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Easy Box Mix Mother’s Day Strawberry Cake Recipe That Looks Bakery-Made

easy box mix mothers day strawberry cake - featured image

A quick and easy strawberry cake made from a box mix with fresh strawberries and whipped cream frosting, perfect for Mother’s Day or any special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box cake mix (white or yellow, e.g., Duncan Hines)
  • Water, vegetable oil, and eggs as called for on the cake mix box
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • About 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 to 1/3 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round pans or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the box cake mix with the water, vegetable oil, and eggs as directed on the box. Add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Whisk until smooth, do not overmix.
  3. Divide the batter evenly between the two pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a cooling rack.
  4. Rinse and slice about 2 cups of fresh strawberries. Set aside a few whole berries for decoration.
  5. Chill a mixing bowl and beaters in the fridge for 10 minutes. Pour 1 cup heavy whipping cream into the bowl. Add 1/4 cup powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional). Beat on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Taste and add more sugar if desired.
  6. Level the cake layers with a serrated knife if domed. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of whipped cream over it, then scatter sliced strawberries evenly on top.
  7. Add the second cake layer, then frost the top and sides with the remaining whipped cream. Decorate with whole strawberries.
  8. Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the whipped cream set and flavors meld.

Notes

Use cold cream and chilled equipment for best whipped cream results. Level cake layers for a professional look. Refrigerate cake after assembling to keep frosting firm. Frozen strawberries can be used if thawed and drained. For dairy-free, substitute coconut cream and dairy-free cake mix.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry cake, box mix cake, Mother's Day cake, easy cake recipe, whipped cream frosting, fresh strawberries