Description
Quick strawberry cake saved my reputation during the most embarrassing hosting moment of my life. This rapid method delivers bakery-quality results in under an hour, proving that speed doesn’t have to mean sacrifice. Perfect for unexpected guests and last-minute dessert emergencies!
Ingredients
- 1 box premium strawberry cake mix (or white cake mix)
- 1 cup frozen strawberries, thawed and drained
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons strawberry preserves
- 2 tablespoons freeze-dried strawberry powder (optional)
- Cooking spray and flour for pan
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (higher temperature for faster baking). Prepare 9×13 pan with cooking spray and light flour dusting.
- Thaw frozen strawberries quickly by placing sealed bag in warm water for 5 minutes. Drain thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels.
- In large bowl, combine cake mix with strawberry powder (if using) to distribute flavor evenly throughout base.
- Add eggs, oil, water, sour cream, and vanilla extract according to package directions. Beat with electric mixer for 2 minutes until smooth.
- Gently fold in drained strawberry pieces and strawberry preserves using large spoon. Mix just until evenly distributed – don’t overmix.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and level surface gently. The higher temperature means faster baking but requires attention.
- Bake 25-30 minutes until center springs back when lightly touched and edges pull slightly from pan sides. Start checking at 25 minutes.
- Cool in pan 10 minutes before serving warm, or transfer to wire rack for complete cooling if adding frosting.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for instant elegance, or add simple powdered sugar glaze for finished presentation.
Notes
Emergency Baking Tips: This higher-temperature method (375°F vs 350°F) cuts baking time significantly. Watch carefully after 25 minutes to prevent overbaking. The sour cream addition is crucial for maintaining moisture at the accelerated baking speed. For 10-minute cream cheese frosting: microwave cream cheese 15 seconds to soften quickly, then beat with butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Can be stored covered at room temperature for 2-3 days. Find more emergency baking solutions at RecipeGap.com!
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Method: Quick Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
Keywords: quick strawberry cake, emergency dessert, 45 minute cake, last minute cake, unexpected guests