Simply Delicious Strawberry Cake

foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 1 (18 1/4ounce) box  white cake mix
• 1 (3 ounce) box  strawberry-flavored instant gelatin
• 1 (15 ounce) package  frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed and pureed
• 4  large eggs
• 1⁄2 cup  vegetable oil
• 1⁄4 cup water

• Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1⁄4 cup butter, softened
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (10 ounce) package  frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed and pureed
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  strawberry extract
• 7  cups confectioners' sugar
•  freshly sliced strawberry, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease 2 (9-inch) round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, combine cake mix and gelatin. Add pureed strawberries, eggs, oil, and water; beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Pour into prepared pans, and bake for 20 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes. Remove from pans, and cool completely on wire racks.
4. For the frosting:.
5. In a large bowl, beat butter and cream cheese at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Beat in 1/4 cup of the strawberry puree and the vanilla extract. (The rest of the puree is leftover but can be used in smoothies or on ice cream for a delicious treat.) Gradually add confectioners' sugar, beating until smooth.
6. Spread frosting in between layers and on top and sides of cake. Garnish with sliced fresh strawberries, if desired.