Strawberry Refrigerator Cake!

This "Strawberry Refrigerator Cake" couldn't be any easier and it is absolutely delicious!  This is the perfect summer dessert, because it's actually fairly light.    This cake is also pretty enough for a special occasion like a birthday or wedding or baby shower.   We went with a three layer cake using 8 inch pans, but you can make a sheet cake or make two layers and use 9 inch pans.

 Here is what you will need:

1  (15.25 oz) strawberry cake mix (plus the ingredients it calls for on the box)

1 quart of fresh strawberries, capped

1 (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix

8 oz. frozen whipped topping, thawed (we used Cool Whip)

Mix the cake mix as directed on the package, except substitute Sprite or 7-Up for the water it calls for.  This is a trick my mother has used for years and it makes a cake mix cake much lighter and moist.    Spray three 8 inch pan with nonstick baking spray then line with parchment paper and spray again.  If you do this, your cakes will never stick.   If you don't have 8 inch pans, you can use two 9 inch pans.   You can also make a sheet cake, but I prefer the layers so you get more filling between them.   When the layers are done, turn them out and allow them to cool completely.  Once they are totally cool, prepare the frosting. 

Put the strawberries and pudding mix in a blender or food processor and process until the strawberries are completely broken down and the pudding has incorporated.  It will start to thicken.  Pour into a mixing bowl and just lightly fold in the whipped topping until it is all incorporated.  

Place the first layer on a cake plate and top with frosting.  Repeat with the other two layers and then frost the sides.  You can garnish with whole fresh berries on top or around the sides.   Refrigerate until ready to serve!

This makes such a pretty cake and it's so simple!  Hope you enjoy it!

Strawberry Pecan Buttermilk Cobbler!

This is a delicious and easy cobbler!!!  My husband loves strawberries so he especially loved it!   The best way to serve this is warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream on top! 

Here is what you will need:

1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
1 cup self rising flour
1 cup sugar
1 cup buttermilk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 (21 oz.)  can strawberry pie filling
1 cup pecans, chopped


Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Place the butter in an 11' x 7' pan or a 2 quart baking dish!  Place in the over while it preheats to melt it.

In a bowl, mix the self rising flour, sugar, buttermilk, and vanilla.

If you do not have self rising flour, you can substitute all purpose flour, plus 1 tsp. baking powder,  and 1/2 tsp. salt. 

Pour evenly over the butter.  DO NOT MIX!

Pour the strawberry pie filling evenly over the batter!  DO NOT STIR!!!

Sprinkle the top with the chopped pecans!  Bake for 55 minutes to and hour.  

The top should be nice and brown!!!  We like this served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top! 

It's so yummy!!!  

Strawberry Pecan Coconut Cake!

Some of the most popular cake recipes I have on my site are anything strawberry or coconut, so it seemed like the two, combined, would be a great idea!!!  This is the result and it turned out wonderful!!!  This is a moist and delicious cake!   We did it as a sheet cake, but you can also bake this in three nine inch round cake pans and stack it, if you want to go all out!!!    This would be a perfect cake for Easter!!! 

 Here is what you will need:

1  (15.25 oz.) white cake mix

2  (3 oz.) boxes strawberry jello

3/4 cup vegetable or canola oil

3/4 cup milk

4 large eggs

1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries, diced

1 cup coconut

1 cup pecans, chopped

Icing

1/2 cup butter, softened to room temperature

4 cups confectioners sugar

1/2 cup coconut

1/2 cup strawberries, diced

1/2 cup pecans, chopped

1 cup coconut for garnishing the top of the cake

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large mixing bowl, mix the cake mix and dry jello.  Add the vegetable oil, milk, and eggs until incorporated.   Add the strawberries, coconut and pecans and beat with electric mixer just until it is well blended.   

Spray and 9"x 13" baking pan with nonstick baking spray.  Pour the batter in the pan and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a pick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Cool completely.

For the icing, cream the butter and sugar together with an electric mixer.  Add the 1/2 cup coconut, 1/2 cup strawberries, and 1/2 cup pecans.   Spread over the cooled cake.

 Top with the 1 cup coconut to garnish!!!

Strawberry Brownies!

These are so easy you won't believe it.  They are called 'brownies' mostly because of the texture, because they are not chocolate or brown, but they are very much a strawberry flavored brownie.  I love the pretty pink color and can imagine them being great to serve for various holidays and events where pastels are appropriate...baby showers, Easter, Valentine's Day, little girl's parties!!! 

A recipe for these has been floating around the internet for some time now, but I had to modify it some to come out moist and a little more tasty.  

 Here is what you will need:

1 box strawberry cake mix (I used Duncan Hines Strawberry Supreme)

3 eggs

1/2 cup oil

1 cup confectioners sugar

1 1/2 Tbs. milk

1 tsp. strawberry flavoring (optional, but makes them much tastier)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a bowl, mix the cake mix, eggs, and 1/2 cup oil with a large spoon.  There is no need to beat this with a mixer, and it's better if you do not.  

Spray a 9"x9" or an 11"x9" baking pan with nonstick baking spray.    Spread the batter in the pan and smooth to the edges.   This batter is really thick and sticky so you will have to work it to the edges of the pan some.   Place in a 350 degree oven and bake for 14 -15 minutes or until set.  Do not over bake these, just like brownies, they are best a little chewy. 

Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes.  Combine the confectioner's sugar, milk and strawberry flavoring until smooth.  Pour over the brownies to glaze. 

 Allow to set until cool enough to cut in squares...if you can wait that long!!!

  These are so good with a cold glass of milk or a good cup of coffee!!!