The Perfect Springtime Treat: Strawberry Frosted Strawberry Sheet Cake

Are you searching for a delightful dessert to celebrate the arrival of spring? Look no further than this delectable Strawberry Frosted Strawberry Sheet Cake! Bursting with the fresh flavors of strawberries and boasting a light and fluffy texture, this cake is sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a springtime gathering or simply craving a sweet treat, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. So, gather your ingredients and let’s get started on creating this irresistible dessert!

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups cake flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 5 egg whites, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 cup strawberries, chopped or diced

For the Frosting:

• 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2/3 cup strawberries, diced

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

1. Add the egg whites to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
2. Stir in the lemon juice, vanilla extract, and Greek yogurt until well combined.

Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
2. Slowly pour in the milk while continuing to mix until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.

Step 6: Fold in the Strawberries

1. Gently fold the chopped or diced strawberries into the cake batter until evenly distributed.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
3. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 8: Prepare the Frosting

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the room temperature cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined.
3. Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
4. Gently fold in the diced strawberries until evenly distributed throughout the frosting.

Step 9: Frost the Cake

1. Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the strawberry frosting evenly over the top of the cake.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Slice the cake into squares and serve immediately, or store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Fresh vs. Frozen Strawberries: While fresh strawberries are ideal for this recipe, you can also use frozen strawberries that have been thawed and drained well.
• Lemon Zest: For an extra burst of citrus flavor, add some lemon zest to the cake batter and frosting.
• Almond Extract: Enhance the flavor of the cake by adding a teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla extract.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, here are some modifications you can make to enjoy this Strawberry Frosted Strawberry Sheet Cake:

• Almond Flour: Substitute almond flour for the cake flour to reduce the carb content of the cake.
• Sugar-Free Frosting: Use a sugar-free sweetener, such as erythritol or stevia, in place of powdered sugar for the frosting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones? A: Yes, you can use frozen strawberries in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the batter or frosting.

Q: Can I make this cake in advance? A: Yes, you can bake the cake in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before frosting and serving.

Q: Can I freeze this cake? A: Yes, you can freeze this cake either frosted or unfrosted. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing, and thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Q: Can I use a different type of frosting? A: Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite frosting recipe or store-bought frosting if you prefer.

In conclusion, this Strawberry Frosted Strawberry Sheet Cake is the perfect dessert to welcome the spring season with its fresh and fruity flavors. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, this cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests. With its moist and tender crumb, luscious strawberry frosting, and bursts of juicy strawberries in every bite, it’s a dessert that will leave you craving more. So, why wait? Give this recipe a try and indulge in a slice of springtime bliss today!