Easy Strawberry Jello Cake Recipe: A Sweet Summer Delight

Sweet memories flood back with every slice of this magical strawberry jello cake that dances between classic dessert and whimsical treat.

Summer afternoons feel lighter when such a vibrant confection sits center stage.

Layers of soft cake infused with ruby-red jello create a dessert that sparkles with unexpected charm.

Delicate strawberry hints weave through each tender crumb, promising pure delight.

Pastel pink hues peek through delicate cake layers, beckoning you to take a bite.

Generations of bakers have cherished this playful recipe that turns simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Let this cake be your next delicious adventure.

Why Strawberry Jello Cake Stays A Crowd Favorite

• Quick and Easy Dessert: Whip up this strawberry Jello cake in no time with minimal baking skills required.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Burst: Enjoy the vibrant strawberry taste that delights both kids and adults, making it perfect for family gatherings and potlucks.
• Foolproof Technique: Create impressive results with simple steps like poking holes and pouring Jello, guaranteeing a stunning dessert even for novice bakers.
• Versatile Celebration Treat: Serve at birthdays, summer parties, or casual get-togethers, transforming an ordinary cake into a showstopping dessert that everyone will love.

Layers of Flavor in Strawberry Jello Cake

• Cake Mix, Eggs, Water, Vegetable Oil: Perfect base for a fluffy white cake with simple preparation and moist texture. White or yellow cake mixes work best, choose a good quality brand.

• Strawberry Gelatin Powder, Boiling Water: Creates vibrant strawberry flavor and moist cake texture. Strawberry flavor gives a bright red color and sweet taste. Use standard strawberry gelatin packet.

• Cool Whip, Fresh Strawberries: Light, creamy topping with fresh fruit for decoration. Cool Whip provides smooth, airy coverage. Choose ripe, red strawberries for best visual appeal and flavor.

Mix And Bake Strawberry Jello Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Give the dish a quick spray or butter coating to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Base

• Cake mix
• Eggs
• Water
• Vegetable oil

Whip everything together with a hand mixer until the batter looks smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared dish.

Slide it into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

The cake is ready when it springs back after a gentle touch.

Pull it out and let it hang out on a wire rack for 20 minutes to cool down.

Step 4: Create Cake Tunnels

Once the cake has chilled out, grab a wooden spoon handle.

Poke holes across the cake, spacing them about ½-inch apart.

Go halfway into the cake, creating little tunnels for the jello.

Step 5: Prepare Strawberry Jello Magic

• Strawberry gelatin powder
• Boiling water

Whisk until the powder completely dissolves into a vibrant liquid.

Step 6: Flood the Cake

Gently spoon the strawberry jello over the cake, making sure it seeps into every single hole.

If you have extra liquid, pour it all over the surface.

Step 7: Chill and Set

Slide the cake into the refrigerator.

Let it hang out and cool for 1 hour so the jello can set perfectly.

Step 8: Add the Finishing Touches

Pull the cake from the fridge.

Spread a generous layer of Cool Whip across the top using an offset spatula.

Decorate with fresh sliced strawberries.

Serve and enjoy your stunning strawberry jello cake!

Jello Cake Tips With Strawberry Fun Layers

• Swap the boxed cake mix for a homemade white or yellow cake recipe to create a more personalized dessert with deeper flavor profiles.
• Use the back of a wooden spoon or a fork handle to create consistent, evenly spaced holes that help the Jello penetrate deeply into the cake's interior.
• Let the Jello cool slightly before pouring to prevent the cake from becoming soggy and ensure even absorption throughout the dessert.
• Experiment with different Jello flavors and corresponding fresh fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or mandarin oranges to create unique seasonal variations.
• Replace Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream for a richer, less processed topping that adds a luxurious touch to the dessert.

Jello Cake Keeps Fresh When Covered Tight

• Store leftover strawberry Jello cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual cake slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Avoid microwaving, as it can make the cake soggy. Let refrigerated cake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the texture.
• Enjoy within 2 days for optimal taste and texture, as the Cool Whip and strawberries may begin to lose their freshness after this time.

Simple Sips For Jello Cake

• Refreshing Strawberry Companion: Pair this vibrant strawberry Jello cake with a crisp, chilled white wine like Moscato or Riesling that complements the sweet berry notes.
• Palate-Cleansing Beverage: Serve alongside a light, sparkling lemonade or strawberry-infused iced tea to enhance the cake's fruity flavor and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Creamy Complementary Side: Add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or lemon sorbet to balance the cake's intense strawberry sweetness and provide a cool, smooth texture.
• Fruit-Forward Accent: Garnish with fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of toasted almond slivers to introduce a subtle herbal or nutty dimension that elevates the dessert's overall taste profile.

Flavor Ideas for Strawberry Jello Cake

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace standard cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Alternative: Swap traditional cake mix with a vegan cake mix, use plant-based egg replacer, and top with coconut whipped cream instead of Cool Whip.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free strawberry gelatin and a sugar-free cake mix, then garnish with fresh berries to maintain natural sweetness without added sugars.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Select a dairy-free cake mix, use dairy-free whipped topping, and ensure all ingredients are dairy-free for those with lactose intolerance.

FAQs

• What is the purpose of poking holes in the cake?

The holes allow the strawberry Jello to seep deep into the cake, creating a moist, flavorful dessert that has pockets of fruity gelatin throughout each slice.

• Can I use a different flavor of Jello?

Absolutely! You can swap strawberry Jello for other flavors like raspberry, cherry, or lime to create different variations of this fun cake.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this cake?

No special equipment is needed. Just a standard 9×13-inch baking dish, a hand mixer, a wooden spoon for poking holes, and basic mixing bowls will work perfectly.

• Is this cake difficult to make?

This is an incredibly easy recipe that’s perfect for beginners. The cake mix and simple preparation make it a foolproof dessert that looks impressive but requires minimal baking skills.

Strawberry Jello Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet memories come alive with this strawberry jello cake, blending classic American dessert charm and nostalgic flavor. Creamy layers and fruity gelatin create a delightful treat you’ll crave at every celebration.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 (15.25 ounces / 432 grams) box white cake mix
• 1 (3 ounces / 85 grams) box strawberry gelatin
• 2 cups sliced strawberries
• 8 ounces (226 grams) Cool Whip

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil

Eggs:

• 3 eggs

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cake foundation by preheating the oven to 350°F and lightly coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Combine cake mix ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, using an electric mixer to blend until the batter achieves a smooth, consistent texture.
3. Transfer the cake mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly with a spatula, and bake for approximately 22 minutes until the surface springs back when gently pressed.
4. Allow the cake to cool on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes, creating a stable base for the next stage of preparation.
5. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, carefully create systematic holes across the cake’s surface, ensuring even distribution and depth for gelatin absorption.
6. Dissolve strawberry gelatin powder completely in boiling water, whisking until no granules remain visible.
7. Gradually pour the liquid gelatin over the cake, directing the mixture into the prepared holes to ensure maximum flavor penetration.
8. Refrigerate the cake for 60-75 minutes, allowing the gelatin to set and infuse the dessert with vibrant strawberry essence.
9. Once chilled, generously spread a layer of whipped topping across the cake’s surface using smooth, sweeping motions.
10. Garnish with freshly sliced strawberries, creating an attractive and appetizing presentation before serving.

Notes

• Ensure cake mix is fresh and not expired for the best texture and rising potential.
• Create consistent holes throughout the cake to guarantee even Jello absorption, using the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork.
• Opt for room temperature eggs to help them blend smoothly with other ingredients and create a more uniform cake batter.
• Use sugar-free gelatin and low-fat Cool Whip for a lighter, diabetic-friendly version of the dessert.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg