This strawberry refrigerator cake is cool, sweet, and easy to make. It uses a baked cake base, a fresh strawberry sauce, and a light pudding- whipped topping layer. It chills in the fridge so the flavors set and the cake stays moist. For other simple dessert ideas you can try, see this list of dessert recipes.
Why make this recipe
Make this cake when you want a fresh, fruity dessert with little fuss. It is great for warm days, family meals, or potlucks. The cake is soft, the strawberry layer adds bright flavor, and the pudding topping makes it creamy. If you like easy comfort food you may also enjoy a savory bake like biscuits and gravy casserole for a full meal plan.
How to make Strawberry Refrigerator Cake
Follow the steps in order and use simple tools: a 9×13-inch baking dish, a blender or food processor, and a bowl for the pudding. Make the cake first, poke holes, pour the strawberry sauce over, then top with the pudding-whipped mix. You can prep the cake one day ahead and chill it until serving. While you prepare sides or drinks, you might also plan a warm dish like crock-pot beef and bean soup for a full table.
Ingredients :
- 1 tablespoon flour, for coating
- 1 10 ounce box strawberry cake mix
- 1 ⅓ cups water
- 3 large eggs
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 2 (10 ounce) packages frozen strawberries, thawed with juice
- 1 (3.5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 1 pint fresh strawberries (Optional)
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make cake: Prepare cake mix as directed on the package, using 1 1/3 cups water, 3 eggs, and 1/3 cup oil. Pour batter into the prepared dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Allow cake to cool on a wire rack.
- Poke holes on top of cooled cake using a fork. Purée thawed strawberries with juice in a blender or food processor until smooth. Spoon over top of cake.
- Make topping: Prepare pudding mix as directed on the package, using 1 cup milk. Fold whipped topping into pudding until combined, then spread over cake. Arrange strawberries on top.
- Refrigerate cake for at least 4 hours before serving.
How to serve Strawberry Refrigerator Cake
Cut into squares and serve cold. Add extra fresh strawberries on top for color. This cake goes well with a scoop of ice cream or a small glass of milk. For a cool pairing, consider a chilled treat like hot fudge ice cream bar for guests who want more chocolate.
How to store Strawberry Refrigerator Cake
Cover the dish with plastic wrap or move cake to an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Do not freeze the cake — the whipped topping and pudding can change texture when frozen.
Tips to make Strawberry Refrigerator Cake
- Use thawed frozen strawberries with their juice for a strong strawberry flavor.
- Poke deep but even holes so the sauce soaks into the cake.
- Chill at least 4 hours. Longer chill time makes the cake firmer.
- For a firmer topping, chill the pudding mix a bit before folding in the whipped topping.
- If you want an easy party menu, add a simple side like cheesy potatoes and smoked sausage.
Variation (if any)
- Use strawberry gelatin powder mixed with the puréed strawberries for a more set sauce.
- Add canned crushed pineapple (drained) to the pudding layer for a tropical twist.
- Swap fresh strawberries on top with other berries like raspberries or blueberries for variety.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
A: Yes. Use about 2 cups fresh strawberries and a little sugar if they are not sweet. Blend until smooth.
Q: Do I have to bake the cake or can I use store-bought cake?
A: You can use a store-bought sheet cake or bake a cake from scratch. The important step is to poke holes and pour the strawberry sauce over.
Q: How long does the cake need to chill?
A: Chill at least 4 hours. Overnight gives the best texture and flavor.
Q: Can I make this ahead for a party?
A: Yes. Make it the day before and keep it refrigerated until serving.
Q: Can I use fat-free pudding or whipped topping?
A: You can, but the texture and richness will be lighter. It still works if you want a lower-fat dessert.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Refrigerator Cake is a simple, fresh dessert that chills well and looks lovely on the table. For a very similar take on the same idea, see this version of Strawberry Refrigerator Cake. If you prefer an icebox cake with cream cheese, try the Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake for a richer topping. For a no-bake cheesecake-style icebox cake, this recipe is helpful: No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Icebox Cake. The Kitchn also shares tips for a simple no-bake strawberry icebox cake here: Strawberry Icebox Cake Recipe | The Kitchn. For a gluten-free no-bake shortcake-style version, see Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake – Gluten Free Dessert.
Strawberry Refrigerator Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare cake mix as directed on the package, using 1 1/3 cups water, 3 eggs, and 1/3 cup oil. Pour batter into the prepared dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Allow cake to cool on a wire rack.
- Poke holes on top of the cooled cake using a fork.
- Purée thawed strawberries with juice in a blender or food processor until smooth. Spoon over the top of the cake.
- Prepare pudding mix as directed on the package, using 1 cup milk.
- Fold whipped topping into pudding until combined, then spread over the cake.
- Arrange optional fresh strawberries on top.
- Refrigerate cake for at least 4 hours before serving.
