Delightful Strawberries and Cream Bundt Cake: An Easy JELL-O Recipe for Any Occasion

Get ready to infuse your kitchen with the sweet aroma of baking and celebrate with a cake that’s as beautiful as it is delicious! This Strawberries and Cream Bundt Cake, elevated by the simple magic of JELL-O, is a dessert dream come true. Whether you’re planning for Valentine’s Day, a birthday, or just a spontaneous baking craving, this recipe promises an incredibly moist, flavorful, and visually stunning cake that will captivate everyone who takes a bite.

Baking on a whim is one of life’s true joys, isn’t it? Sometimes, the best creations come from unexpected moments of inspiration. For me, that moment often strikes during a routine grocery run. Navigating the aisles, with a mental list of essentials, an idea will suddenly blossom, demanding to be brought to life in my kitchen. It’s how this vibrant Strawberries and Cream Bundt Cake came to be, proving that the possibilities with JELL-O truly are endless!

The Sweet Inspiration: A Grocery Store Epiphany

The original inspiration for this cake struck me during a mundane trip to Kroger. I was on a mission for chicken breasts and cereal, but then it hit me – a flash of pink, a swirl of creamy white, and the irresistible thought of a Strawberry Bundt Cake. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, or really, any holiday that involves indulging in delicious food, I knew I had found my next baking project. And when inspiration strikes, I don’t hesitate. You might even find me baking Christmas cookies in July if the mood takes me!

So, alongside my practical purchases of chicken and Special K, two boxes of white cake mix found their way into my cart. Luckily, they were on sale, making the spontaneous decision even sweeter. The vision for a vibrant, moist, and utterly delightful Strawberries and Cream Bundt Cake was crystal clear, and I couldn’t wait to get home and start baking.

Why JELL-O Is Your Secret Ingredient for an Amazing Cake

This isn’t my first rodeo with JELL-O and cake. I’ve previously delighted in making Jello Swirled Cupcakes for my daughter’s class, which were gobbled up by kids and teachers alike. The success of those cupcakes made the decision to incorporate JELL-O into this Bundt cake a no-brainer. JELL-O adds an incredible boost of flavor, vibrant color, and an unbeatable moistness that transforms a simple box cake mix into something extraordinary.

The only truly challenging part was choosing the flavor. Cherry? Watermelon? Raspberry? While all are fantastic options, for a cake destined to be a symbol of love and sweetness, strawberry was the undeniable choice for this Strawberries and Cream Bundt Cake. It offers that classic, comforting berry flavor that pairs perfectly with a creamy base.

With my errands complete and ingredients in hand, I was back in the kitchen within minutes. The cake was in the oven a mere 15 minutes later – a testament to how quick and easy this recipe truly is. The moment it came out, I knew it couldn’t stay in the house. This Strawberries and Cream Bundt Cake was too tempting; I simply wouldn’t be able to stop at just one slice! Off it went to my hubby’s work, where I knew it would be thoroughly enjoyed.

Strawberries and Cream Bundt Cake Recipe

This recipe yields one large, impressive Bundt cake, plus a few bonus cupcakes – because who doesn’t love an extra treat?

Strawberries and Cream Bundt Cake using JELL-O

Ingredients

2 boxes white cake mix (15.25 ounce each)
Ingredients called for on cake mix box (typically eggs, oil, water)
1 box strawberry JELL-O mix (3 ounce)
1 can white frosting (your favorite brand)

Instructions

Prepare Your Bundt Pan and Cake Batter: Generously spray a bundt pan with cooking spray, ensuring all nooks and crannies are covered. Prepare both boxes of white cake mix according to the package directions in a large bowl.
Layer the Batters and Bake: Pour approximately one-third to one-half of the prepared white cake batter into the bundt pan. Set aside 1 tablespoon of the dry JELL-O mix for your frosting later. Add the remaining dry strawberry JELL-O mix to the remaining cake batter. Stir gently until the JELL-O is just well blended and the batter has a lovely pink hue. Carefully spoon this strawberry batter over the white batter in the bundt pan. Do not fill the bundt pan more than two-thirds full to prevent overflow. If you have any remaining batter, pour it into paper-lined muffin tins to make delicious bonus cupcakes! Bake the bundt cake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 45-55 minutes. If baking cupcakes, they will be ready in about 19-22 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 20 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a wire rack or plate to cool completely.
Prepare Your Melted Frosting: You won’t need the entire can of frosting for the bundt cake itself. First, use some of the frosting to ice your bonus cupcakes. Then, place the remaining frosting into a small saucepan. Heat on low, stirring occasionally, until the frosting just begins to melt and becomes pourable, about 3-4 minutes. You’re looking for a smooth, drizzly consistency.
Drizzle with Two-Tone Glaze: Once the frosting is melted and smooth, divide it in half. Pour one half into a small plastic bag. To the remaining half in the saucepan, add the reserved 1 tablespoon of dry strawberry JELL-O mix and stir well until fully incorporated, creating a light pink glaze. Pour this JELL-O frosting into a separate plastic bag. Using scissors, snip off a tiny corner from each bag, creating a small hole. Drizzle both the white and pink glazes over your completely cooled bundt cake, alternating colors for a beautiful, decorative effect.

Notes

Recipe adapted from ChocolateChocolateandmore.com

For an even richer strawberry flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of strawberry extract to your strawberry batter. For a truly ‘strawberries and cream’ experience, serve slices with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and a few fresh strawberry slices.

Did you make this recipe?

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Tips for a Perfect JELL-O Bundt Cake Every Time

Achieving bundt cake perfection doesn’t have to be intimidating. Here are a few key tips to ensure your Strawberries and Cream Bundt Cake turns out beautifully every time:

Grease Your Pan Generously: Bundt pans have intricate designs, so thorough greasing is crucial. Use a baking spray that contains flour, or butter and flour the pan meticulously to prevent sticking. Don’t forget all the ridges!
Don’t Overfill: As noted in the recipe, never fill your bundt pan more than two-thirds full. Cake batter expands significantly during baking, and overfilling will lead to a messy overflow and a less defined shape.
Cool in the Pan (But Not Too Long!): The 20-minute cooling time in the pan is essential. It allows the cake to firm up slightly, making it less likely to break when inverted. However, don’t leave it in the pan for too long, or it might stick as the sugar cools and hardens.
Room Temperature Ingredients: While this recipe uses a cake mix, ensuring your other liquid ingredients (like eggs or milk, if required by your mix) are at room temperature can help create a smoother batter and a more even crumb.
Gentle Mixing: When incorporating the JELL-O into the batter, stir just until blended. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.

Using two boxes of cake mix ensures a tall, impressive Bundt cake that truly fills the pan and makes a statement. While you could technically make it with one box, the result would be a much shorter cake, and for a showstopper like this, a fuller cake is definitely preferred!

The Bonus Cupcakes: A Sweet Little Treat

Don’t forget those charming extra cupcakes! They’re not just a way to use up excess batter; they’re perfectly portioned delights that offer a sneak peek of the deliciousness to come. The strawberry JELL-O adds the same wonderful flavor and moisture to these miniature versions, making them just as irresistible as the main event. They’re perfect for taste-testing or sharing with those who can’t wait for the Bundt cake to cool.

Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations

This Strawberries and Cream Bundt Cake is fantastic on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your serving experience:

Fresh Berries: Garnish with fresh strawberries and a few mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes for an indulgent pairing.
Chocolate Shavings: A sprinkle of white or dark chocolate shavings can add an elegant touch.
Other JELL-O Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different JELL-O flavors! Lemon and blueberry, cherry and vanilla, or even orange and cream would all be delightful combinations. Adjust the frosting color to match.
Cream Cheese Glaze: If you prefer a thicker, richer glaze, you can adapt a simple cream cheese glaze recipe by adding a tablespoon of JELL-O mix to a portion of it.

More Creative JELL-O Recipes to Explore

If you’re now inspired by the versatility of JELL-O in baking and beyond, here are some other fun and easy recipes to try:

Homemade Gumdrops

Jello Popcorn

Rocky Road Pudding Pops

Jello Sugar Cookies

Jello Swirl Cupcakes

Check out these fantastic creations from my blogging friends as well:

Easy Turtle Fudge from Inside Brucrew Life
Lemon Crunch Cookies from Shugary Sweets

This Strawberries and Cream Bundt Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined with a touch of creativity, can yield something truly spectacular. Its vibrant colors, tender crumb, and irresistible strawberry flavor make it an instant favorite for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating love, friendship, or simply the joy of a homemade treat, this JELL-O infused Bundt cake is sure to bring smiles to every face. Happy baking!

I’m happy to share this recipe at some of these great parties.