Ashley Mac’s strawberry cake is a beloved Southern dessert known for its light, fluffy texture and fresh strawberry flavor. What sets this cake apart is the clever use of strawberry gelatin and fresh pureed strawberries, which give it a moist crumb and vibrant pink color. The cream cheese frosting mixed with real strawberries adds a creamy, tangy finish that perfectly balances sweetness.
This recipe is surprisingly simple yet yields a cake that tastes like it belongs in a cozy family celebration. From beating together granulated sugar and vegetable oil to folding in fresh strawberry puree, each step brings you closer to a stunning layered cake. The frosting is just as important—with softened cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar whipped to silky smoothness and folded with minced berries for that fresh bite.
If you’re ready to make a strawberry cake that could easily steal the show at any gathering, this recipe is a solid bet. It pairs the traditional charm of Southern baking with approachable ingredients and straightforward steps, making it a winner every time. 🍓😋
Ingredients List & Step-By-Step Instructions For Ashley Mac’s Strawberry Cake Recipe
This strawberry cake mixes fresh fruit with a few classic ingredients for a tender, flavorful treat. It uses strawberry gelatin to give it that soft pink tint and a subtle berry twist. The creamy frosting is loaded with cream cheese and fresh strawberries for a luscious finish.
Step 1
Begin by preheating the oven to 325°F and prepping three 9-inch pans with baking spray and parchment. The batter starts by beating 1¼ cups granulated sugar with 1 cup vegetable oil until mixed well.
Add 3 large eggs, one at a time, beating each fully. In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups sifted cake flour, 1 box (3 oz) strawberry gelatin, 3½ teaspoons baking powder, and ¾ teaspoon kosher salt.
Next, mix ½ cup whole milk and ½ cup pureed fresh strawberries. Alternate adding the dry flour mix and wet milk mixture into the sugar-oil-egg base, starting and ending with flour. Stop mixing as soon as it blends.
Step 2
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. After baking, cool the cakes in their pans for 10 minutes before removing.
Place layers on wire racks and let them cool completely. Patience here pays off—frosting warm cake leads to melty mess, not the picture-perfect layers you want.
Step 3
Drain ⅓ cup minced fresh strawberries on paper towels to avoid watery frosting. Beat together 2 packages (8 oz each) softened cream cheese, 1 cup softened unsalted butter, and ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt until smooth.
Add 8 cups confectioner’s sugar gradually, mixing carefully. To get that signature pink glow, add 6 drops of liquid red food coloring. Fold in the drained strawberries gently.
Assemble by spreading about 1½ cups frosting between each cake layer, and cover the cake with a thin crumb coat. Freeze for 45 minutes, then add a final frosting layer. Chill again for at least an hour 🍓😋.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Granulated sugar | 1¼ cups |
| Vegetable oil | 1 cup |
| Large eggs | 3 |
| Cake flour, sifted | 3 cups |
| Strawberry gelatin (3 oz box) | 1 box |
| Baking powder | 3½ tsp |
| Kosher salt | ¾ tsp (for cake), ⅛ tsp (for frosting) |
| Whole milk, room temp | ½ cup |
| Pureed fresh strawberries | ½ cup |
| Softened cream cheese | 2 (8-ounce) packages |
| Softened unsalted butter | 1 cup |
| Confectioner’s sugar | 8 cups |
| Minced fresh strawberries (for frosting) | ⅓ cup |
| Liquid red food coloring | 6 drops |
Trained in classic French technique but raised on slow-cooked ribs and spicy rubs, she blends culinary skill with smoke and soul.
- Recipe for Boneless Pork Chops in Cast Iron Skillet: Sear and Baste to Juicy Perfection - October 3, 2026
- Recipe for Boneless Cross Rib Roast: Slow-Roasted Beef with Herb Crust - October 3, 2026
- Hamburgers in Sauce Recipe Crock Pot: Slow-Cooked Savory Delight - October 3, 2026