When the sun shines bright and strawberries are at their peak, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of a freshly baked Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake wafting through the kitchen. Picture this: a tender, airy vanilla cake cradled beneath a luscious layer of cream cheese whipped cream, all adorned with vibrant, juicy strawberries. This type of dessert not only dazzles the eyes but also wins over the most discerning taste buds, and believe me, it’s a showstopper at any gathering.
What makes this sheet cake so enticing is its simplicity. Gone are the days of laboriously stacking layers and worrying about frosting slipping off; this version takes the hassle out of entertaining while ensuring everyone comes back for seconds. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a brunch, or simply satisfying a sweet craving, my Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake is the perfect solution. Get ready to indulge in this delightful treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!
Why is Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake a Must-Try?
Simplicity at Its Best: This recipe simplifies the classic shortcake, making it easy to prepare without sacrificing flavor.
Incredible Flavor: The fresh strawberries paired with whipped cream and vanilla create a mouthwatering combination that’s utterly irresistible.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for gatherings, this sheet cake can serve a crowd effortlessly, ensuring all your guests leave happy and satisfied.
Time-Saving Genius: No more layering! This easy-to-serve cake saves you time in the kitchen while delivering maximum impact.
Visual Appeal: With its vibrant red strawberries atop a creamy frosting, this cake is as attractive as it is delicious.
Versatile Treat: Feel free to experiment with different berries or toppings, making it a customizable dessert for any occasion.
This Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake is sure to become your go-to recipe!
Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake Ingredients
For the Cake
• All-Purpose Flour – This gives the cake structure, with King Arthur recommended for best results.
• Baking Powder – Serves as the leavening agent for a light and fluffy texture.
• Salt – Enhances the overall flavor of the cake beautifully.
• Sugar – Sweetens the cake while helping create that tender crumb.
• Vegetable Oil – Adds necessary moisture and richness to your cake.
• Large Eggs (2) – Binds the ingredients together and helps with leavening; using at room temperature is ideal.
• Egg Whites (2) – Contributes to a lighter batter; also best at room temperature.
• Vanilla Extract – Introduces a rich depth of flavor to the cake.
• Almond Extract (optional) – Adds a delightful complexity; feel free to skip for nut-free versions.
• Sour Cream – Ensures the cake stays moist and rich; full-fat is preferred here.
• Milk – Adjusts the batter’s consistency while adding moisture.
For the Frosting
• Cream Cheese – Creates a smooth, creamy base for your frosting; Philadelphia brand is my go-to.
• Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and stiffens the frosting.
• Heavy Cream – Essential for a light and fluffy whipped topping; ensure it’s cold for the best results.
For the Topping
• Fresh Strawberries (5 cups) – The star of the show; hull and slice them for a sweet, fruity topping.
• Strawberry Jam (2 tbsp) – Helps to coat strawberries and keep them moist on the cake.
• Fresh Mint – A fragrant garnish to elevate your dessert’s presentation.
This Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake promises to be a hit at your next gathering! Enjoy the delightful balance of flavors and textures with every bite.
How to Make Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking sheet. This ensures your cake will bake evenly and release easily.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent, ensuring a fluffy cake.
Cream the Mixture: Using a stand mixer, beat the sugar, vegetable oil, large eggs, egg whites, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and sour cream together until pale and well combined, about 2-3 minutes.
Combine Ingredients: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be a bit thick and smooth.
Pour the Batter: Pour the prepared batter into the greased baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula. Ensure it reaches all corners for even baking.
Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden.
Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove the cake and let it cool completely on a wire rack, about 30-45 minutes. This cooling period is essential to prevent the frosting from melting.
Prepare the Frosting: For the frosting, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth, then add vanilla extract and a hint of lemon zest for extra flavor.
Whip the Cream: Slowly incorporate the cold heavy cream while mixing until stiff peaks form, which should take about 3-5 minutes. This gives your frosting a light, airy texture.
Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly across the top.
Add the Strawberries: Toss the sliced strawberries with strawberry jam to coat and arrange them on top of the frosting. This step adds freshness and a burst of flavor.
Garnish and Serve: Finally, garnish your dessert with fresh mint leaves for a lovely color contrast and an aromatic touch before serving.
Optional: Garnish with additional sliced strawberries for an extra fruity touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cakes are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can bake the cake up to 24 hours in advance; simply cool it completely and store it wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature to retain moisture. The cream cheese frosting can also be prepared up to 3 days ahead; just keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its light and airy consistency. When you’re ready to serve, spread the chilled frosting on the cooled cake, toss your sliced strawberries with strawberry jam, and arrange them on top. This way, you’ll enjoy the same delicious results with minimal effort, making dessert a breeze!
Expert Tips for Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake
Cooling is Crucial: Allow your cake to cool completely before frosting. This avoids melting and keeps your presentation clean and inviting.
Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best results, use room temperature eggs and egg whites. This helps them incorporate better, leading to a lighter batter in your sweet strawberry shortcake sheet cake.
Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than the light texture you desire.
Fresh Strawberries: Use ripe, sweet strawberries for the topping. They should be hull and sliced just before serving to ensure freshness and vibrant flavor.
Whip Wisely: When whipping the heavy cream for frosting, ensure it’s very cold to achieve stiff peaks. This will keep your cream cheese frosting fluffy and light.
How to Store and Freeze Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake
Fridge: Keep the frosted cake covered in the fridge for up to 3 days for optimal freshness. This helps maintain the integrity of the cream cheese frosting and prevents it from drying out.
Room Temperature: If you have an unfrosted cake, it can be stored at room temperature for one day. Just be sure to cover it lightly to prevent it from becoming stale.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unfrosted layers of the cake by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil; they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To enjoy, simply thaw the cake in the fridge overnight before frosting or serving. If you’ve frozen a frosted cake, allow it to sit in the fridge until fully defrosted before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What to Serve with Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake?
Pairing sweet delights with your cake can elevate the entire meal experience.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing option that complements the sweetness of the cake while adding vibrant color and nutrients. Mixing in seasonal fruits like blueberries or kiwi will enhance the flavor profile.
Lemon Bars: The tartness of lemon bars creates a delightful contrast to the sweet cake, bringing a citrusy zing that refreshes the palate. Enjoy these alongside for a balanced dessert spread!
Whipped Cream: Extra whipped cream on the side not only amplifies the creaminess of your cake but also offers delightful indulgence for those who crave more.
Mint Tea: A fragrant mint tea adds a soothing herbal note that pairs beautifully with the fresh strawberries and cream. It’s perfect for those sunny afternoons or cozy gatherings.
Coffee: A warm cup of coffee enhances the rich flavors of the sweet strawberry shortcake sheet cake, making it a perfect match for brunch or afternoon tea.
Chocolate Chip Cookies: For a twist, chocolate chip cookies offer a contrasting texture that brings a nostalgic element to your dessert table, creating compelling flavor dynamics.
Savory Cheese Platter: Serve a small cheese platter next to your cake; creamy brie or sharp cheddar can balance sweetness with saltiness, creating a sophisticated experience.
Mojito Mocktail: This refreshing mocktail with mint, lime, and soda perfectly echoes the flavors in the cake, providing a bubbly companion that’s light and invigorating!
Indulging in these pairings not only enhances the flavors but makes every bite of your Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake even more delightful.
Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful twists on the classic to add your unique flair to the recipe!
Berry Blast: Mix it up by replacing strawberries with fresh raspberries or blueberries for a vibrant color and alternative flavor profile. Each berry brings its own unique tang that’ll surprise your taste buds.
Greek Yogurt Substitute: Swap out sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter cake that’s just as delicious. This option introduces a subtle tartness that perfectly complements the sweetness of the fruit.
Nut-Free Option: If you’re looking to skip the nuts, replace almond extract with an extra splash of vanilla extract. This keeps the flavor profile rich without any nut undertones.
Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent twist, finish the cake with a light drizzle of melted chocolate. The rich flavor of chocolate pairs beautifully with the fresh strawberries, elevating this dessert to new indulgent heights.
Lemon Zest Infusion: Add some zing by mixing in fresh lemon zest into the batter or frosting. This brightens the overall flavor, enhancing the sweet and creamy elements of the cake. It’s a refreshing twist that feels like summer on a plate!
Semantic Spice: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter for subtle warmth. This unexpected hint of spice rounds out the cake’s sweetness with cozy notes that are especially lovely in the cooler months.
Whipped Cream Twist: Instead of cream cheese frosting, opt for stable whipped cream for a lighter texture. Alternatively, fold in some crushed freeze-dried strawberries into your whipped cream for additional fruity flavor.
Savory Touch: For an unexpected savory kick, sprinkle some fresh basil or shredded mint over the strawberries before serving. This herbaceous addition will tantalize the palate and add a layer of freshness.
Experiment with these variations to create your perfect Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake, and have fun making it your own!
Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake Recipe FAQs
What type of strawberries should I use for this cake?
Absolutely! I recommend using ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor. Look for berries that have a vibrant red color without any dark spots, as those indicate overripe or moldy fruit. Fresh strawberries will lend the most delicious taste to your Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake!
How should I store my Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake?
To keep your cake fresh, cover the frosted Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Unfrosted cake can be kept at room temperature for one day. Just be sure to wrap it lightly to avoid drying out. For longer storage, wrap unfrosted layers tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, and freeze them for up to 2 months.
Can I freeze the leftover cake, and how should I do it?
Very much so! To freeze your Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake, I recommend wrapping unfrosted layers tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring there’s no air inside, and then wrap it in aluminum foil. Store it in the freezer for up to 2 months for the best flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before frosting or serving, as this helps preserve its texture.
What should I do if my cake is too dense?
If your cake turns out denser than expected, there are a couple of things to check for next time. Make sure you’re using room temperature eggs and egg whites for better incorporation. Also, avoid overmixing your batter when blending wet and dry ingredients; mix just until combined to achieve that light texture characteristic of a sweet strawberry shortcake. If you did overmix, the cake will still be tasty but may lack that desired fluffiness.
Delicious Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake Made Easy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking sheet.
- In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Using a stand mixer, beat the sugar, vegetable oil, large eggs, egg whites, vanilla extract, almond extract, and sour cream until pale and well combined.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, until just combined.
- Pour the prepared batter into the greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Once baked, remove the cake and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Slowly incorporate the cold heavy cream while mixing until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly across the cooled cake.
- Toss the sliced strawberries with strawberry jam and arrange them on top of the frosting.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves before serving.