There’s something so joyful about a pink, berry-filled cake that feels like summer in every bite.
This Strawberry Jello Cake is soft, moist, and bursting with real strawberry flavor—thanks to fresh berry puree and strawberry JELL-O blended right into the batter.
Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting swirled with even more strawberries, this cake is a sweet celebration in a pan.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Big strawberry flavor – Uses both fresh berries and strawberry JELL-O
Moist and tender – Comes out soft every time thanks to the oil and cake mix combo
Cream cheese frosting – Light, tangy, and filled with strawberry puree
Quick and easy – No need to make cake from scratch—white cake mix does the work
Perfect for parties – Great for birthdays, baby showers, or spring gatherings
Bright and beautiful – Naturally pink and festive without food coloring
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Strawberries – Fresh berries give the cake real fruit flavor and color
White cake mix – A reliable base that makes this cake super easy
Strawberry JELL-O – Intensifies the strawberry flavor and adds a fun retro twist
Eggs & vegetable oil – Keep the cake moist and fluffy
Cream cheese & butter – Create a rich and tangy frosting base
Powdered sugar & vanilla – For sweetness and flavor depth in the frosting
Strawberry puree – Blended fresh berries mixed right into the frosting
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use ripe strawberries – Sweeter berries mean better flavor in both cake and frosting
Measure the puree – You’ll need exactly 1¼ cups total: 1 cup for the cake, ¼ cup for the frosting
Don’t overmix – Mix until just combined to keep the cake light
Cool completely before frosting – Warm cake will melt your frosting
Chill the frosting – If it feels too soft to spread, refrigerate for 10–15 minutes
How to Make Strawberry Jello Cake
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Puree
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and set it aside.
Add 16 oz strawberries (tops removed) to a blender or food processor.
Blend until smooth—you’ll need 1 cup for the cake and ¼ cup for the frosting.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, mix together 1 box white cake mix, 3 eggs, and ¾ cup vegetable oil until smooth.
Add 3 oz strawberry JELL-O powder and 1 cup of strawberry puree.
Mix again until fully combined.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely before adding the frosting.
Step 4: Make the Frosting
In a medium bowl, beat together ¼ cup unsalted butter and 4 oz cream cheese until creamy.
Add 1 tsp vanilla extract, 3 cups powdered sugar, and ¼ cup strawberry puree.
Beat until smooth and fluffy.
Step 5: Frost and Serve
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
Slice, serve, and enjoy a piece of berry bliss!
What to Serve It With
Fresh berries – Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries on top
Whipped cream – For extra lightness on the side
Iced tea or lemonade – Pairs beautifully with this fruity cake
Sprinkles or shredded coconut – For a festive touch
Mint leaves – Adds color and a refreshing hint of green
Variations / Substitutions
Make it a layer cake – Divide into two 8-inch round pans and frost between layers
Use boxed yellow cake mix – Still works well with strawberry JELL-O
Add chopped strawberries – Fold into the batter for extra bursts of fruit
Go dairy-free – Use plant-based butter and cream cheese in the frosting
Turn into cupcakes – Bake for 18–20 minutes in lined muffin tins
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Fridge – Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
Freezer – Freeze unfrosted cake for up to 2 months; thaw and frost later
Make ahead – Bake the cake a day early and frost before serving
Frosting leftovers – Keep extra frosting in the fridge for up to 1 week
Avoid leaving out – Cream cheese frosting should be refrigerated after serving
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, just thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before blending.
Why add JELL-O to the cake mix?
The JELL-O adds vibrant color and concentrated strawberry flavor that makes this cake stand out.
Can I make this as cupcakes?
Absolutely! Bake for about 18–20 minutes and frost once cooled.
How do I thicken the frosting if it’s too soft?
Chill it for 15–20 minutes, or add a little more powdered sugar to firm it up.
Is this cake overly sweet?
Not at all. The tartness of the strawberries and cream cheese balances the sweetness nicely.
Can I skip the cream cheese frosting?
You can use a simple buttercream, but the cream cheese version gives it a unique flavor.
What kind of oil works best?
Neutral oils like canola or vegetable oil keep the flavor clean and moist.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Jello Cake is the kind of dessert that brings smiles to every table. It’s colorful, flavorful, and oh-so-simple to make.
Whether for a springtime celebration or a weekday treat, the combination of soft strawberry cake and fluffy pink frosting makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
It’s a classic made even better with real fruit and creamy frosting you’ll want to lick off the spoon.
