Strawberry Jello Cake – Moist, Easy, and Topped with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

There’s something so joyful about a pink, berry-filled cake that feels like summer in every bite.

This Strawberry Jello Cake is soft, moist, and bursting with real strawberry flavor—thanks to fresh berry puree and strawberry JELL-O blended right into the batter.

Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting swirled with even more strawberries, this cake is a sweet celebration in a pan.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Big strawberry flavor – Uses both fresh berries and strawberry JELL-O

Moist and tender – Comes out soft every time thanks to the oil and cake mix combo

Cream cheese frosting – Light, tangy, and filled with strawberry puree

Quick and easy – No need to make cake from scratch—white cake mix does the work

Perfect for parties – Great for birthdays, baby showers, or spring gatherings

Bright and beautiful – Naturally pink and festive without food coloring

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Strawberries – Fresh berries give the cake real fruit flavor and color

White cake mix – A reliable base that makes this cake super easy

Strawberry JELL-O – Intensifies the strawberry flavor and adds a fun retro twist

Eggs & vegetable oil – Keep the cake moist and fluffy

Cream cheese & butter – Create a rich and tangy frosting base

Powdered sugar & vanilla – For sweetness and flavor depth in the frosting

Strawberry puree – Blended fresh berries mixed right into the frosting

Pro Tips Before You Start

Use ripe strawberries – Sweeter berries mean better flavor in both cake and frosting

Measure the puree – You’ll need exactly 1¼ cups total: 1 cup for the cake, ¼ cup for the frosting

Don’t overmix – Mix until just combined to keep the cake light

Cool completely before frosting – Warm cake will melt your frosting

Chill the frosting – If it feels too soft to spread, refrigerate for 10–15 minutes

How to Make Strawberry Jello Cake

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Puree

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and set it aside.

Add 16 oz strawberries (tops removed) to a blender or food processor.

Blend until smooth—you’ll need 1 cup for the cake and ¼ cup for the frosting.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, mix together 1 box white cake mix, 3 eggs, and ¾ cup vegetable oil until smooth.

Add 3 oz strawberry JELL-O powder and 1 cup of strawberry puree.

Mix again until fully combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let the cake cool completely before adding the frosting.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat together ¼ cup unsalted butter and 4 oz cream cheese until creamy.

Add 1 tsp vanilla extract, 3 cups powdered sugar, and ¼ cup strawberry puree.

Beat until smooth and fluffy.

Step 5: Frost and Serve

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.

Slice, serve, and enjoy a piece of berry bliss!

What to Serve It With

Fresh berries – Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries on top

Whipped cream – For extra lightness on the side

Iced tea or lemonade – Pairs beautifully with this fruity cake

Sprinkles or shredded coconut – For a festive touch

Mint leaves – Adds color and a refreshing hint of green

Variations / Substitutions

Make it a layer cake – Divide into two 8-inch round pans and frost between layers

Use boxed yellow cake mix – Still works well with strawberry JELL-O

Add chopped strawberries – Fold into the batter for extra bursts of fruit

Go dairy-free – Use plant-based butter and cream cheese in the frosting

Turn into cupcakes – Bake for 18–20 minutes in lined muffin tins

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Fridge – Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days

Freezer – Freeze unfrosted cake for up to 2 months; thaw and frost later

Make ahead – Bake the cake a day early and frost before serving

Frosting leftovers – Keep extra frosting in the fridge for up to 1 week

Avoid leaving out – Cream cheese frosting should be refrigerated after serving

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, just thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before blending.

Why add JELL-O to the cake mix?

The JELL-O adds vibrant color and concentrated strawberry flavor that makes this cake stand out.

Can I make this as cupcakes?

Absolutely! Bake for about 18–20 minutes and frost once cooled.

How do I thicken the frosting if it’s too soft?

Chill it for 15–20 minutes, or add a little more powdered sugar to firm it up.

Is this cake overly sweet?

Not at all. The tartness of the strawberries and cream cheese balances the sweetness nicely.

Can I skip the cream cheese frosting?

You can use a simple buttercream, but the cream cheese version gives it a unique flavor.

What kind of oil works best?

Neutral oils like canola or vegetable oil keep the flavor clean and moist.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Jello Cake is the kind of dessert that brings smiles to every table. It’s colorful, flavorful, and oh-so-simple to make.

Whether for a springtime celebration or a weekday treat, the combination of soft strawberry cake and fluffy pink frosting makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

It’s a classic made even better with real fruit and creamy frosting you’ll want to lick off the spoon.