This recipe elevates your classic strawberry cake by incorporating the vibrant, fruity flavor of Jell-O. The result is a moist, delicious cake that's perfect for any occasion – from birthdays to casual gatherings. This guide will walk you through creating this stunning dessert, step-by-step.
Ingredients You'll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) strawberry cake mix
- Ingredients listed on the cake mix box (usually eggs, oil, water)
- 1 (3 ounce) package strawberry Jell-O
- 1/2 cup boiling water
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (3 ounce) package strawberry Jell-O, crushed
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preparing the Jell-O Infusion:
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Dissolve the Jell-O: In a medium bowl, combine the 1 (3 ounce) package of strawberry Jell-O with the 1/2 cup of boiling water. Stir until the Jell-O is completely dissolved. Let it cool slightly. This step infuses the cake with extra strawberry flavor.
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Combining with Cake Mix: Add the cooled Jell-O mixture to the prepared cake batter (following the instructions on your cake mix box). Gently fold it in until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Baking the Cake:
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Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the cake mix box. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
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Pour & Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake according to the instructions on the cake mix box, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool Completely: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Strawberry Jell-O Frosting:
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Cream the Butter: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter until light and fluffy.
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Add Sugar Gradually: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth.
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Incorporate Milk & Vanilla: Add the milk and vanilla extract, and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
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Add Crushed Jell-O: Gently fold in the crushed strawberry Jell-O until evenly distributed throughout the frosting.
Assembling the Cake:
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Level Cakes (Optional): If your cake layers are uneven, use a serrated knife to level them.
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Frost & Decorate: Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Frost the top evenly. Carefully place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake.
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Chill (Optional): For a firmer frosting, chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Tips for Success:
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Don't Overmix: Overmixing the cake batter can result in a tough cake. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
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Cool Completely: Ensure the cakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
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Get Creative with Decoration: Add fresh strawberries, chocolate shavings, or sprinkles to decorate your cake.
Variations:
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Other Jell-O Flavors: Experiment with other Jell-O flavors like cherry or raspberry for a unique twist.
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Add Fresh Fruit: Fold fresh strawberries into the cake batter for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
This recipe makes a truly special strawberry cake that's sure to impress your friends and family. Enjoy!
