Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray pan(s) with non-stick spray or Wilton cake release.

Step 2

Add cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil to a mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer and mix well. Mix in the 1 cup of mashed strawberries and the (dry) strawberry gelatin.

Step 3

Mix 3 minutes, stopping to scrape the sides of the bowl a couple of times.

Step 4

Divide the batter evenly among layer pans or pour into a 9x13-inch baking pan. Cool the cake layers for 10 minutes in the pan before removing them to a wire rack. Wait until the cake is completely cool before frosting.

Step 5

Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Sift sugar and add one cup at a time to the cream cheese mixture. Add heavy whipping cream and strawberries and incorporate completely.

Step 6

For a more professional cake, remove the domes from the tops of the cake layers with a cake leveler or large serrated knife.

Step 7

Place one layer of cake on a serving plate. Spread about 1 cup of the frosting on top in an even layer. Repeat with the next layer of cake and frosting, then top the cake with the final layer of cake (if you have 3 layers).

Step 8

Frost the outside of the cake. An offset spatula makes it really easy to get an even layer.