SOUTHERN STRAWBERRY CAKE

Yesterday was my darling friend Mary’s birthday, and when you have that kind of friend, you make something extra special. She’s a Southern belle who loves strawberries and pound cake, so naturally, I hopped into the kitchen to create my crazy-delicious, triple decker Strawberry Cake with strawberry buttercream frosting! The rich pink color of this dense cake and the intense strawberry flavor top-to-bottom makes everyone happy, and I knew it would put a smile on her face.

Guys, I really LOOOVE this cake. It’s a combination of a strawberry cake with Jello and a fresh strawberry cake, which is something that’s hard to find in most recipes. The strawberry cake Martha Stewart makes uses fresh fruit, but it produces a one-layered coffeecake. That’s great with my morning latte, but it doesn’t really elicit the “ooh and ahhh” response I wanted for my friend’s special day.

The strawberry cake Paula Deen makes does use Jello to achieve its signature color (that’s “blush and bashful,” for any Steel Magnolias fans out there), but she uses frozen strawberries. I think using fresh strawberries helps them retain their texture, even when baking, so that’s what I use in my Strawberry Cake recipe. Paula also uses a traditional cream cheese frosting, and like mine is, well, a work of art. Let’s talk about the cake itself first, though.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Southern Strawberry Cake is a delightful fusion of fresh and vibrant flavors, perfect for any special occasion. Its stunning pink hue and luscious strawberry taste are sure to win over both kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s a show-stopper at any party, guaranteed to impress your guests.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Double boiler
• Electric mixer
• Two 8″ round cake pans
• Mixing bowls
• Parchment paper
• Spatula

Ingredients

• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup cake flour or GF flour mix
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 6 tablespoons butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons strawberry jello powder
• 3 tablespoons strawberry jam

Directions

1. Mix eggs and sugar and heat over a double boiler until very warm.
2. Whisk with an electric mixer until thick and lemon-colored.
3. Gently fold in dry ingredients (flour, salt, and strawberry jello powder).
4. Mix together the melted and cooled butter, jam, and vanilla and then fold that into the batter.
5. Bake at 350°F in two 8″ round pans that have been buttered and lined with parchment rounds.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing

• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 6 tbsp strawberry jello powder

1. Whip the heavy cream and strawberry jello powder until it holds soft peaks, remove from the bowl and set aside.
2. Beat the butter and half of the sugar until it is very soft and light in color.
3. Add the other three tablespoons of strawberry jello powder, cream cheese, and the remaining powdered sugar. Beat until it just comes together and isn’t lumpy.
4. Fold this together with the strawberry whipped cream.
5. Ice the cake with a layer of strawberries in the middle and more on top to garnish.

Tips for Success

For the best results, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you begin. This will help them blend together smoothly. Also, don’t skip the parchment paper lining in your cake pans—it ensures an easy release and keeps your layers intact.

Additional Tips and Variations

Try adding a few drops of red food coloring if you want a more vibrant color. You can also substitute the strawberry jam with other berry jams for a different twist.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

393 calories; 15.4g fat; 59.3g carbohydrates; 5.4g protein; 90mg cholesterol; 233mg sodium

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?

A: Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best texture, but in a pinch, frozen strawberries can be used. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to the cake.

Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free?

A: Absolutely! Just use a gluten-free flour mix in place of the cake flour.

Conclusion

This Southern Strawberry Cake is a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds—fresh strawberries and the sweet, nostalgic taste of strawberry jello. It’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or whenever you want to add a little sweetness to your day. I hope you try this recipe and love it as much as I do! Don’t forget to share your baking adventures with me—I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!