Easy Strawberry Cake Mix Scones with Vanilla Glaze: A Quick & Delicious Treat
Prepare to fall in love with these absolutely delightful **Strawberry Cake Mix Scones**! Imagine pretty pink scones, generously studded with vibrant pieces of fresh strawberries and sweet white chocolate chips, all elegantly drizzled with a creamy vanilla glaze. This recipe is a game-changer, proving that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create a show-stopping homemade pastry. Get ready for more color, more flavor, and definitely more fun!
These gorgeous scones are perfect for so many occasions – from a romantic Valentine’s Day breakfast to an elegant princess tea party or a festive Mother’s Day brunch. The secret to their effortless preparation lies in a simple yet brilliant **cake mix hack**! Don’t let the “cake mix” part fool you; while it speeds up the process and injects incredible flavor, you’ll still achieve that signature light, tender, and wonderfully crumbly scone texture that we all adore. It’s the perfect shortcut to homemade goodness.
More Scone Inspiration You’ll Love:
If you’re a true scone enthusiast, be sure to explore some of our other delightful recipes. Each offers a unique flavor profile that’s perfect for any time of day!
- Blackberry Cream Cheese Scones
- Strawberry Lemon Scones
- Lemon Sugar Scones
- Eggnog Scones
- Earl Grey Scones
- Banoffee Scones
- Instant Oatmeal Scones
The Magic of Cake Mix Baking: Beyond Just Cakes
I don’t know about you, but I’m absolutely obsessed with a good cake mix hack recipe! Keeping a few boxes of cake mix in my pantry is a secret weapon for whipping up a variety of treats beyond just cakes. From incredibly chewy cookies to comforting dump cakes, and even surprising delights like Hawaiian rolls, cake mixes offer unparalleled versatility and convenience. The idea of using cake mix for scones struck me recently, and I instantly envisioned beautiful, pink, strawberry-packed pastries.
Developing this recipe took a few dedicated tries to achieve just the right balance of a light, tender crumb without losing the distinct texture of a classic scone. The goal was to harness the ease and flavor of the cake mix while ensuring the final product wasn’t too cake-like. I’m thrilled with how these turned out – not only are they incredibly pretty with their delicate pink hue, but they are also absolutely bursting with authentic strawberry flavor, perfectly complemented by the subtle sweetness of white chocolate. This recipe truly proves that sometimes the simplest shortcuts lead to the most delightful results!
Here’s What You’ll Need to Make These Irresistible Strawberry Cake Mix Scones:
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and accessible ingredients. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need to gather:
- Strawberry Flavored Cake Mix: This is our star ingredient, providing both the base flavor and the leavening agent for ease.
- All-Purpose Flour: Added to ensure the scones have the right structure and texture, preventing them from becoming too “cakey.”
- Cold Butter: Essential for flaky scones! Cold butter creates pockets of steam in the oven, giving scones their characteristic layers.
- Egg White: Helps bind the dough and contributes to a tender crumb.
- Milk: Provides necessary moisture to bring the dough together. You can use whole milk or even heavy cream for extra richness.
- Fresh or Frozen Strawberries: Chopped into small pieces, these add bursts of fresh fruit flavor and natural sweetness.
- White Chocolate Chips: A lovely complement to the strawberry, offering a creamy, sweet contrast.
And for the Dreamy Vanilla Glaze, you’ll need:
A simple yet impactful glaze is the perfect finishing touch, adding shine and an extra layer of sweetness.
- Powdered Sugar: The base for our smooth, sweet glaze.
- Milk: Just a touch to reach the perfect drizzling consistency.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and adds a warm, aromatic note.
You might notice this recipe doesn’t call for any additional baking powder or soda, and that’s because the leavening is already conveniently packed into the cake mix! This is part of what makes this “hack” so genius and simple.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fluffy Strawberry Scones:
Follow these easy steps to bake a batch of homemade strawberry cake mix scones that will impress everyone!
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Area and Dry Ingredients. First things first, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190°C). Then, line a reliable baking sheet with either a silicone baking mat or parchment paper; this will prevent sticking and ensure even baking. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix and the all-purpose flour. Give it a good stir to ensure everything is well-combined. Next, take your very cold butter, cut into small, uniform pieces, and add it to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender (or two forks if you don’t have one), cut the butter into the dry ingredients. Continue until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, and the largest pieces of butter are no bigger than small peas. Keeping the butter cold is crucial for achieving that light, flaky scone texture, as it creates steam pockets during baking.
Step 2: Add the Flavorful Inclusions and Wet Ingredients. Once your butter is perfectly incorporated into the dry mix, it’s time to add the star flavors. Gently stir in the chopped fresh strawberries and the delightful white chocolate chips. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the crumbly mixture. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the milk and the egg white. Pour this liquid mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spoon or your hands until all of the flour mixture is just incorporated and forms a shaggy dough. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough scones. The less you handle the dough, the more tender your scones will be.
Step 3: Gently Form the Scone Dough. Once the flour mixture has been incorporated and you have a shaggy dough, it’s time to prepare it for shaping. Lightly sprinkle a bit of all-purpose flour onto your clean work surface. Turn the scone dough out onto the floured surface. Sprinkle a little more flour over the top of the dough to prevent sticking, and then gently gather and shape the dough into a cohesive ball. Remember, minimal handling is key here to keep the scones tender and light. Resist the urge to knead vigorously; a few gentle presses are all you need to bring it together.
Step 4: Shape, Cut, and Bake to Golden Perfection. Now, carefully transfer the shaped dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Using your hands, gently press the dough into an even 8-inch round. It doesn’t have to be perfectly circular, just a nice, even disk. With a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice the round dough into 8 equal wedges, just like a pizza. Then, gently separate the wedges slightly on the baking sheet to allow for even baking and browning. Pop the baking sheet into your preheated 375-degree oven and bake for 22-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they’re ready when the edges begin to turn a beautiful light golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen will be incredible!
Step 5: Cool Your Scones. Once baked to perfection, carefully remove the scones from the oven. Transfer them gently to a wire rack to cool completely. Allowing them to cool on a rack ensures air circulates around them, preventing the bottoms from becoming soggy and helping them maintain their lovely texture. Patience is key here; resist the temptation to glaze them while hot, as the glaze will simply melt right off.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve Your Beautiful Scones. Once the scones have completely cooled to room temperature, it’s time for the crowning glory! In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth, pourable glaze. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more milk; if too thin, add a little more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency. Using a fork or a spoon, artfully drizzle the vanilla glaze generously over each scone. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. Now, your exquisite Strawberry Cake Mix Scones are ready to be enjoyed! They make a fantastic centerpiece for any breakfast or dessert spread.
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Strawberry Cake Mix Scones
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Ingredients
Strawberry Cake Mix Scones
- 1 1/4 cups Strawberry Cake Mix
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)
- 1/2 cup milk (or heavy whipping cream)
- 1 large egg white
- 1/2 cup chopped strawberries
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Vanilla Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 Tablespoon milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
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In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the cake mix and the flour. Stir to combine. Then add the butter to the mixture. Using a pastry blender or two forks, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture is crumbly and any pieces of butter are pea-sized or smaller.
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Stir the strawberries and chocolate chips into the flour mixture. Add 1/2 cup milk mixed with one egg white and stir gently until all the flour mixture has been incorporated.
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Sprinkle some flour onto your work space and turn the scone dough onto the flour. Sprinkle a bit more over the top of the dough and gently shape the dough into a ball.
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Place the dough onto your prepared baking sheet and press the dough into an 8 inch round. Using a knife or a pizza cutter, cut the dough into wedges and gently separate them.
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Bake at 375 degrees for 22-25 minutes or until the edges begin to slightly brown. Allow the scones to cool on a wire rack.
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Once the scones have cooled, whisk together the remaining powdered sugar, milk and vanilla extract to make a glaze. Using a fork or a spoon, drizzle the glaze over the scones.
Notes
These scones can be frozen before baking and then baked at a later date. Find instructions here.
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Tips for Scone Perfection: Ensuring a Fluffy and Tender Result
Even with a convenient cake mix base, a few key techniques can elevate your scones from good to absolutely perfect. Keep these tips in mind for the best possible outcome:
- Keep Everything Cold: This is arguably the most important tip for scones. Ensure your butter is straight from the fridge and cut into small pieces. Some bakers even chill their flour and mixing bowl! Cold butter creates steam when it hits the hot oven, leading to those desirable flaky layers.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Scone dough is delicate. Mix just until the dry ingredients are moistened and a cohesive dough forms. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough, dense scones rather than light and tender ones.
- Handle Gently: Once the dough is formed, handle it as little as possible. The warmth from your hands can melt the butter, and too much manipulation will make the scones tough.
- Accurate Oven Temperature: An oven thermometer can be a baker’s best friend. Ensuring your oven is at the correct temperature (375°F/190°C) is crucial for proper rise and even baking.
- Fresh vs. Frozen Strawberries: While fresh strawberries are lovely, don’t hesitate to use frozen ones if they are more convenient. Just make sure to chop them while still frozen and toss them lightly in a spoonful of flour before adding to the dough to prevent them from clumping and sinking.
Serving Suggestions for Your Beautiful Strawberry Scones:
These pretty pink scones are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some ideas to make them even more special:
- Classic Tea Time: Pair them with a warm cup of Earl Grey or your favorite herbal tea.
- Elegant Brunch: Serve alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and other breakfast pastries.
- Dessert Delight: Enjoy them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- With Jam and Cream: For a truly traditional experience, split them open and spread with strawberry jam and a generous serving of clotted cream or whipped cream.
- Coffee Break: A perfect treat with your morning coffee or as an afternoon pick-me-up.
Storage & Freezing Instructions for Convenience:
Planning ahead or want to enjoy these delicious scones later? Here’s how to properly store and freeze them:
- Room Temperature: Baked and glazed scones will stay fresh for several days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For optimal freshness, enjoy within 2-3 days.
- Freezing Unbaked Scones: You can absolutely prepare the scone dough, cut it into wedges, and freeze them before baking. Place the cut scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. For detailed instructions on freezing scones, you can refer to this helpful guide from King Arthur Baking.
- Freezing Baked Scones: If you’ve already baked your scones and have leftovers, you can freeze them too! Allow them to cool completely, then wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep for up to 1-2 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently reheat in a low oven for a few minutes to restore their warmth and tenderness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cake Mix Scones:
- Can I use a different cake mix flavor? Absolutely! While strawberry is fantastic, feel free to experiment with other flavors like vanilla, lemon, or even chocolate cake mix for a different twist. Just ensure it’s a standard boxed cake mix.
- What if I don’t have a pastry blender? No problem! You can use two forks to cut the butter into the flour mixture, or even your fingertips (just work quickly to keep the butter cold).
- Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh? Yes, you can! Chop them while still frozen and toss them lightly in a teaspoon of flour before adding them to the dough. This helps prevent them from clumping together and releasing too much moisture into the dough.
- My scones turned out a bit tough. What went wrong? This is usually a sign of overmixing. Remember, scone dough should be handled gently and mixed just until combined. The less you work the dough, the more tender your scones will be.
These Strawberry Cake Mix Scones are a testament to how simple baking can be incredibly rewarding. With their beautiful pink hue, irresistible strawberry and white chocolate flavors, and a sweet vanilla glaze, they are guaranteed to brighten any day. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this easy recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite. So go ahead, grab that box of cake mix, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch of these delightful pastries!