Shortcut Strawberry Cake
A delightful strawberry cake featuring a marshmallow layer and fresh strawberry flavor, perfect for family gatherings or summer celebrations, offering a moist texture and sweet-tart taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Butter the bottom of a 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan.
- Spread the miniature marshmallows evenly over the bottom of the pan.
- Combine strawberries, syrup, and dry strawberry gelatin in a bowl.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, shortening, baking powder, salt, milk, vanilla, and eggs.
- Blend and beat the mixture for 3 minutes.
- Spoon the batter over the marshmallows in the prepared pan.
- Spoon the strawberry mixture over the batter.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 50 minutes.
- Serve hot, warm, or cool with ice cream or whipped cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter cake, consider replacing half of the Crisco shortening with unsweetened applesauce. You can also use fresh strawberries instead of frozen if they're in season. To enhance flavor, try adding a tablespoon of lemon juice to the strawberry mixture. This shortcut cake is perfect for those who love easy American recipes that deliver on taste.
Serving Suggestions
This strawberry cake is delightful served warm with a scoop of Grandmother Burgess' Vanilla Ice Cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It pairs wonderfully with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad for a balanced meal. For a festive touch, consider serving it at gatherings alongside other sweet treats like Cherry-O-Cream Pie.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, cover the cooled cake with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual pieces for about 20-30 seconds or place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shortcut Strawberry Cake contains roughly 685 calories, with 5g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is a good source of calcium (19% of the Daily Value), iron (14% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 891mg per serving (39% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of fruit in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the strawberries with other berries like blueberries or raspberries. Just make sure to adjust the gelatin flavor according to the fruit you choose for the best results.
What can I do if I don't have Crisco shortening?
You can replace Crisco shortening with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil. Both options will add a rich flavor to the cake while maintaining its moist texture.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, the cake is ready. If it has wet batter on it, continue baking for a few more minutes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).