Name: Easy Strawberry Cake - Doctored Cake Mix Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon powdered sugar; 1/4 cup strawberry preserves, melted; 1/2 box (9 oz) white cake mix, dry; 1 egg; 1/2 cup water; 3 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 oz sour cream; 1/4 cup strawberry preserves; 1 cup strawberries, sliced

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Using a cake mix as the base of a dessert isn't a bad choice at all! This easy strawberry cake is the perfect example of a doctored cake mix recipe that is sure to be a hit. A simple addition of a few ingredients and a special flavored whipped cream come together to create an absolutely delicious cake that is easy to make and always popular at the dinner table.

Strawberry Cake Doctored Cake Mix Recipe

This cake is one of those that everyone raves over at church potlucks but you know is secretly easy to make. By adding a few extra items to your cake mix, you are easily able to amp up the flavor and texture so it tastes less like a cake mix and more like a gourmet baked cake. Add to that the special flavored whipped cream and you have a perfect dessert that is simple but decadent in its own way.

Strawberries are one of my favorite fruits and adding to a cake or any dessert is definitely how I like them best. If you are looking for more easy strawberry recipes, then you'll also like this strawberry cobbler, a simple strawberry mason jar crumbles, or even a fresh strawberry bread. They are all great examples of strawberry desserts that are individually unique while still being incredibly tasty.

What Type of Cake Mix is Best?

Any brand of cake mix will work for a doctored cake mix recipe. I typically keep Betty Crocker cake mixes on hand because they are what is most often on sale at my grocery store. I've used Duncan Hines and even the fancy branded cake mixes by professional bakers. When it comes down to it, they are all basically the same and will equally work in this recipe. Even a generic cake mix will be just fine for this recipe.

Can I Make This With Other Flavors of Preserves?

If you aren't a fan of strawberry, you could easily do the same cake but use a flavored whipped cream using a different fruit. You could even use a chocolate whipped cream or something like the already flavored Cool Whip that is often found around the holidays. Below are a few flavors I think would work great for this recipe.

Blueberry, blackberry, raspberry, boysenberry, grape, or muscadine preserves.
Nutella or hot fudge.
Caramel, salted caramel, or butterscotch syrups.
Mango, pineapple, mandarin oranges, peaches, or pears.

Does This Need to Be Refrigerated?

While the cake itself doesn't require refrigeration, the whipped topping will need to be refrigerated. So, if you plan to serve this at a later date, either cover and refrigerate or don't assemble until ready to serve. I also like the idea of just piping whipped cream on individual slices just before serving so you don't have to worry about it smashing in the refrigerator.

Ingredients

White cake mix
Egg
Water
Vegetable oil
Vanilla extract
Sour cream
Whipping cream
Strawberry preserves
Fresh strawberries

How to Make Strawberry Whipped Cream

In a large bowl, combine the whipping cream, melted preserves, and powdered sugar and beat the mixture for 5 to 8 minutes until stiff peaks form. Make sure not to overbeat or you will create strawberry butter.

Once stiff peaks form, pour the whipped cream into a piping bag or a container for storage and refrigerate until ready to top the cake.

How to Make a Strawberry Cake

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8" or 9" round cake pan with parchment paper. Brush the sides of the pan with butter or oil.

In a large bowl, add the cake mix, egg, vanilla extract, water, oil, and sour cream. Beat this mixture until just combined.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes in the pan before removing to a wire rack to continue cooling.

Once the cake is done cooling, top with dollops of strawberry whipped cream and additional strawberry preserves.

Top with sliced fresh strawberries and serve.

Chef's Tip

When making a cake like this covering it to keep fresh is a bit harder due to the taller topping. I like to use a basic cake carrier for this style of cake. You can find a variety of them in your local store, but I love the idea of the customized cake carrier on Etsy with a monogram or cute saying.

More Delicious Cake Recipes

Cakes are one of my personal favorite foods to make and share with friends and family. The cake is life. It's just so delicious and often, much easier to make than you might think. Below are a few of my favorite cake recipes that always prove popular when shared with others.

📖 Recipe

Yield: 8