Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake

Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake is a delightful dessert that brings together the freshness of strawberries and the light texture of a fluffy cake. Perfect for gatherings, picnics, or just a sweet treat at home, this cake is sure to please everyone. With its creamy frosting and juicy strawberry topping, it’s an easy yet impressive dessert that you can whip up without any fuss.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake is a great choice for several reasons. First, it’s simple to prepare and doesn’t require extensive baking skills. Second, the combination of strawberries and cream is a classic favorite that satisfies any sweet tooth. Finally, the sheet cake format makes it convenient for serving a crowd. Whether it’s a birthday, a BBQ, or just a family dessert night, this cake ticks all the boxes!

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 large egg whites, room temperature
2 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract
2/3 cup sour cream
3/4 cup milk (whole or 2%, room temperature)
6 oz cream cheese, softened to cool room temperature
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups chilled heavy whipping cream
5 cups fresh strawberries, sliced (about 2 pounds)
2 tbsp strawberry jam

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat together the sugar, oil, eggs, egg whites, and extracts until well combined. Add the sour cream and mix until smooth.
Gradually add half of the flour mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low until just combined. Slowly pour in the milk, then add the remaining flour mixture, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool the cake on a wire rack completely before frosting.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on medium speed until smooth.
While mixing, slowly pour the chilled heavy cream down the side of the bowl. Increase speed to high and whip until stiff peaks form.
In a medium bowl, stir the sliced strawberries with the strawberry jam and let sit if serving later.
Spread the whipped cream frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
Spoon the strawberry topping over the frosting right before serving.

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake

To serve, simply cut the Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake into squares and place them on plates. For an extra touch, you can add a whole strawberry on top of each piece. This cake is best served soon after making it to enjoy the freshness of the strawberries and the fluffy frosting.

How to Store Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake

If you have leftovers, store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. However, for the best taste and texture, it is recommended to eat it as fresh as possible.

Tips to Make Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake

Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing results.
Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the frosting; this prevents it from melting.
Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor. You can also experiment with other berries if you like!

Variation

Feel free to add a layer of lemon zest or lemon juice in the batter for a hint of citrus. You can also swap out strawberries for other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a different take!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid adding extra moisture to the cake.

2. Can this cake be made in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day before and store it in the refrigerator. Add the frosting and strawberries on the day you plan to serve it for the best texture.

3. How do I make the cake gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Enjoy making and sharing this delicious Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake!