Ingredients:

  • 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 package (3 oz) strawberry Jell-O powder
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 cup cold water
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven and prepare the cake mix according to the box instructions. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  2. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to rest for exactly 15 minutes.
  3. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, press firmly into the cake to create a grid of holes approximately 1 inch apart, reaching nearly to the bottom of the pan.
  4. Whisk the strawberry Jell-O powder into boiling water until completely dissolved, then stir in the cold water.
  5. Slowly pour the strawberry liquid over the cake, ensuring the syrup fills every hole.
  6. Cover the pan with foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the soak to set.
  7. Beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  8. In a separate bowl, whip the chilled heavy cream to stiff peaks, then fold in the cream cheese mixture until combined.
  9. Spread the frosting evenly over the chilled cake and garnish with sliced fresh strawberries.