Ingredients:

  • 1 box (15.25 oz) white or yellow cake mix
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 package (3 oz) strawberry gelatin
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping
  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
  2. Mix the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges pull away from the pan and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  3. While the cake is still warm, use a skewer to poke holes every 1/2 inch across the entire surface, stopping about 1/4 inch before the base.
  4. Dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water and immediately pour the liquid over the cake to fill the holes.
  5. Allow the cake to cool completely to the touch before applying frosting.
  6. Beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth.
  7. Fold in the thawed whipped topping and vanilla extract using a spatula until the mixture is uniform and airy.
  8. Spread the frosting in a thick, even layer over the cake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.