find the complete list of ingredients with precise measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Essential Equipment for Baking

To make this Paula Deen Strawberry Cake a breeze, here’s a list of kitchen tools you’ll find indispensable:

• Two 9-inch Round Cake Pans: Essential for baking the perfect layers.
• Parchment Paper: For lining the cake pans to prevent sticking.
• Food Processor or Blender: To create a smooth strawberry puree for both the cake and frosting.
• Large Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two – one for the cake batter and one for the frosting.
• Electric Mixer (Handheld or Stand Mixer): Crucial for thoroughly combining ingredients and achieving a light, airy frosting.
• Wire Rack: For cooling the cakes completely after baking.
• Rubber Spatula: For scraping bowls and folding ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurement.
• Sifter (optional, but recommended): For powdered sugar to ensure lump-free frosting.

Step by Step Instructions for a Perfect Strawberry Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Pans and Strawberries. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal. Next, puree the frozen strawberries in a food processor or blender until completely smooth. This puree will be divided for both the cake batter and the frosting.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the white cake mix and the strawberry instant gelatin. Ensure they are thoroughly combined; this is the base that will absorb all that delicious strawberry flavor and moisture.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients into Dry. Now, add 15 ounces of the strawberry puree (reserve the rest for the frosting), the eggs, vegetable oil, and water to the bowl with the dry mix. Use an electric mixer to combine all ingredients until the batter is smooth and well incorporated, being careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Bake the Cake Layers. Divide the cake batter evenly between your two prepared cake pans. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before carefully inverting them onto wire racks to cool completely. This cooling step is critical before frosting.

Step 5: Prepare the Frosting Base. In another large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened butter and cream cheese on medium speed until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and free of lumps. This creates a light and airy base for your frosting.

Step 6: Incorporate Strawberry Puree. Add the remaining 2 ounces of strawberry puree to the butter and cream cheese mixture. Continue mixing until the puree is fully incorporated, giving the frosting a lovely pink hue and an extra layer of strawberry flavor.

Step 7: Add Powdered Sugar. Reduce your mixer speed to low. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until the frosting is smooth, thick, and combined. Sifting the powdered sugar beforehand helps prevent lumps and ensures a silky texture. Continue mixing until light and fluffy.

Step 8: Assemble and Frost the Cake. Place one cooled cake layer on your serving plate or cake stand. Spread approximately one-third of the strawberry cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the first layer. Carefully place the second cake layer on top. Use the remaining frosting to generously cover the sides and top of the entire cake. For an extra touch, you could also drizzle it with a homemade Cream Cheese Glaze.

Expert Tips for a Perfectly Moist Strawberry Cake

Achieving bakery-quality results at home is easier than you think with these professional tips:

• Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: This is a crucial step for both the cake and frosting. Ensure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are all at room temperature. Room temperature ingredients emulsify better, creating a smoother, more uniform batter and a truly creamy, lump-free frosting. Take them out of the refrigerator at least 30-60 minutes before you plan to start baking.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you’ve added the wet ingredients to the dry, mix just until everything is combined and smooth. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a tough, dense cake. A few small lumps are acceptable – they will disappear during baking.
• Avoid Overbaking Your Cakes: A dry cake is everyone’s biggest fear. Keep a close eye on your cakes in the oven. Start checking for doneness around the 20-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, the cakes are ready. Every oven is different, so baking times can vary slightly.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Patience is a virtue when it comes to frosting a cake! Your cake layers must be completely cool – I mean completely, not just warm – before you apply the frosting. If the cakes are even slightly warm, the frosting will melt and slide right off, making a mess. Allow them to cool on a wire rack for at least an hour, or even longer if needed.
• Sift Powdered Sugar: For the smoothest, most luxurious cream cheese frosting, sift your powdered sugar before adding it to the butter and cream cheese mixture. This simple step eliminates any clumps, guaranteeing a perfectly silky texture.
• Puree Strawberries Smoothly: Ensure your frozen strawberries are blended into a very fine, consistent puree. Any large chunks can affect the texture of both the cake and the frosting.

Frequently Asked Questions About Paula Deen Strawberry Cake

Variations & Serving Suggestions

This Paula Deen Strawberry Cake is fantastic as is, but here are a few ideas to customize it or enhance your serving experience:

• Add Lemon Zest: A little lemon zest in either the cake batter or the frosting can brighten the strawberry flavor beautifully.
• White Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra touch of decadence, melt some white chocolate and drizzle it over the top of the frosted cake.
• Whipped Cream Topping: Instead of frosting the entire cake with cream cheese frosting, you could fill it with a lighter whipped cream and then top with the cream cheese frosting, or simply serve slices with a dollop of fresh whipped cream.
• Berries Galore: Beyond fresh strawberries, consider garnishing with a mix of fresh berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for added color and flavor.
• Coconut Flakes: Toasted coconut flakes on top or around the sides of the cake can add a delightful textural contrast and tropical hint.

More Delicious Cake Recipes to Try

If you’ve fallen in love with this strawberry masterpiece, you might want to explore other delightful cake recipes that are just as satisfying:

• Best Red Velvet Cake Recipe: A classic Southern favorite with a rich, velvety texture and cream cheese frosting.
• Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe: All the flavors of a warm cinnamon roll in a delightful cake form.
• Homemade Carrot Cake Recipe: A moist and flavorful cake packed with carrots and spices.
• 2 Ingredient Strawberry Angel Food Cake: An incredibly simple yet delicious strawberry treat.
• Easy Homemade Zucchini Cake Recipe: A surprisingly moist and flavorful cake, perfect for using up garden zucchini.
• Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe: A festive and fun cake, perfect for celebrations.

We encourage you to try Paula Deen’s recipe for Strawberry Cake. Then, please share your thoughts and leave a comment below!