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This mouthwatering strawberry butter cake works magic with everyday ingredients. The combo of a buttery base topped with fluffy cream cheese creates a texture you won't be able to resist. Add fresh strawberries and a light sprinkling of powdered sugar, and you've got a stunning sweet treat that captures summer in every bite.
I found this gem during a summer baking day with my kid. We needed something yummy for our neighborhood get-together, and this cake was a total hit. The empty dish and all the folks asking how to make it told us we'd struck gold.
Must-Have Ingredients Breakdown
- Strawberry cake mix: Forms our taste base, packing every bite with berry flavor while making sure the cake holds together nicely
- Cream cheese: Go for full-fat for that ultra-rich, gooey middle layer that makes this cake special
- Fresh eggs: They hold everything together and add richness. Grab large room-temp eggs for the best outcome
- Unsalted butter: Make sure it's soft but not melty, so it mixes perfectly with other stuff for that awesome cake feel
- Powdered sugar: Makes that signature gooey layer and sweetens everything just right without any sugar crunch
- Fresh strawberries: Add pop of color and natural sweetness. Pick bright red, ripe ones for the tastiest results
Path To Dessert Heaven
- Setting Up:
- Start by warming your oven to 325°F for even cooking. Grab your 9×13-inch pan and grease it well, getting into all the edges.
- Building The Bottom:
- In a big bowl, mix your strawberry cake mix with melted butter and one egg. Keep mixing until you get a nice, smooth dough. Push this into your greased pan, making sure it's even and reaches all the corners.
- Whipping Up The Creamy Top:
- With clean beaters, beat your soft cream cheese until it's light and fluffy. Add eggs one by one, mixing well after each. Slowly add powdered sugar while mixing until everything's smooth as silk. Pour this yummy mixture over your cake base, spreading it out evenly.
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When I first tried making this cake, I wasn't sure about the gooey middle, but now it's what I love most. My grandma always told me that waiting is a baker's best friend, and she was so right. Letting it cool all the way makes the texture turn out just perfect.
Tasty Companions
Make your strawberry butter cake even more amazing by adding some fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. For morning gatherings, enjoy it with a hot cup of French press coffee or Earl Grey. You can also serve it with a mix of fresh berries and mint leaves for a fancy touch.
Fun Variations
Try some new spins on your strawberry butter cake to keep things interesting. Switch the strawberry mix for chocolate to get a chocolate-covered strawberry vibe. Want something tropical? Add coconut flavor to the cream cheese part and sprinkle toasted coconut on top. If you can't have gluten, just use your favorite gluten-free cake mix instead - it'll still taste great.
Keeping It Fresh
Make sure your yummy strawberry butter cake stays delicious by storing it right. Once it's totally cool, put it in an airtight container. It'll stay good on your counter for about three days. Want it to last longer? Pop it in the fridge for up to a week, but let slices warm up to room temp before eating to get the full flavor.
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After making this cake countless times over the years, I can honestly say it's one of my all-time favorites. It's not just about how amazing it tastes - it's about seeing everyone's face light up when they try it. The way people react at first bite tells me this is something special that'll be made in kitchens for generations, creating sweet family memories along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can frozen strawberries replace fresh ones?
- Yes, but drain and pat them dry after thawing to avoid making the cake soggy. Fresh strawberries still work best for topping.
- → How do I store this cake?
- Keep it refrigerated in a covered container for four days. Add berries before serving for the freshest experience.
- → Why does the center dip after baking?
- This happens because the rich cheese layer naturally settles while cooling. It’s perfect for holding those fresh strawberries!
- → Can I prepare this a day ahead?
- Absolutely! Make it up to two days in advance, just refrigerate and wait to add berries and sugar until serving.
- → What if I can’t find strawberry cake mix?
- Try vanilla cake mix, and mix in some strawberry puree or preserves for a similar taste.