This strawberry jello cake is an easy 9 x 13 cake made with white cake mix and strawberry jello baked directly into the batter. The result is a pretty pink cake with balanced strawberry flavor that is sweet and delicious. Finished with strawberry buttercream and fresh strawberries on top, this cake is simple enough for everyday baking but pretty enough for parties and potlucks.
If you love strawberry desserts made with cake mix, you might also like my strawberry poke cake, which uses a different method to create a softer, chilled texture. While poke cakes soak up flavor after baking, this strawberry jello cake bakes the strawberry flavor right into the cake for a more traditional crumb and sliceable sheet cake. If you love strawberry desserts, try this easy strawberry upside down cake or this more rustic strawberry galete.
Table of contents
Why I Love This Recipe
This strawberry jello cake starts with a simple white cake mix and transforms into a soft, flavorful sheet cake with a beautiful pink color. The strawberry flavor is baked directly into the cake, creating balanced sweetness.
Using white cake mix instead of strawberry cake mix gives you control over flavor and texture while keeping the recipe simple and beginner-friendly.
The strawberry buttercream is made with dissolved strawberry jello for a smooth frosting that spreads easily and sets nicely for clean slices.
This easy 9 x 13 strawberry cake is perfect for potlucks, birthdays, spring celebrations, or anytime you want a reliable homemade dessert that looks impressive but requires very little effort.
Ingredients
Cake
1 box white cake mix (15.25 oz)
1 small box strawberry jello (3 oz total), reserve 1 tablespoon for frosting
1 cup water
½ cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Strawberry Buttercream Frosting
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 to 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon strawberry jello powder
2 tablespoons hot water
1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Fresh strawberries, washed, dried, and sliced or halved placed on each cake slice.
Instructions
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease a 9 x 13 baking dish.
Step 2
Remove 1 tablespoon of dry strawberry jello from the packet and set aside for the frosting.
Step 3
In a large mixing bowl combine white cake mix, remaining strawberry jello powder, water, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
Step 4
Beat with a mixer for about 2 minutes until smooth and evenly pink.
Step 5
Pour batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
Step 6
Bake for 28 to 33 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool completely in the pan before frosting.
Make the Strawberry Buttercream
Step 1
In a small bowl stir 1 tablespoon strawberry jello powder into 2 tablespoons hot water until fully dissolved. Let cool until warm, not hot.
Step 2
Beat softened butter for about 2 minutes until creamy.
Step 3
Add powdered sugar gradually, mixing well after each addition.
Step 4
Beat in dissolved jello mixture, vanilla extract, and salt.
Step 6
Beat for 1 to 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
Assemble the Cake
Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
Top with fresh strawberries just before serving for the best texture and appearance.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Jello Cake
Use white cake mix instead of strawberry cake mix so the cake does not taste overly sweet.
Dissolve the strawberry jello completely before adding it to the buttercream so the frosting stays smooth.
Allow the cake to cool fully before frosting so the buttercream holds its shape.
Add fresh strawberries right before serving to keep them looking fresh and vibrant.
Storage
Store covered in the refrigerator if topped with fresh strawberries. Bring slices to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Without strawberries, the cake can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days.
FAQs
White cake mix works best for this recipe. Strawberry cake mix combined with strawberry jello often tastes overly sweet and artificial. Starting with white cake mix allows the strawberry flavor to come through cleanly and keeps the cake balanced.
No. This strawberry jello cake bakes the strawberry flavor directly into the cake batter. A strawberry poke cake is made by poking holes in the baked cake and pouring liquid over the top so it soaks in. The texture and serving style are different.
Yes. You can bake and frost the cake a day ahead. If using fresh strawberries, add them shortly before serving for the best appearance and texture.
This recipe is written specifically for a 9 x 13 baking dish. Baking in smaller pans will change the baking time and thickness.
Other Delicious Strawberry Desserts
Strawberry Jello Cake with Buttercream Frosting (Cake Mix Recipe)
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 Box White Cake Mix
- 3 oz Strawberry Jello RESERVE 1 tablespoon for the frosting
- 1 cup Water Boiling (for the jello)
- ½ cup Vegetable Oil
- 3 large Eggs room temperature
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Optional
For the Frosting
- 1 cup Unsalted butter Softened. Salted works fine too!
- 3 cups Powdered Sugar if needed use up to 3 ½ cups
- 1 Tablespoon Strawberry Jello Powder That was reserved from cake ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon Hot Water
- 2 Tablespoons Milk Whole milk is better, but you can use any milk - even non-dairy
- ½ Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- pinch Salt omit if using salted butter
- Optional - garnish with strawberries cut in ½ or sliced.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray a 9 x 13 baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Remove 1 tablespoon of dry strawberry jello from the packet and set aside for the frosting.
- In a large mixing bowl combine white cake mix, remaining strawberry jello powder, water, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Beat with a mixer for about 2 minutes until smooth and evenly pink.
- Pour batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
- Bake for 28 to 33 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely in the pan before frosting.
Strawberry Buttercream
- In a small bowl stir 1 tablespoon strawberry jello powder into 2 tablespoons hot water until fully dissolved. Let cool until warm, not hot.
- Beat softened butter for about 2 minutes until creamy.
- Add powdered sugar gradually, 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Beat in dissolved jello mixture, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat for 1 to 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until frosting is smooth and spreadable.
Notes
Nutrition (estimate)
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