Whipped Cream, Juicy Berries, and the Cake That Feels Like a Summer Day

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There are desserts that speak of celebration, and then there’s this cake — a slice of sunshine packed into a soft, fluffy square. With its dreamy pink crumb, a cloud of whipped cream frosting, and a juicy strawberry on top, this cake captures the magic of summer in every bite. It’s nostalgic, fresh, and downright irresistible.

Perfect for picnics, potlucks, birthdays, or just a warm-weather weekend treat, this strawberry delight is as pretty as it is delicious. The tender cake bursts with real berry flavor and is crowned with a whipped cream topping that keeps things light, sweet, and refreshing.

Why You’ll Love This Whipped Cream, Juicy Berries, and the Cake That Feels Like a Summer Day

This cake isn’t just photogenic — it’s also incredibly easy to make. Using a few shortcut ingredients along with fresh strawberries means you get maximum flavor with minimal fuss. The texture is pillowy-soft, thanks to the light crumb, while the creamy topping balances the sweetness just right.

It’s also a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving kids, adults, or picky eaters, everyone loves the classic combo of strawberries and cream. Bonus: It can be made ahead and stored in the fridge, making it perfect for entertaining.

What Kind of Strawberries Should I Use?

For the brightest flavor and juiciest texture, use ripe, in-season strawberries. Fresh is best, especially for garnishing, but you can use frozen strawberries in the cake batter if they’re thawed and well-drained. Look for strawberries that are deep red, firm, and fragrant — they’ll give your cake that naturally sweet, summery punch.

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Ingredients for the Whipped Cream, Juicy Berries, and the Cake That Feels Like a Summer Day

Each ingredient in this cake brings a special touch that turns a simple treat into something unforgettable:

• Strawberry Cake Mix – A convenient base that delivers consistent flavor and that signature pink hue.
• Strawberry Gelatin (like Jell-O) – Intensifies the berry flavor and keeps the cake extra moist.
• Eggs – Provide structure and richness to the cake.
• Vegetable Oil – Keeps the cake soft and tender.
• Water – Balances the batter and activates the gelatin.
• Fresh Strawberries – Chopped and folded into the batter for fresh flavor bursts.
• Whipped Topping (like Cool Whip) – Light and fluffy, it’s the perfect finishing layer.
• Cream Cheese – Adds tang and richness to the whipped topping.
• Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and stabilizes the creamy frosting.
• Whole Strawberries (for garnish) – A beautiful and fresh final touch.

How To Make the Whipped Cream, Juicy Berries, and the Cake That Feels Like a Summer Day

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large bowl, mix together the strawberry cake mix and strawberry gelatin powder. Add eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Beat until smooth. Gently fold in the chopped fresh strawberries.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.

Step 3: Make the Whipped Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and continue mixing until creamy. Fold in the whipped topping until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Frost and Garnish

Spread the whipped frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Top each slice with a whole fresh strawberry right before serving.

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How to Serve and Store This Summer Strawberry Cake

This cake serves 12–15 people, making it ideal for parties or large gatherings. Serve it chilled, straight from the fridge, for the best texture and flavor — especially on warm days. The whipped topping holds up beautifully and stays soft without melting too quickly.

To store, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Avoid freezing, as the whipped topping can separate upon thawing.

What to Serve With This Cake?

Fresh Berry Salad

Enhance the fruity vibes with a medley of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries tossed with mint.

Iced Lemonade or Strawberry Fizz

Pair with a refreshing drink to complement the cake’s sweetness. Think lemonade, sparkling water, or even a berry sangria.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side for extra indulgence.

Light Tea Sandwiches

If serving this at a gathering, tea sandwiches (cucumber, egg salad, or chicken salad) make a great savory contrast.

Whipped Yogurt Parfaits

Layered yogurt parfaits with granola and fruit are a lovely and light pairing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought whipped topping?
Absolutely! Just whip 2 cups of heavy cream with a few tablespoons of powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla extract. Make sure it’s stabilized if you’re storing the cake for longer than a few hours.

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes, while strawberry is the star here, you could try vanilla or white cake mix for a milder berry flavor. Just be sure to add the strawberry gelatin and fresh berries to keep that summer essence.

What’s the best way to slice this cake neatly?
Chill the cake well and use a sharp, clean knife. Wipe the blade between cuts for clean slices. A serrated knife also works great!

Is this cake gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can easily swap in a gluten-free strawberry cake mix and double-check that your gelatin and whipped topping are gluten-free.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, this cake tastes even better the next day. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Want to try another berry-packed treat? Check out our Strawberry Shortcake Cups for another easy summer favorite!

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