Dreamy Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake Recipe For Summer Joy

Sweet summer memories dance through this delectable fresh strawberry sheet cake that bursts with vibrant fruity essence.

Juicy berries transform ordinary desserts into extraordinary culinary experiences.

Bakers seeking a simple yet stunning treat will adore this crowd-pleasing creation.

Sunlight seems to sparkle through each delightful slice of ruby-red goodness.

Soft, moist layers capture the pure essence of seasonal strawberries in every single bite.

Lightweight and luscious, the cake promises to become your new favorite warm-weather indulgence.

You cannot resist diving into this berry-packed masterpiece that celebrates summer’s most delicious fruit.

Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake: Sweetness in Every Bite

• Effortless Weekend Baking: Perfect for home bakers seeking a simple yet impressive dessert that doesn't require advanced pastry skills.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Sheets cakes are fantastic for gatherings, easily serving multiple people with minimal cutting and presentation effort.
• Fresh Seasonal Delight: Leverages peak strawberry season, transforming fresh fruit into a vibrant, juicy cake that captures summer's essence.
• Family-Friendly Creation: Involves straightforward steps kids can help with, making it an enjoyable bonding activity while teaching basic baking techniques.

What’s Baked into Strawberry Sheet Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: Fine white powder that gives structure and softness to the cake.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and become fluffy.

• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with creating a light, airy structure.

• Fresh Strawberries: Bright red berries that add natural sweetness and fruity flavor to the cake. Choose ripe, fragrant strawberries for the best taste.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure and richness.
• Buttermilk: Adds moisture and slight tanginess, helping to create a soft cake crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma. Pure vanilla is recommended for best results.

• Powdered Sugar: Light dusting for a simple, elegant finish.
• Frosting: Optional topping to add extra sweetness and decoration.

Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake Method

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat your oven to the perfect baking temperature.

Grab a baking sheet and give it a quick spray with cooking spray or rub it with butter.

Dust some flour over the surface to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prep the Strawberries

Wash the strawberries thoroughly.

Remove the green tops and chop them into small, bite-sized pieces.

Keep a handful of pretty strawberry chunks aside for a gorgeous final touch.

Step 3: Create the Dry Mix

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Pinch of salt

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re perfectly blended and free of lumps.

Step 4: Whip the Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, grab your electric mixer.

Cream together butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and looks like soft clouds.

Step 5: Introduce Wet Ingredients

• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Buttermilk

Beat everything until smooth and well combined.

Step 6: Merge the Mixtures

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Stir gently to keep the batter light and airy.

Carefully mix in the chopped strawberries.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet.

Spread it evenly with a spatula.

Slide the sheet into the preheated oven and bake until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center.

Step 8: Cool and Decorate

Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack.

Top with cream cheese frosting or sprinkle powdered sugar.

Garnish with the reserved strawberry chunks.

Step 9: Serve and Celebrate

Slice the cake into generous squares.

Serve to friends and family, and watch their faces light up with delight!

Sheet Cake Tips To Keep It Moist

• Use exact ingredient measurements to guarantee the perfect cake texture and balance of flavors.
• Pat chopped strawberries dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture from making the cake soggy.
• Select ripe, fragrant strawberries for maximum sweetness and intense fruit flavor in your cake.
• Gently fold ingredients together to maintain a light, tender crumb and prevent a dense, tough cake.
• Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother batter and more even mixing.

Sheet Cake That Tastes Bakery-Fresh the Next Day

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual cake slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. For a crisp texture, reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Add a small piece of damp paper towel to prevent cake from becoming too dry.
• Before serving, sprinkle fresh sliced strawberries or a dusting of powdered sugar to revive the cake's appearance and add extra flavor.

Fresh Picks For Strawberry Cake

• Savor Complementary Flavors: Pair this strawberry sheet cake with creamy vanilla bean ice cream for a classic, refreshing contrast.
• Enhance Beverage Experience: Serve alongside a chilled glass of rosé wine or sparkling moscato to highlight the cake's fruity essence.
• Elevate Dessert Moment: Combine with a light lavender-infused whipped cream for an elegant, aromatic touch that complements the strawberry's natural sweetness.
• Create Textural Delight: Top with toasted almond slivers to add a delightful crunch and nutty background that balances the cake's soft, tender texture.

Strawberry Sheet Cake Flavor Ideas

• Gluten-Free Strawberry Bliss: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend, maintaining the same moisture and texture while ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this delicious cake.
• Vegan Berry Celebration: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of butter, and select plant-based milk to create a dairy-free version that's equally moist and flavorful.
• Low-Sugar Berry Delight: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall calories while preserving the cake's natural strawberry richness and keeping the dessert diabetes-friendly.
• Dairy-Free Strawberry Dream: Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of buttermilk, and replace butter with vegetable oil or coconut oil to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals without compromising taste.

FAQs

• Are fresh strawberries essential for this cake?

Fresh strawberries are crucial for this recipe. They provide natural sweetness, vibrant color, and authentic fruit flavor that make the sheet cake truly special and moist.

• Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Frozen strawberries can work, but they must be thawed and well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the cake batter. Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best texture and flavor.

• How do I prevent strawberries from sinking to the bottom of the cake?

Toss chopped strawberries lightly in a bit of flour before adding them to the batter. This helps distribute the fruit evenly and prevents them from sinking during baking.

• What makes buttermilk important in this recipe?

Buttermilk adds tenderness, helps activate the leavening agents, and creates a softer, more delicate cake crumb compared to using regular milk.

Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delightful Strawberry Sheet Cake brings summer’s sweetest memories to life with layers of fruity goodness and rich, creamy frosting. Homemade comfort meets seasonal freshness, creating a dessert perfect for gatherings that will leave everyone craving another slice.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Base:

• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (300g)
• 3 large eggs
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (360g)
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil (170g)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (56g)
• 340g fresh or frozen strawberries (about 1 1/2 cups puree)
• 1/3 cup milk (80g)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (20g)
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Optional: Few drops of pink gel food coloring

Frosting and Topping:

• 12 ounces cream cheese, room temperature (340g)
• 1/3 cup strawberry jam (80g)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (60g)
• 1/3 cup heavy cream (80g)
• Pinch of salt
• Fresh strawberries, sliced

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven and preparing a sheet pan with non-stick protection using grease or parchment paper.
2. Process fresh strawberries by removing stems and dicing them into fine, uniform pieces, reserving a portion for decorative purposes.
3. Create a dry ingredient foundation by thoroughly combining flour, leavening agents in a mixing vessel, ensuring consistent texture and distribution.
4. Develop a creamy base by vigorously blending butter and sugar until the mixture transforms into a light, voluminous consistency.
5. Incorporate liquid elements by introducing eggs, vanilla essence, and buttermilk, mixing until the ingredients harmonize smoothly.
6. Merge dry and wet components by gently folding the flour mixture into the liquid base, avoiding overmixing, then carefully integrate the chopped strawberries.
7. Transfer the batter evenly into the prepared sheet pan, creating a uniform layer for consistent baking.
8. Bake in the preheated oven, monitoring until a testing probe emerges clean when inserted into the cake’s center.
9. Allow the cake to cool completely, enabling it to set and stabilize at room temperature.
10. Finish the dessert with your preferred frosting technique or a delicate powdered sugar dusting, then slice and present this luscious strawberry creation.

Notes

• Master the ripeness of strawberries by selecting deeply colored, fragrant fruits that are firm yet yield slightly when gently pressed.
• Prevent strawberry sinking during baking by lightly coating chopped pieces in flour before folding into the batter, ensuring even distribution.
• Enhance moisture and texture by replacing buttermilk with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a richer, more tender crumb.
• Create gluten-free variations by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, maintaining the cake’s delicate structure and flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 366
• Sugar: 36g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 70mg