The Best Gluten-Free Strawberry Cake

Moist, vibrant, and bursting with real strawberry flavor—perfect for spring, summer, or any celebration!

This is not your average strawberry cake. It's soft, flavorful, and has that iconic pretty pink hue without being artificial or overly sweet. I adapted this from a classic Southern recipe and swapped in Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 Gluten-Free Flour, and the results were magical.

This cake is perfect for birthdays, bridal showers, Easter, or when you just want something fruity and fun. And the best part? No one will believe it's gluten-free. Yes, even your pickiest gluten-loving friend.

Recently I used this recipe to make this Neapolitan Cake!

Pardon the messy slice though!

🍓 Why You'll Love This Cake

• Packed with real strawberry flavor (thanks to purée and a touch of Jell-O)

• Light, moist, and perfectly pink

• A total showstopper for spring and summer gatherings

• Made with simple gluten-free substitutions

• Freezes well for make-ahead parties or events

🛒 Ingredients

• 2 cups white sugar

• 1 cup butter, softened

• 1 (3-ounce) package strawberry flavored Jell-O

• 4 large eggs, room temperature

• 2 ¾ cups sifted 1:1 Gluten-Free Flour (I use Bob’s Red Mill)

• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder

• 1 cup whole milk, room temperature

• ½ cup fresh strawberry purée

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (I use Spice Islands)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and lightly flour two 9-inch round cake pans using gluten-free flour or baking spray.

2. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the sugar, softened butter, and dry strawberry Jell-O until light and fluffy using a hand or stand mixer.

3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.

4. In a separate bowl, combine the gluten-free flour and baking powder. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.

5. Stir in the strawberry purée and vanilla extract until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.

7. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Let cakes cool in pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Then run a knife around the edges, carefully invert the cakes, and allow to cool completely before frosting.

🎂 Tips for Perfect Strawberry Cake

• Use fresh strawberries for the purée when possible. Simply blend and strain if needed for smoothness.

• Don’t skip the Jell-O—it enhances color and flavor without overpowering.

• Make sure all your ingredients are room temperature for best texture.

• This cake pairs beautifully with cream cheese frosting or strawberry buttercream!

🛍️ Tools & Ingredients I Use and Love

• Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 Gluten-Free Flour

• Spice Islands Vanilla Extract

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💬 Let’s Connect

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Looking for more gluten-free recipes that taste like the real thing?
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