Strawberry Glaze Cake
Strawberry Glaze Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a delightful experience filled with vibrant berry flavors that dance on your palate. This easy cake recipe combines the luscious sweetness of strawberries with a smooth glaze, creating a mouthwatering treat that your family and friends will love. Imagine sinking a fork into a tender, moist slice, as the delectable strawberry glaze drips enticingly down the side. Perfect for celebrations, picnics, or simply to brighten up a regular day, this cake is both visually stunning and deliciously satisfying. Ready to create this gorgeous dessert? Follow along with this step-by-step guide!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the standout features of the Strawberry Glaze Cake is its simplicity. With a majority of ingredients coming straight from a box, prep time is kept to a minimum, making it accessible for even beginner bakers. This family-friendly recipe delights both adults and kids alike, ensuring it will find a place at every table.
Moreover, the combination of fresh strawberries and the light glaze creates a refreshing dessert that is delightful without being overly rich. Whether you’re trying to impress guests at a gathering or simply want to treat your family, this cake is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients for Strawberry Glaze Cake
- 1 box strawberry cake mix: A convenient base that brings the strawberry flavor to life effortlessly.
- 1 (3 oz) package strawberry gelatin: Enhances the fruitiness, deepening the strawberry essence to every bite.
- 4 large eggs: Providing moisture and structure, ensuring a tender crumb cake.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and adds to the richness.
- 1/4 cup milk: Helps to create a balanced batter while contributing to a perfect texture.
- 1 cup mashed fresh strawberries: The star of the show, adding real fruitiness and natural sweetness to the mix.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Essential for making that dreamy, sweet glaze.
- 3 tbsp strawberry puree: Intensifies the fruity flavor in the glaze, making it irresistibly delicious.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Adds a zesty brightness to balance the sweetness of the cake and glaze.
- Optional: pink gel food coloring: For those who want a deeper hue to their glaze, enhancing its visual appeal.
Step-by-Step Directions
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease and flour a 9×13 inch pan. This will ensure easy removal of your cake once it’s baked.
In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, gelatin, eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and mashed strawberries until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Be sure to allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before glazing it.
In a separate bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and lemon juice until smooth and pourable. If you desire a pop of color, add pink gel food coloring.
Pour the glaze evenly over the cooled cake, letting it spread to the edges. Allow it to set slightly before garnishing with halved strawberries for a stunning presentation.
Cut into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature, enjoying each flavorful bite!
Tips & Tricks
Here are some chef’s secrets to make your Strawberry Glaze Cake stand out:
- Choose ripe strawberries for the best flavor; they should be sweet, fragrant, and vibrant in color.
- Adjust the glaze: Feel free to experiment with the sweetness of the glaze by adding more or less powdered sugar based on your preference.
- Add texture: Consider folding in crushed graham crackers into the batter for a delightful crunch in every bite.
- Decorate with extra fruits: Top with blueberries or raspberries for a colorful berry medley.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute the cake mix with a gluten-free variety for those with dietary restrictions.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
The beauty of Strawberry Glaze Cake is its versatility when it comes to serving. It’s delightful on its own, but you can also:
- Pair it with whipped cream or french vanilla ice cream to elevate its creamy appeal.
- Serve alongside a refreshing mint tea or a sparkling lemonade to complement the fruity notes.
- For an elegant presentation at a gathering, layer the cake with slices of fresh strawberries and edible flowers on top.
Nutritional Information
While indulgent, the Strawberry Glaze Cake offers a delightful treat without breaking your calorie budget. A typical square serving might contain approximately:
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 320mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 3g
While it’s a sweet indulgence, remember that moderation is key when enjoying desserts!
Storing Tips & Variations for Strawberry Glaze Cake
To keep your Strawberry Glaze Cake fresh and delicious, follow these storing tips:
- Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: If you want it to last longer, keep it in the fridge for up to a week. However, it may alter the texture slightly.
- Freezing: This cake can be frozen! Wrap it tightly and store for up to three months. Just ensure to glaze it after thawing to maintain that lovely presentation.
- Healthier Swaps: Substitute some of the vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce for a lighter calorie option, or use whole-grain cake mix for a fiber boost.
Conclusion for Strawberry Glaze Cake
Now that you’ve discovered how to create this vibrant and exciting Strawberry Glaze Cake, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and bake! This recipe is sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire, impressing all with its delightful flavors and beautiful presentation. Don’t wait—treat yourself and those you love to a slice of happiness today!
FAQs
1. How do I know when the cake is done baking?
You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
2. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before mashing to avoid a soggy cake.
3. How can I make the glaze thicker?
To achieve a thicker consistency, simply add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired thickness.
4. Is this cake suitable for a birthday party?
Absolutely! The colorful presentation makes it perfect for celebrations. Just remember to add candles if it’s a birthday!
5. Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day ahead and glaze it when you’re ready to serve for maximum freshness and visual appeal.
Strawberry Glaze Cake
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 box strawberry cake mix A convenient base that brings the strawberry flavor to life effortlessly.
- 1 package (3 oz) strawberry gelatin Enhances the fruitiness, deepening the strawberry essence to every bite.
- 4 large eggs Providing moisture and structure, ensuring a tender crumb cake.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil Keeps the cake moist and adds to the richness.
- 1/4 cup milk Helps to create a balanced batter while contributing to a perfect texture.
- 1 cup mashed fresh strawberries The star of the show, adding real fruitiness and natural sweetness to the mix.
Glaze Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar Essential for making that dreamy, sweet glaze.
- 3 tbsp strawberry puree Intensifies the fruity flavor in the glaze, making it irresistibly delicious.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice Adds a zesty brightness to balance the sweetness.
- 1 tbsp pink gel food coloring Optional, for those who want a deeper hue to their glaze.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease and flour a 9×13 inch pan.
- In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, gelatin, eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and mashed strawberries until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before glazing it.
Glazing
- In a separate bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and lemon juice until smooth and pourable.
- If you desire a pop of color, add pink gel food coloring.
- Pour the glaze evenly over the cooled cake, letting it spread to the edges.
- Allow it to set slightly before garnishing with halved strawberries for a stunning presentation.
Serving
- Cut into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature, enjoying each flavorful bite!