Name: Strawberries Sheet Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-483673H47M57S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 3 large eggs; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, mashed (about 10-12 strawberries); 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, enhances strawberry flavor); 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 2-3 tbsp strawberry puree (made from fresh strawberries); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1-2 tbsp heavy cream or milk, as needed for consistency

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If you’re looking for a dessert that screams spring, indulgence, and pure joy, look no further than this Strawberry Sheet Cake. It’s the kind of cake that’s light, fluffy, and filled with the sweet taste of fresh strawberries. Every bite is like taking a little bite of sunshine, with soft layers of cake topped with a velvety strawberry frosting that’s almost too pretty to eat. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, a spring gathering, or just a simple treat to satisfy that sweet tooth, this cake is guaranteed to wow your taste buds. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll be hard to stop at just one piece.

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Sheet Cake

This strawberry cake isn’t just any dessert—it’s an experience. Here’s why it’ll become your new favorite treat:

Flavor-packed: The sweetness of ripe strawberries really shines here. With strawberry puree in the cake and frosting, you’re getting that fresh, fruity goodness in every bite.

Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re serving it at a birthday party, a casual gathering, or a Valentine’s Day celebration, this cake is always a hit. It’s simple, yet decadent enough to impress any crowd.
Perfectly Moist: Thanks to the addition of fresh strawberry puree, the cake is incredibly moist and tender. You won’t have to worry about a dry bite here!
Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and straightforward, so even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you’ll feel like a pro by the time it’s done.

Gorgeous Presentation: The vibrant pink frosting and juicy strawberry slices on top make it as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s sure to steal the show at any table.

Ingredients

Let’s break down what you need to make this dreamy strawberry sheet cake. These ingredients work together to create a soft, flavorful cake that’s perfect for any occasion:

Cake Flour: Cake flour gives the cake that light, fluffy texture. It’s the secret to getting a tender cake that isn’t too dense.

Strawberries: Fresh strawberries for the cake and strawberry puree for both the cake and frosting. You can also use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t in season.
Butter: You’ll need some good-quality butter for the cake’s richness and moisture.
Eggs: Eggs help to give the cake structure and moisture.

Buttermilk: Buttermilk gives the cake a lovely tang and makes it extra moist. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute with milk and vinegar.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These help the cake rise and become light and airy.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key here. It balances the tartness of the strawberries and adds richness to the cake.

Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the flavor of the strawberries and complements the cake perfectly.

For the frosting:

Powdered Sugar: This is the base for your frosting and gives it that sweet, creamy consistency.

Butter: Creamy butter forms the base of the frosting for that rich, smooth texture.
Strawberry Puree: Fresh or frozen strawberries blended into a smooth puree will add both flavor and that pretty pink color to the frosting.
Heavy Cream: This adds to the smooth texture and helps thin out the frosting for easy spreading.

Instructions

Let’s get baking! Here’s how to make this strawberry sheet cake:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray, and line it with parchment paper for easy removal once baked.

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Puree

Blend the fresh strawberries in a blender or food processor until smooth. You’ll need about 1 cup of strawberry puree for the cake and frosting. Set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and ½ cup of the strawberry puree.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.

Step 5: Make the Strawberry Frosting

While the cake cools, beat the butter in a large bowl until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well between each addition. Add in the strawberry puree and heavy cream, and continue to beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. If you need to adjust the consistency, you can add more cream or powdered sugar to get the perfect spreadable texture.

Step 6: Frost the Cake

Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly over the top using an offset spatula. Decorate with fresh strawberry slices or sprinkles for a festive touch.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the cake into squares, serve, and enjoy the sweet, fruity flavor with every bite!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12-16
Calories per serving: Varies based on size

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve Strawberry Sheet Cake

This cake is perfect on its own, but if you’re looking to elevate the experience, here are a few serving ideas:

Serve with Fresh Berries: Add a side of fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for an extra burst of fruit flavor.
Pair with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream pairs perfectly with this cake and takes it to the next level of indulgence.
For a Party: If you’re serving this at a party, top each slice with a fresh strawberry or a dollop of whipped cream for extra flair.

Additional Tips

Make it in Advance: The cake can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just wait to frost it until you’re ready to serve, and the cake will stay nice and fresh.
Use Frozen Strawberries: If fresh strawberries are out of season, you can easily use frozen strawberries. Just thaw them and blend them into puree for the cake and frosting.
Make it Dairy-Free: Substitute the buttermilk with a dairy-free version (like almond milk with a splash of vinegar) and use dairy-free butter and cream for the frosting.

Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a denser cake.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen strawberries for this cake?
A1: Yes! Frozen strawberries work great for both the cake and the frosting. Just be sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before using them.

Q2: Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?
A2: While cake flour gives the cake a lighter texture, you can substitute all-purpose flour. Just be sure to sift it before using.

Q3: How can I make the frosting thicker?
A3: If your frosting is too thin, simply add more powdered sugar, a little at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Q4: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A4: Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance, just make sure to let it cool completely before frosting it. Store it in the fridge for freshness.

Q5: Can I freeze the cake?
A5: Yes! You can freeze the unfrosted cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and it will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw it before frosting.

Q6: Can I make a smaller cake?
A6: Definitely! You can halve the recipe and bake it in an 8×8-inch pan for a smaller batch.

Q7: How do I prevent the cake from sinking in the middle?
A7: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking, and don’t open the oven door during the first 20 minutes of baking. This helps the cake rise evenly.

Q8: Can I use a different frosting?
A8: Of course! You can use cream cheese frosting or whipped cream if you prefer. Strawberry buttercream just happens to be the perfect match for this cake.

Q9: How long does this cake stay fresh?
A9: The cake will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the fridge. Make sure to cover it to keep it moist.

Q10: How do I make this cake extra special for a party?
A10: Add some edible glitter, extra fresh strawberries on top, or even a few pink or red sprinkles to give it a festive touch!

Conclusion

This Strawberry Sheet Cake is everything you need in a dessert—beautiful, delicious, and full of sweet strawberry flavor. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, a birthday, or just enjoying a treat, this cake is sure to make any occasion feel special. With its soft, moist cake and creamy, strawberry-filled frosting, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser every time. Happy baking, and enjoy every bite of this irresistible dessert!

Strawberries Sheet Cake