Mmmmmm, Strawberry Cake

I know this is not the best picture ever, but this is one of the best cakes ever.  First of all, it's pink.  Second of all, it's delicious.  What's not to love about delicious pink cake?  It's so eye appealing and kids LOVE pink cake. (Adults do too)  Actually, it is a strawberry cake and the recipe has been around forever and a day.  My mother in love used to make this cake  when our kids were all little and the oldest is approaching the big 4-0. That gives you a little idea how long this recipe has been around.  My niece, Betsy, always wanted strawberry cake for her birthday and Mawmaw (as they all called my mother in love) lovingly baked her one every time she asked.  It was a family favorite.

We were having a family lunch yesterday and I decided to make pink cake for everyone - especially for the grandsons.  Grandma loves making things for the grandsons and I am never sure who does and doesn't like strawberries, or any other food item on any given day for that matter, so I called it pink cake.  All the boys devoured it and I am sure there is probably at least one who doesn't like strawberries.  Sometimes grandma has to be sneaky, if you know what I mean.

You can see in the picture that the icing is running down the cake.  The cake was still warm when I iced it because I was in a hurry.  I am not a lover of mounds of icing on a cake.  I hate when you buy a bakery cake or cupcake and there is as much or more icing than there is cake.  It's just not my favorite, so I usually make icings more like a glaze.  If you want a thicker icing, you will just add more powdered sugar to the recipe.   This recipe is a little different than the one Mawmaw usually made, but hers was always delicious, just like this one.  I have been using this recipe for years.


Here is what you need for this cake:

1 box white cake mix
1 small box strawberry jello
3 level Tbsp flour
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup water
2/3 cup frozen strawberries (sliced)
4 eggs


Strawberry glaze:

1 stick butter, room temperature
powdered sugar (I don't measure, sorry - but I will tell you "how")
4 or 5 whole frozen strawberries
any juice remaining in the bowl after microwaving
a tiny bit of milk

I put about a dozen whole frozen strawberries in a microwave safe bowl and defrost them.  Then, I slice enough to get 2/3 cup of berries.  Save the remainder of the berries and juice for the icing.

Mix the dry cake mix, jello and flour together.  Add the oil, water and 2/3 cup of strawberries.  Add the eggs one at a time and beat after each addition.  Spray your pan with baking spray and coat with flour.  You can bake this recipe in three 9 inch cake pans (if you want a layer cake) for 25 to 30 minutes at 350.  I baked mine in a 9 x 13 pan and it takes about 35 to 40 minutes because it is a very thick cake.  Watch it closely after 30 minutes and it is done when the top stops wiggling when you move the pan and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Glaze:

Beat the stick of butter until fluffy.  Start adding small amounts of powdered sugar until the icing is at spreading consistency.  About a cup at first, and then add more as needed.  When your icing is the consistency you want, add  4/5 whole thawed strawberries plus any juice in the bowl and blend with the mixer.   (Suddenly your glaze/icing is a lovely shade of pink, no food coloring needed.)  This will make the icing thinner.   If you want thicker icing, keep adding powdered sugar until you have the consistency you want.  Spread over cake.

This would be such a pretty cake for Valentine's Day.  If you wanted a heart shaped cake, you can bake one square cake and one round cake.  Cut the round cake down the middle.  Place the square cake in a diamond shape and place 1/2 of each round cake on each top side of the diamond.  This will give you a heart shape.  Ice and decorate as you want.

Who would not love this beautiful cake as a token of your love and affection?  It is moist, has bits of strawberry throughout and is soooooo good with a big dollop of ice cream next to it.   Add a lovely cup of hot coffee for the adults and you have got a big dessert winner on your hands.

There are so many occasions for this cake, but Valentine's Day is the perfect time to enjoy this beautiful pink concoction.   Or, how about a Super Bowl party?  That's coming up next week.  Or, make one for yourself.  You deserve it.  Make one and share it with your friends and family.  Take one to the office.  Make one for your children or grandchildren and watch their little eyes light up. They will all love you for it!!  Don't forget, you can make pretty pink cupcakes too!  I'm already making plans for the big day.  How about you?

Everyday Donna

Things to Remember:

"Between the earth and sky above, nothing can match a grandmother's love."

Author: Unknown