Easy Box Mix Strawberry Cake Recipe Perfect for Homemade Desserts
A quick and easy strawberry cake made from a box mix enhanced with fresh strawberries and a simple glaze, perfect for last-minute celebrations or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box (about 15.25 oz) strawberry cake mix (recommend Duncan Hines)
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) vegetable oil (can substitute with melted coconut oil)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, finely chopped (or frozen, thawed and drained)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons (30–45 ml) milk (any variety or dairy-free alternative)
- 2 tablespoons strawberry jam (optional, for brushing on top)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, 3 large eggs, 1 cup water, 1/3 cup vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth and well combined.
- Gently fold in the finely chopped fresh strawberries using a spatula, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and tap gently on the counter to release air bubbles.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, starting to check at 30 minutes with a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the glaze by whisking 1 cup powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons milk until smooth and drizzleable.
- Once the cake is fully cooled, drizzle the glaze evenly over the cake. Optionally, warm 2 tablespoons strawberry jam and brush lightly on top for shine and added sweetness.
- Slice and serve. Best enjoyed the same day but can be stored.
Notes
Use room temperature eggs and liquids for smooth batter. Gently fold strawberries to avoid bleeding color. Pat strawberries dry if very juicy to prevent soggy cake. Wait until cake is completely cool before glazing to avoid glaze melting. Toss strawberries in a tablespoon of flour before folding to prevent sinking. For dairy-free, use plant-based milk and ensure cake mix is dairy-free. For gluten-free, use a gluten-free cake mix.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of t
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Protein: 3
Keywords: strawberry cake, box mix cake, easy dessert, quick cake recipe, homemade strawberry cake, simple glaze, fresh strawberries