Strawberry Jello Cake Recipe That’s Easy & Irresistible

There’s something magical about a dessert that looks like sunshine, tastes like summer, and doesn’t ask for hours of your time. Enter: the strawberry jello cake. Whether you’re a mom juggling soccer practice and laundry, or just someone who wants to whip up a sweet treat without a full-on kitchen takeover, this one’s for you.

We get it—life’s hectic. Some days, you’re just trying to get through the to-do list without losing your cool (or your keys). But here’s the good news: this Strawberry Jello Cake is easy enough for a weeknight, pretty enough for a baby shower, and tasty enough to be the talk of the dessert table.

What makes it special? It starts with a box of white cake mix—yes, really—because we believe in shortcuts that actually taste amazing. Then we kick it up a notch with real strawberries and a nostalgic swirl of strawberry gelatin that gives it that irresistible color and flavor. Think of it as the lovechild of your favorite childhood dessert and the Pinterest cake you never had time to try.

And the frosting? Oh honey, it’s buttery, strawberry-speckled heaven.

So grab your mixing bowl and get ready to create a dessert that’s as fuss-free as it is fabulous. Trust us, this is the kind of Strawberry Jello Cake that’ll have your friends asking, “Did you really make this from scratch?”

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🍰 Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Jello Cake

This isn’t just another strawberry cake with jello—it’s the kind of recipe you keep coming back to. Here’s why:

• Quick prep, even quicker cleanup
• No fancy equipment required
• Layers of flavor from real strawberries and jello
• Sweet, creamy frosting with just the right touch of fruitiness
• Perfect for birthdays, brunches, or when life just calls for cake, Perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, or a sweet treat after dinner, this cake is ideal for those who love decadent strawberry desserts. For a twist on this, try our Irresistible Strawberry Cheesecake Cake — it’s a crowd favorite!

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🧁 What You’ll Need

Let’s talk ingredients. We’ve reworked the usual lineup for better texture, richer flavor, and a little extra oomph in every bite.

For the Strawberry Jello Cake :

• 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (adds structure and keeps it fluffy)
• 1 package (3 oz) strawberry gelatin (make sure it’s not sugar-free)
• ¾ cup vegetable oil
• ¼ cup softened butter, diced
• ½ cup buttermilk, at room temp (trust us, it’s worth it)
• ½ cup undrained sliced strawberries
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, at room temp
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the frosting:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 3 ¾ cups powdered sugar
• 3 tbsp milk, room temp
• ½ cup sliced strawberries, well-drained
• Pinch of salt (balances the sweetness perfectly)

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🛠️ What You’ll Need (Equipment)

Before we dive in, let’s make sure your kitchen’s got all the right tools. The good news? No fancy gear here—just everyday basics you probably already have:

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Electric mixer (handheld or stand—both work!)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Cooling rack
• Small saucepan (optional, for macerating strawberries)
• Butter knife or offset spatula (for frosting)
• Toothpick (for doneness test)
• If you’re feelin’ fancy let use Serving plate or cake stand

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Strawberry Jello Cake (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Step 1: Get Cozy with Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that warms up, grease your 9×13 baking pan. You can use non-stick spray, butter, or even line it with parchment if you’re anti-stick like I am.

Step 2: Sweeten Those Strawberries

In a small bowl, combine ½ cup of sliced strawberries (undrained) with ¼ cup of granulated sugar. Give them a gentle stir and let them sit while you prep the rest of the Strawberry Jello Cake. This lets the berries release all their juicy goodness—it’s like they’re prepping themselves for greatness.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Stuff

Grab your large mixing bowl and toss in:

• 1 box of white cake mix
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 packet of strawberry gelatin

Whisk it together so everything’s evenly blended. This is where the flavor starts building, and where the color starts turning that dreamy pink.

Step 4: Time to Blend the Wet Ingredients

Now let’s go to your medium bowl. Add:

• ¾ cup vegetable oil
• ¼ cup softened, diced butter
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• The macerated strawberry mixture from earlier (yes, syrup and all)

Whisk or beat this mixture until smooth. The oil and butter give it moisture and richness, and the buttermilk? That’s your ticket to a soft crumb.

Step 5: Combine and Conquer

Slowly pour your wet ingredients into the dry mix, and blend with your electric mixer on medium speed. Beat for about 2–3 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed. You’ll end up with a silky, pink batter that smells like strawberry heaven.

Step 6: Bake It Till It’s Beautiful

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Pop it in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Pro tip: Don’t open the oven door a million times (I know, it’s tempting). You’ll let the heat escape, and the Strawberry Jello Cake could sink. Patience is key, friend!

Step 7: Let It Chill (Literally)

Once the Strawberry Jello Cake is baked, let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 20–30 minutes. It needs to be totally cool before frosting—unless you want your frosting to do the sad slide down the sides. (No judgment. I’ve been there.)

🍓 Make That Dreamy Frosting

While your Strawberry Jello Cake cools, let’s make the star of the show: that creamy strawberry-speckled buttercream.

Step 1: Cream the Butter

In a clean bowl, beat 1 cup of softened butter until it’s pale and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes. Think of it like whipping clouds.

Step 2: Sweeten the Deal

Slowly add 3 ¾ cups of powdered sugar, about a cup at a time, mixing on low so you don’t end up looking like you got into a flour fight.

Step 3: Add the Magic

Toss in your ½ cup of drained sliced strawberries and 3 tablespoons of room-temperature milk. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Beat until your frosting is smooth and has pretty pink flecks from the berries. If it’s a bit loose, add a little more powdered sugar. Too thick? Add a tiny splash of milk.

🎂 Frost and Finish

Once your strawberry jello cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top using a butter knife or offset spatula. Don’t worry about making it perfect—this cake looks just as charming with rustic swirls as it does with smooth sides.

Well Done, You’ve just created a strawberry cake with jello that tastes like sunshine and smiles.

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💡 Cooking Tips for Sweet Success

• Room Temp = Happy Cake: Cold eggs or buttermilk can mess with your batter. Take them out a bit early for best results.
• No buttermilk? Add 1½ teaspoons of lemon juice or vinegar to ½ cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes. Instant fix!
• Frosting Too Thin? Pop it in the fridge for 10–15 minutes to help it firm up before spreading.
• Want it extra strawberry-ish? Add a few drops of natural strawberry extract to either the Strawberry Jello Cake or frosting. Just don’t overdo it—you want flavor, not fruit punch.

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💬 A Little Story from My Kitchen

I first made this Strawberry Jello Cake on a whim during a rainy Tuesday when my kids were bouncing off the walls and I needed something—anything—to lift the mood. I didn’t expect much, honestly. Just a little baking therapy. But when that first bite hit? Total game-changer.

My youngest called it “the pink birthday Strawberry Jello Cake,” and now it’s requested for every celebration, real or made up. It’s the kind of recipe that sneaks into your rotation and suddenly feels like it’s been in the family forever.

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🧊 Storage Tips: Keeping Your Strawberry Jello Cake Fresh

So, you’ve made this gorgeous strawberry jello cake—now what? Whether you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!) or you’re prepping ahead for a special event, here’s how to store it the right way:

Room Temperature (Short-Term)

If your kitchen isn’t sweltering, you can leave the Strawberry Jello Cake out at room temp for up to 1 day, as long as it’s covered. Use a cake dome or plastic wrap to keep it from drying out. Just be mindful—since there are fresh strawberries in the frosting, any longer than that and you’re playing snack roulette.

Refrigerator (Best Option)

For longer freshness, pop your strawberry cake with jello into the fridge. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, or store slices in an airtight container. It’ll stay moist and tasty for up to 4–5 days.

Quick tip: If you know you’re refrigerating, let the cake sit out for 15–20 minutes before serving to take off the chill. Nobody wants cold buttercream, right?

Freezing (Yes, You Can!)

Want to make it ahead? You can totally freeze this cake—just follow these tips:

• Freeze the Strawberry Jello Cake without the frosting if possible.
• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then foil.
• Store them in a freezer-safe bag or container.

It’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temp for a few hours. Add fresh frosting after thawing for best texture.

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🥄 Nutrition Information: What’s in Your Slice?

Let’s be real—this strawberry jello cake isn’t exactly health food, but it is joy in a pan. And joy has its place. That said, it’s helpful to know what you’re enjoying in each slice, especially if you’re watching macros or balancing treats in your week.

The Strawberry Jello Cake contains a mix of healthy fats, sugar, and carbs, along with a modest dose of protein thanks to the eggs and milk. The strawberries also bring a little vitamin C and fiber to the party. While it’s indulgent, it’s not outrageous for a dessert—and hey, sharing a slice with a friend halves the calories, right? 😉

Here’s the breakdown per serving (based on 1 slice from a 12-slice Strawberry Jello Cake):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Serving Size	1 slice (approx. 130g)
Calories	395 kcal
Total Fat	21g
Saturated Fat	9g
Unsaturated Fat	10g
Trans Fat	0.2g
Cholesterol	85mg
Sodium	290mg
Total Carbohydrates	49g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Sugars	35g
Protein	4g
Calcium	60mg
Iron	1.3mg
Potassium	120mg
Vitamin A	420 IU
Vitamin C	8mg
Vitamin D	0.7mcg
Folate	35mcg

Note: These values are estimates based on standard ingredient brands. If you’re using lower-fat alternatives or sugar-free gelatin, the nutrition profile will vary.

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⏰ Time Breakdown: Because You’ve Got a Life to Live

Let’s be honest—some desserts are commitment-heavy. But this strawberry jello cake? It hits that sweet spot between impressive and totally doable. Here’s exactly how much time you’ll need so you can plan accordingly (and maybe even squeeze in a coffee break while it chills).

Prep Time	20 minutes
Cook Time	30–35 minutes
Chilling Time	1–2 hours (optional but recommended for perfect frosting set)
Total Time	About 2 hours (including chill time)

Prep Time: You’ll spend about 20 minutes getting everything mixed, poured, and into the oven. Nothing fancy, just classic baking steps.

Cook Time: The Strawberry Jello Cake bakes in roughly 30 to 35 minutes depending on your oven (you know yours best—some are moody). A toothpick test in the center should come out clean.

Chilling Time (Optional, But So Worth It): Letting the frosted cake chill for at least an hour helps everything set beautifully. It also deepens the flavor and makes slicing way easier—especially if you’re serving it at a party or trying to impress that neighbor who always “just drops by.”

Total Time: Give or take 2 hours from mixing bowl to fork-in-cake, and you’re golden.

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🍰 Yield: How Much Happiness Are We Talking?

• Yield: 12 generous slices
• Servings Can Be Adjusted: Want dainty tea-party bites? Cut into 16 smaller squares. Feeding a crowd? Double the recipe and stack two layers—talk about a showstopper!

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🌎 Cuisine: A Taste of American Sweetness

• Cuisine: American
  This strawberry jello cake is a full-on retro gem—think potluck parties, Sunday suppers, and sweet Southern charm. This strawberry jello cake is a full-on retro gem—think potluck parties, Sunday suppers, and sweet Southern charm. If you’re in the mood for an easy and irresistible dessert, our Strawberry Earthquake Cake is another fantastic choice. It’s rooted in American kitchens where simplicity meets a whole lot of flavor. If you love fresh and fruity cakes, be sure to check out our Strawberry Bundt Cake with Fresh Strawberry Glaze, another easy and delicious way to enjoy strawberries, and where boxed cake mix is a mom’s secret weapon (no shame!).

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And just like that, you’ve got a dessert that delivers big flavor without demanding half your day. Whether you’re baking it for your kid’s birthday, a weekend potluck, or just because your sweet tooth said “hey there” This strawberry jello cake is always a good idea for when you want something quick, moist, and easy-to-make cakes that will wow your guests.

If you’re looking for something similar, check out our Mandarin Orange Cake Recipe, which is equally irresistible! especially if you’re looking for a simple yet indulgent dessert that can be made quickly and easily. Another great option is the Pineapple Dump Cake, which is just as effortless and delicious. It’s playful, it’s pretty, and it somehow manages to feel nostalgic and fresh all at once.

The best part? You don’t need to be a pastry chef or spend hours wrestling with complicated steps. This is the kind of cake that understands your busy schedule and still shows up looking like a Pinterest dream. You’ll get soft, moist layers with that iconic strawberry punch, topped with a creamy, dreamy frosting that seals the deal.

So the next time you’re craving something that tastes like summer and smiles—bake this Strawberry Jello Cake. Share a slice, steal one for yourself, and soak up those little moments that make life sweet. For more delicious dessert recipes to savor, try our Best Banana Chocolate Chip Cake.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of the ones in syrup?

Totally! If you’re using fresh strawberries, just add a touch of sugar and let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out those natural juices. That syrupy goodness is what brings out the bold flavor in this strawberry cake with jello.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No buttermilk? No problem. Mix ½ cup of regular milk with 1½ teaspoons of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, and boom—you’ve got a quick substitute that works like a charm.

Can I make this strawberry jello cake ahead of time?

Yes! This cake is actually better the next day because the flavors really meld. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. It’s a life-saver when prepping for birthdays or events.

How should I store leftovers?

Keep any leftover strawberry cake with jello covered in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and tasty for up to 4 days—if it even lasts that long!

Can I freeze it?

You sure can. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

White cake mix gives that perfect soft backdrop for the strawberry flavor to shine. But if you’re feeling adventurous, a vanilla or even a strawberry-flavored cake mix could give it a fun twist.

Do I have to chill the Strawberry Jello Cake before serving?

It’s not mandatory, but chilling helps the frosting set beautifully and enhances the texture. Plus, there’s something extra refreshing about cold, fruity cake on a warm day.