Looking for the perfect strawberry sheet cake recipe? This easy, moist, and flavorful cake is packed with fresh strawberry goodness and topped with a creamy, sweet frosting. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, summer gathering, or just craving a delicious dessert, this recipe is a must-try.
In this guide, you’ll learn step-by-step how to make the best homemade strawberry sheet cake, from preparing the batter to frosting it perfectly. With simple ingredients like strawberry puree, buttermilk, and vanilla extract, this cake turns out soft, fluffy, and full of flavor. Let’s get started!
What You Will Find:
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Sheet Cake
Soft, Moist, and Full of Fresh Strawberry Flavor
This strawberry sheet cake is incredibly soft and moist, thanks to the fresh strawberry puree and buttermilk in the batter. The natural sweetness of real strawberries gives it an authentic fruity taste, unlike artificial strawberry-flavored cakes. Plus, the balance of butter and eggs ensures a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Every bite is bursting with juicy strawberry goodness, making it a dessert you won’t be able to resist!
Easy to Make with Simple Ingredients
You don’t need fancy ingredients or special baking skills to make this cake. The recipe uses basic pantry staples like all-purpose flour, baking powder, eggs, and sugar. The best part? Instead of using boxed cake mix or artificial flavoring, this cake gets its rich strawberry flavor from fresh, natural ingredients. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a bakery-quality homemade strawberry cake ready to impress!
Perfect for Any Occasion, from Birthdays to Summer Parties
This strawberry sheet cake is a showstopper for any event. Its vibrant pink color and sweet, fruity aroma make it an excellent choice for birthdays, family gatherings, or summer BBQs. It’s also great for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or baby showers—any time you want a light and refreshing dessert. Whether served with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, or cream cheese frosting, this cake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients Needed for the Best Strawberry Sheet Cake
For the cake:
This strawberry sheet cake uses simple ingredients that work together to create a soft, flavorful texture:
- All-purpose flour – Provides structure and a balanced crumb.
- Baking powder – Helps the cake rise and stay fluffy.
- Fresh strawberries – Adds natural sweetness and fruity flavor.
- Strawberry puree – Enhances the strawberry taste and gives the cake a light pink color.
- Buttermilk – Keeps the cake moist and tender with a slight tang.
- Vanilla extract – Deepens the flavor and balances the sweetness.
For the frosting:
This creamy and smooth frosting complements the cake’s fruity flavors:
- Butter – Adds richness and helps create a smooth texture.
- Powdered sugar – Sweetens the frosting without making it too heavy.
- Cream cheese – Brings a slight tanginess that balances the sweetness.
- Strawberry flavoring – Boosts the natural strawberry taste in the frosting.
Optional toppings:
Enhance the presentation and taste with these toppings:
- Fresh strawberries – Adds extra juiciness and a vibrant look.
- Whipped cream – Brings a light and airy contrast to the rich frosting.
- Sprinkles – Makes the cake more festive, perfect for celebrations.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Strawberry Sheet Cake
Step 1: Prepare the fresh strawberry puree for the batter
To get the best strawberry flavor in your cake, start by making fresh strawberry puree. Wash and hull the strawberries to remove the stems. Blend them until smooth, ensuring there are no chunks left. If you prefer a more concentrated flavor, simmer the puree on low heat for a few minutes to reduce excess water. This will give your cake a stronger strawberry taste and a richer texture. Let the puree cool before adding it to the batter.
Step 2: Mix the dry and wet ingredients properly
In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This ensures an even distribution of leavening agents, which helps the cake rise properly. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add the sugar, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and the cooled strawberry puree. Slowly combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring gently to avoid overmixing. Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of soft and fluffy. Mix just until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Bake the cake in a sheet pan until golden and fluffy
Preheat your oven to the correct temperature before baking. Grease a sheet pan and pour in the batter, spreading it evenly. Bake for the recommended time, usually around 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should be lightly golden on top and springy to the touch. Avoid opening the oven too soon, as this can cause the cake to sink.
Step 4: Let the cake cool before adding the frosting
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. Frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt and become runny. For best results, wait until the cake is at room temperature before spreading the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Once frosted, you can add optional toppings like fresh strawberries, whipped cream, or sprinkles.
How to Make the Perfect Strawberry Frosting
Step 1: Whip butter and cream cheese until smooth
- Soften the butter and cream cheese: Allow them to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This ensures they mix more easily and create a smoother texture.
- Use a mixer: Place the softened butter and cream cheese into a mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat them on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and creamy.
- Check consistency: Continue mixing until there are no lumps, and the butter and cream cheese are fully incorporated into a smooth, fluffy texture. This step is essential for creating the perfect creamy base for the frosting.
Step 2: Add powdered sugar and strawberry flavoring
- Gradually add powdered sugar: Start with about 2 cups of powdered sugar and add it a little at a time. Mix well after each addition to avoid powdered sugar dust.
- Increase the sweetness: Taste the frosting and gradually add more powdered sugar (up to 4 cups), depending on how sweet you want the frosting to be.
- Add strawberry flavoring or puree: Pour in about 1-2 teaspoons of strawberry flavoring or use strawberry puree for a natural, fruity taste. If using puree, ensure it is thick and not too runny to maintain the frosting’s consistency.
- Mix until smooth: Continue beating on low to medium speed until everything is well combined and the frosting is thick and fluffy.
Step 3: Spread evenly over the cooled cake
- Wait for the cake to cool completely: Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack before applying the frosting. Frosting a warm cake can cause it to melt and lose its texture.
- Use a spatula or offset spatula: Take a spatula or offset spatula and scoop a generous amount of frosting.
- Start in the center: Place the frosting in the center of the cake and work your way outward to the edges. This helps in spreading the frosting evenly across the cake’s surface.
- Smooth out the frosting: Use the spatula to spread the frosting evenly from edge to edge, making sure there are no gaps or uneven spots.
- Decorate as desired: Once the frosting is spread evenly, you can create decorative swirls or smooth out the surface for a clean look. Add optional toppings such as fresh strawberries, whipped cream, or sprinkles for extra flavor and presentation.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Strawberry Sheet Cake
Use fresh strawberries for a natural, fruity taste
- Choose ripe strawberries: Select strawberries that are red, fragrant, and free from bruises or blemishes for the best flavor.
- Puree the strawberries: Blend fresh strawberries into a smooth puree for the cake batter and frosting. This helps evenly distribute the natural strawberry flavor.
- Slice strawberries for topping: Use fresh sliced strawberries to decorate the cake, adding both flavor and a pop of color.
- Enjoy the natural sweetness: Fresh strawberries provide a natural sweetness that enhances the overall taste of the cake, compared to artificial flavorings.
- Add texture and color: Fresh strawberries add a juicy texture and vibrant red hue, making the cake visually appealing.
Let the cake cool completely before frosting
- Cool the cake in the pan: After baking, let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes to set.
- Transfer to a wire rack: Place the cake on a wire rack to cool completely. This helps air circulate around the cake, preventing it from becoming soggy.
- Avoid frosting while warm: Wait until the cake has cooled to room temperature to prevent the frosting from melting or becoming runny.
- Ensure even frosting: Cooling the cake ensures that the frosting will go on smoothly and stay in place without sliding off.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Place in an airtight container: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap: If you don’t have a container, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap to maintain its freshness.
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days: Keep the leftover cake in the fridge to preserve its texture and prevent the frosting from melting.
- Allow the cake to warm up: Before serving, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes so the frosting firms up again.
- Freeze for longer storage: For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly and freeze it for up to 1 month.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, this strawberry sheet cake is a simple, delicious dessert perfect for any occasion. Using fresh strawberries gives it a natural, fruity flavor that enhances both the cake and frosting. Follow the easy steps, let the cake cool before frosting, and store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Enjoy a treat that’s sure to impress! For another delightful recipe, check out our Gipfeli recipe for a sweet, buttery pastry that’s perfect alongside your cake.
FAQs about Strawberry Sheet Cake
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and texture.
How long does it take to bake the strawberry sheet cake?
The cake typically takes 25-30 minutes to bake, depending on your oven. Check with a toothpick for doneness.
Can I make the strawberry sheet cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature until you’re ready to frost.
How should I store leftover strawberry sheet cake?
Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to a month.
Strawberry Sheet Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup fresh strawberries pureed
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp strawberry flavoring or strawberry puree optional for extra flavor
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh strawberries sliced
- Whipped cream
- Sprinkles
Instructions
Prepare the Strawberry Puree:
- Wash and hull 1 cup of fresh strawberries.
- Blend the strawberries in a blender until smooth to create a strawberry puree. Set aside.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt. Set aside.
Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients:
- Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in 1 tsp of vanilla extract and the 1 cup of strawberry puree.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with 1/2 cup of buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Bake the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Pour the batter into a greased sheet pan (9×13 inch) and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cake:
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Make the Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened butter and 8 oz softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add 4 cups powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Add 1 tsp of strawberry flavoring or strawberry puree to the frosting for extra strawberry flavor (optional).
Frost the Cake:
- Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly over the cake with a spatula.
Add Optional Toppings:
- Decorate with fresh sliced strawberries, whipped cream, or sprinkles for a festive touch.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice and enjoy your delicious strawberry sheet cake!
Notes
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 30g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Potassium: 90mg