This Strawberry Wet Cake is a fun treat that’s bursting with fruity flavor! It’s soft, moist, and topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Yum!
Whenever I make this cake, I always end up eating the leftover strawberries. They’re just too good to resist! It’s super easy to whip up for any occasion.
I love that this cake stays moist for days and pairs perfectly with a scoop of ice cream. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will keep everyone coming back for more!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Strawberry Cake Mix: This is the base of our cake. If you prefer to make it from scratch, you can mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and strawberry puree instead.
Fresh Strawberries: Fresh is best for flavor, but if they’re out of season, you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw and drain them well.
Vegetable Oil: This keeps the cake moist. You could substitute it with melted coconut oil or melted butter for a richer taste.
Gelatin (Jello): The strawberry gelatin adds sweet flavor and moisture. If you want a lighter option, try the sugar-free version, or you can replace it with a homemade fruit puree.
Whipped Topping: I love using Cool Whip, but if you want to make it healthier, you can whip your own cream. For dairy-free, look for coconut whipped topping alternatives.
How Do You Ensure Your Cake is Moist and Flavorful?
Keeping the cake moist and filled with strawberry goodness is key to making a great Strawberry Wet Cake. Poking holes in the cake is a crucial step. It allows the gelatin to seep deeply into the cake.
- Be gentle while poking the holes. Use a fork and don’t push too hard; you want to make holes, not destroy the cake!
- Pour the gelatin mixture evenly over the holes, letting it soak in. The more it seeps, the moister your cake will be.
- Chilling the cake isn’t just for texture; it also helps the flavors meld beautifully together. Don’t skip that step!
How to Make Strawberry Wet Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 box of strawberry cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
For the Gelatin Topping:
- 1 cup strawberry gelatin (jello)
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Cream Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- Fresh strawberries for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and about 30 minutes to bake, plus at least 2 hours to chill in the fridge. With a little patience, you’ll have a refreshing and delightful dessert ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking. This way, your cake will come out perfectly!
2. Mix the Cake Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, 1 cup of water, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, and 3 eggs. Beat everything together on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the mixture is nice and smooth.
3. Bake the Cake:
Pour the cake batter into your prepared baking pan. Bake it in the oven for 25-30 minutes. You can check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready!
4. Cool the Cake:
Once the cake is baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This allows it to firm up a bit.
5. Prepare the Strawberry Gelatin:
While the cake is cooling, prepare the strawberry gelatin. In a bowl, dissolve the gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring until it’s completely dissolved.
6. Add the Gelatin to the Cake:
Using a fork, poke holes all over the top of the warm cake. This step is important because it allows the gelatin to soak into the cake. Pour the gelatin mixture over the cake, filling the holes well. Then let the cake cool completely. Once it’s cool, pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours to set.
7. Make the Cream Cheese Topping:
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until it’s smooth and creamy. Then, gently fold in the whipped topping until everything is well combined, creating a light and airy mixture.
8. Spread the Topping:
Once the cake is set and chilled, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top. It adds a delicious creamy layer to your cake!
9. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, you can top your cake with sliced fresh strawberries or additional strawberry topping for a little extra flair. This makes it look even more delicious!
10. Enjoy:
Slice your strawberry wet cake and serve it chilled. It’s a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use a Different Flavor of Cake Mix?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap the strawberry cake mix for another flavor, like vanilla or lemon. Just keep in mind that the overall taste and color of the cake will change, but it will still be delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge. It should stay fresh for 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge before serving!
Can I Make This Cake in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare this cake ahead of time! Bake the cake and prepare the gelatin topping a day in advance. Just keep the cake covered in the fridge after adding the gelatin to set it properly. Then, assemble the cream cheese topping and garnish right before serving.
Do I Need to Use Fresh Strawberries?
While fresh strawberries provide great flavor and texture, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just thaw them and pat dry to remove excess moisture before slicing and using as a topping. Keep in mind that the color and texture might be slightly different, but it will still taste great!
