Strawberry Cake

This is Paula Dean's recipe ... and OH SO YUMMY!! =) Jeff loves strawberry cake and think this is one of his favorites that I've ever done!

1 box white cake mix

1 - 3 oz. box strawberry flavored instant jello

15 oz. frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed and pureed

4 large eggs

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/4 cup water

Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

1/4 cup butter, softened

8 oz. cream cheese

10 oz. frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed and pureed

1/2 tsp. strawberry extract

1/2 tsp. vanilla

7 cups powdered sugar (more if needed)

Fresh strawberries, for garnish, optional

Preheat oven @ 350*. Lightly grease 2 (9 inch) round cake pans.

In a large bowl, combine cake mix and jello. Add pureed strawberries, eggs, oil and water; beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Pour into prepared pans and bake for 20 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

Let cool in pans for 10 minutes. Remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks.

For Frosting:

In large bowl, beat butter and cream cheese at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Beat in 1/4 cup of the strawberry puree and strawberry and vanilla extract. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth.

Spread frosting in between layers and on top and sides of cake. Garnish with fresh strawberries, if desired.

Enjoy!