Flavorful Strawberry Delight Cake: A Sweet and Airy Treat

Step 1

To begin, preheat your oven to a cozy 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and lovingly line three 9-inch round cake pans with a soft parchment paper hug.

Step 2

In a mixing bowl, embark on a delightful journey by blending together the cake mix, water, eggs, and oil with the help of an electric mixer set to a gentle medium speed dance for about 2 minutes. Pour a generous 1/3 of this magical batter into one of your awaiting pans. Now, infuse the rest of the batter with the sweet essence of 1/2 of the strawberry-flavored gelatin and 2 teaspoons of heavenly strawberry extract. Lovingly divide this luscious concoction between the remaining two pans.

Step 3

As the cakes bake in the oven's warm embrace, keep a watchful eye until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean and content, usually around 15 to 20 minutes. Once ready, let the cakes cool gracefully on a grand wire rack adorned with a soft parchment paper lining.

Step 4

While you wait, save a few whole strawberries, about 9 to 12, for a grand finale decoration. The rest of the strawberry family, chop them finely, and gently pat them dry with a caring paper towel.

Step 5

In a whimsical bowl, let the cream cheese mingle with the remaining strawberry-flavored gelatin, 2 teaspoons of strawberry extract, and a sprinkle of confectioners' sugar until a smooth filling dances into existence. Tenderly fold in the chopped strawberries, creating a symphony of flavors.

Step 6

Now, the assembly begins! Place a blushing pink layer on a regal cake plate, covering it with half of the strawberry filling enchantment. Nestle the plain cake layer on top, bestowing upon it the remaining strawberry filling magic, and crown it all with the second pink layer.

Step 7

Craft a dreamy frosting by whisking together heavy cream, confectioners' sugar, and a hint of vanilla extract until it reaches the perfect creamy consistency. Gracefully spread this frosting over the cake's crown and sides, then gently place a sheet of parchment paper atop the cake. With a tender touch, glide a spatula over the paper to smooth the frosting into a silky embrace, and peel away the paper veil.

Step 8

To add a final touch of elegance, pipe 9 to 12 delightful frosting swirls around the cake's edge, adorning each with a whole strawberry atop its throne.