Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray 2 8x8 baking pans with non-stick spray or Baker’s Joy.

Step 2

Using a  mixer, mix together the cake mix, eggs, milk, and vegetable oil 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 two 8-inch pans for 30-33 minutes.

Step 5

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 6

Using mixer beat the butter on medium-high speed until creamy, about 2 minutes. Add powdered sugar, strawberry powder or pureed strawberries/or combo of both, heavy cream/milk, and vanilla. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then switch to high speed and beat for 2 minutes.

Step 7

Add 1-3 more tablespoons of heavy cream/milk if needed to thin out, if desired.

Step 8

Optional: If you want strawberry cream cheese frosting, mix in 8 ounces of softened cream cheese (mix before adding to make sure it’s soft, without lumps) to frosting mixture at the end.  You can also add it in, after you have mixed the butter.