Summer is the perfect time for light, fruity desserts, and the Best Strawberry Sheet Cake is an ideal centerpiece for any gathering. This delightful cake showcases the sweet, vibrant flavor of fresh strawberries, combining them with a fluffy cake that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a family barbecue or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this cake brings sunshine and happiness to every occasion. With its inviting aroma and luscious strawberry frosting, it’s sure to become a favorite in your collection of strawberry dessert recipes.

Ingredients

• For the Cake:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
• For the Frosting:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup heavy cream (more if needed for consistency)
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed

When choosing strawberries for this recipe, opt for ripe, fresh berries for the best flavor. If fresh strawberries are out of season, you can use frozen strawberries, just be sure to thaw and drain them well.

Steps / Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 13×18 inch baking sheet.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until well mixed.
3. Add the softened butter and mix on medium speed until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Gradually add this mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Gently fold in the chopped strawberries, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be light and fluffy.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake is golden brown.
8. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
10. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined. Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream, mixing until smooth and fluffy.
11. Mix in the pureed strawberries until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. If too thick, add a bit more cream.
12. Once the cake is completely cool, spread the strawberry frosting evenly over the top.

Tips & Tricks

To ensure the Best Strawberry Sheet Cake turns out perfectly, consider these tips: Check out our related guide for more tips.

• For a sweeter cake, increase the sugar by ¼ cup. Conversely, if you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the sugar slightly.
• When baking with fresh strawberries, pat them dry after washing to prevent excess moisture from affecting the batter.
• If you want to prepare the cake ahead of time, bake it and store it unfrosted at room temperature for up to two days. Frost it just before serving.
• To prevent the strawberries from sinking to the bottom of the cake, toss them in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter.
• For storage, keep the leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Use parchment paper between layers if stacking to avoid sticking.

Variations

While this Best Strawberry Sheet Cake is delicious as is, feel free to experiment with these options:

• For a twist on flavor, consider adding lemon zest or almond extract to the batter.
• Try incorporating other berries such as blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry cake.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
• For a vegan option, replace the eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based milk and butter.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your serving experience, consider these ideas:

• Garnish each slice with a dollop of whipped cream topping and a whole strawberry.
• Serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
• Pair it with refreshing beverages such as lemonade or iced tea for a perfect summer afternoon treat.

As you share this delightful Best Strawberry Sheet Cake with friends and family, you’ll not only create lasting memories but also cultivate a love for baking with fresh strawberries. Enjoy every slice!

Best Strawberry Sheet Cake

★★★★★ 5 from 1 vote

Course: Dessert Cuisine: American Difficulty: Easy

🍽️

Servings

12

⏱️

Prep Time

15 min

🍳

Cook Time

30 min

🔥

Calories

350 kcal

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Summer is the perfect time for light, fruity desserts, and the Best Strawberry Sheet Cake is an ideal centerpiece for any gathering. This delightful cake showcases the sweet, vibrant flavor of fresh strawberries, combining them with a fluffy cake that's easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup whole milk
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
• ¼ cup heavy cream (more if needed for consistency)
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed (for frosting)

Directions

1.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 13x18 inch baking sheet.

2.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until well mixed.

3.

Add the softened butter and mix on medium speed until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

4.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Gradually add this mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

5.

Gently fold in the chopped strawberries, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be light and fluffy.

6.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly.

7.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake is golden brown.

8.

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

9.

While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.

10.

Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined. Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream, mixing until smooth and fluffy.

11.

Mix in the pureed strawberries until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. If too thick, add a bit more cream.

12.

Once the cake is completely cool, spread the strawberry frosting evenly over the top.

Nutrition Facts