You’ll find yourself feeling inspired to whip up a delightful treat with this Best Strawberry Sheet Cake. This cake combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries and the lightness of fluffy cake, creating a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, a picnic, or simply want to indulge your sweet tooth, this sheet cake is the answer. Its vibrant color and rich flavor bring a smile to everyone’s face, making it a beloved recipe in your collection.
Why We Love This Best Strawberry Sheet Cake
This Best Strawberry Sheet Cake captures the essence of summer with its juicy strawberries and light, fluffy texture. It’s easy to make, which is perfect if you’re short on time. The cake’s moist crumb paired with a smooth strawberry frosting creates a heavenly combination that’s hard to resist. Plus, you can conveniently serve it straight from the baking pan, making cleanup a breeze. Perfect for dessert on special occasions, family gatherings, or simply because it’s a Tuesday, this cake is a staple you’ll love to return to. The aroma of baking strawberries fills your kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere that sets the stage for enjoyment. This cake not only looks stunning but also delivers on taste, solidifying its status as a favorite dessert.
Ingredients for Best Strawberry Sheet Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, pureed
- 1 cup additional chopped strawberries for topping
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 13×18-inch rimmed baking sheet.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the softened butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
- Mix everything together on medium speed until blended, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Gently fold in the strawberry puree until well combined, creating a beautiful pink batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- While the cake cools, prepare the frosting. You can make a strawberry buttercream or cream cheese frosting by using softened butter or cream cheese, powdered sugar, and more strawberry puree.
- Once the cake has cooled, frost it generously with your chosen frosting and top with freshly chopped strawberries. Let it set for a few minutes before cutting into squares and serving.
How to Serve Best Strawberry Sheet Cake
Serving this Best Strawberry Sheet Cake is as simple as it is rewarding. You can present it in the baking pan for a rustic look or transfer it to a serving platter for a more polished appearance. Cut the cake into generous squares to showcase the lovely pink layers and strawberry toppings. Pair each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. This cake is excellent for family gatherings, birthday parties, or casual brunches. You can also sprinkle some fresh mint leaves on top for a pop of color and extra freshness. If you want to elevate the presentation, a light dusting of powdered sugar can add an elegant touch. Enjoy it cold or at room temperature; this cake is versatile enough to be delightful at any temperature.
Expert Tips for Best Strawberry Sheet Cake
For a perfect Best Strawberry Sheet Cake, consider a few expert tips. First, using fresh strawberries will significantly enhance the flavor. Choose berries that are ripe, bright red, and fragrant. When you puree strawberries, ensure there are no large chunks to maintain a smooth batter consistency. If you wish for an extra punch of strawberry flavor, try reducing some of the puree to intensify the taste before adding it to the batter. Regarding the frosting, using softened butter helps it spread smoothly. If you’re after a fluffier texture, whip your frosting for a few additional minutes. Lastly, keep an eye on the baking time; ovens can vary, so start checking for doneness a few minutes early to avoid overbaking. These small adjustments can help make your cake even more delightful.
How to Store Best Strawberry Sheet Cake
Proper storage of your Best Strawberry Sheet Cake can help retain its freshness. If you have leftovers, allow the cake to cool completely before covering it. Store any uneaten cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate it to extend its shelf life for up to a week. If you prefer to keep it longer, consider wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and freezing it. The cake can last in the freezer for up to three months. To serve after freezing, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before bringing it to room temperature or enjoying it cold. Be cautious if your frosting contains dairy, as refrigeration is preferable to avoid spoilage.
Variations of Best Strawberry Sheet Cake
While the Best Strawberry Sheet Cake is fantastic as is, a few variations can elevate the experience even further. You might consider adding a layer of cream cheese or lemon zest in the batter for an exciting twist on flavor. Another delicious alternative is to incorporate other fruits alongside strawberries, like blueberries or raspberries, for a mixed berry sheet cake. If you have a craving for chocolate, you can create a chocolate-strawberry fusion by adding cocoa powder to the batter. Additionally, for a more decadent dessert, layer the cake with strawberry jam or sliced strawberries between two layers of frosting. You can also experiment with different frostings, such as chocolate ganache or lemon buttercream, to create a unique experience with every slice. These variations allow you to adapt the recipe to your taste preferences and keep things exciting.
FAQ about Best Strawberry Sheet Cake
What is the Best Strawberry Sheet Cake?
It’s a light, fluffy cake made with fresh strawberries and topped with delicious strawberry frosting.
How can I make the cake more strawberry-flavored?
You can add more pureed strawberries to the batter or use fresh strawberries for both the frosting and the topping.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance and store it covered in an airtight container.
What frosting goes well with a strawberry sheet cake?
A strawberry buttercream or cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with it.
Can I freeze the Best Strawberry Sheet Cake?
Yes, the cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and it can last for up to three months in the freezer.
How do I prevent my cake from drying out?
Ensure you don’t overbake the cake and store it properly after cooling to keep it moist.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can, but fresh strawberries will provide a better flavor and texture in your cake.
What size pan can I use for this recipe?
A 13×18-inch rimmed baking sheet is recommended, but you can also use a different size; just adjust the baking time accordingly.
Best Strawberry Sheet Cake
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, pureed
- 1 cup additional chopped strawberries for topping
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter or cream cheese, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- 0.5 cups strawberry puree for frosting
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 13x18-inch rimmed baking sheet.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the softened butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
- Mix everything together on medium speed until blended, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Gently fold in the strawberry puree until well combined, creating a beautiful pink batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly.
Baking
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Frosting
- While the cake cools, prepare the frosting using softened butter or cream cheese, powdered sugar, and more strawberry puree.
Serving
- Once the cake has cooled, frost it generously with your chosen frosting and top with freshly chopped strawberries.
- Cut into squares and serve.
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