Moist Strawberry Sponge Cake Recipe with Jello and Cake Mix
Few desserts capture the essence of spring and summer like a moist strawberry sponge cake. Whether you're baking for a birthday, a picnic, or simply satisfying a craving, this strawberry sponge cake is delightfully light, refreshingly fruity, and so easy to make—especially with the help of boxed cake mix and strawberry-flavored Jello. The result? A tender, vibrant pink cake bursting with real strawberry flavor and a spongy, moist crumb that stays delicious for days.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create a showstopping strawberry sponge cake—from ingredients and substitutions to baking tips and dreamy topping ideas. No need to be a professional baker; with a few smart tricks, your strawberry sponge cake will taste like it’s made from scratch.
Why Use Jello or Cake Mix?
Using a boxed cake mix and strawberry Jello may seem like cheating, but it’s actually a brilliant shortcut. The strawberry Jello not only enhances the fruity flavor but also gives the cake its signature moist, sponge-like texture. And when combined with other moistening ingredients like oil and pureed strawberries, your cake will be rich, vibrant, and irresistibly fluffy.
Boxed white or yellow cake mix provides the perfect neutral base to absorb the strawberry flavor. With a few tweaks, you’ll end up with a moist sponge cake that tastes fresh, homemade, and full of sunshine.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1 box white or yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
1 small box strawberry-flavored Jello (3 oz)
1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries, pureed (plus 1–2 extra for garnish)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
1/2 cup whole milk or buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: A few drops of red or pink food coloring for deeper color
For the Strawberry Cream Frosting (optional):
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup pureed strawberries (or strawberry jam)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8- or 9-inch round cake pans, or line with parchment paper circles for easy release. If using frozen strawberries, thaw and drain them before pureeing.
2. Make the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix and dry strawberry Jello. Whisk together to evenly distribute.
In a separate bowl, blend the oil, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and strawberry puree until smooth. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry mixture using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed. Beat for about 2 minutes until the batter is fluffy and evenly pink. If you want a more vivid pink hue, add a drop or two of food coloring.
3. Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops spring back when gently pressed.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10–15 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
Frosting Your Strawberry Sponge Cake
The cake is delicious on its own, but frosting adds richness and visual appeal. A tangy strawberry cream cheese frosting pairs perfectly with the sweet sponge, but you can also use whipped cream, buttercream, or even a simple powdered sugar glaze.
To Make the Frosting:
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth.
Add the powdered sugar, pureed strawberries, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Beat until fluffy.
Chill for 10–15 minutes if the frosting is too soft before spreading.
Assembly
Once your cakes are fully cooled, place one layer on a cake plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting over the top. Add the second layer and frost the top and sides. Garnish with sliced strawberries or a few whole berries and mint leaves for a fresh touch.
Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Tips for a Moist and Fluffy Sponge
Don’t overmix. Once all the ingredients are combined, mix only until smooth. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
Use room temperature eggs and milk for better blending and volume.
Enhance flavor. Add a teaspoon of strawberry extract or use strawberry-flavored cake mix instead of white if you want extra punch.
Soak with syrup. For an even moister cake, brush the layers with a simple syrup made with equal parts sugar and water, infused with a touch of strawberry puree or liqueur.
Variations
This cake is wonderfully flexible. Here are a few fun twists:
1. Strawberry Poke Cake
After baking, poke holes in the warm cake and pour over prepared strawberry Jello (made with half the recommended water). Chill and top with whipped cream.
2. Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake
Slice your cake layers horizontally to make four thin layers. Fill each with whipped cream and sliced fresh strawberries.
3. Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cake
Frost with chocolate ganache instead of strawberry frosting for a romantic twist that tastes like the classic dipped fruit.
4. Lemon-Strawberry Version
Add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter and a splash of lemon juice to the frosting for a tart, refreshing flavor combo.
Storage
Refrigerate: Because of the fresh strawberries and cream cheese frosting, store this cake in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 4–5 days.
Freeze: You can freeze unfrosted layers, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before frosting.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Time-saving: Using cake mix and Jello cuts down prep time without sacrificing flavor.
Super moist: The combination of oil, Jello, and strawberry puree makes the cake incredibly soft.
Crowd-pleasing: It’s visually stunning and loved by kids and adults alike.
Customizable: Dress it up for parties or tone it down for everyday snacking.
There’s something undeniably joyful about slicing into a vibrant pink strawberry sponge cake. The balance of airy crumb, berry-sweet flavor, and indulgent frosting makes it a favorite for any occasion. With a few pantry shortcuts like Jello and cake mix, you don’t need to be a professional baker to create something memorable.
Whether you enjoy it layered with whipped cream, drizzled with glaze, or topped with frosting and fresh berries, this moist strawberry sponge cake brings a taste of summer sunshine to your kitchen—no matter the season.
Further Reading
The No-Dig Organic Strawberry Garden
https://www.amazon.com/No-Dig-Organic-Strawberry-Garden-Beautiful-ebook/dp/B0FCP21QV8/
Creamy Spinach Dip Recipes and Moist Cornbread Recipes
https://www.amazon.com/Creamy-Spinach-Recipes-Moist-Cornbread-ebook/dp/B0DMKQRN9C/
Summer Cakes, Scones, and Sunshine
https://www.amazon.com/Summer-Cakes-Scones-Sunshine-Easy-Bake-ebook/dp/B0FF5GD71W/
From Hydro to Harvest: Year-Round Lettuce
https://www.amazon.com/Hydro-Harvest-Secrets-Year-Round-Lettuce-ebook/dp/B0FCDKDFFC/
No comments:
Post a Comment