Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake Recipe

“`html

There is nothing quite as delightful and refreshing as a Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake when you want to impress with a dessert that bursts with natural, juicy sweetness and tender crumb. This magical cake combines the vibrancy of fresh strawberries folded right into the batter with a luscious cream cheese frosting that has just the right hint of strawberry purée, creating an irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to special celebrations. The Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake isn’t just beautiful to look at with its vivid pink hue and topped with fresh strawberry slices—it’s a symphony of flavors and textures that feels like a warm hug in every bite.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this cake is a joyful process because each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and moisture, making the cake incredibly tender and bursting with strawberry goodness. Simple staples like all-purpose flour and baking powder give it structure, while fresh strawberries and cream cheese add that fresh tang and creamy richness.

• All-purpose flour: This is your cake’s foundation, providing just the right texture to keep it light and fluffy.
• Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents ensure the cake rises perfectly and stays airy.
• Salt: A small pinch enhances all the flavors in the cake.
• Unsalted butter: Adds moisture and a lovely buttery flavor without overpowering the strawberries.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps create a tender crumb.
• Large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle warmth that complements the strawberries beautifully.
• Buttermilk: Provides a slight tang and extra moisture, keeping the cake deliciously soft.
• Strawberry purée: Made from fresh strawberries, this is where all the vibrant strawberry flavor comes from.
• Cream cheese: For the frosting, it offers a smooth, tangy balance to the sweetness.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a dreamy spreadable consistency.
• Fresh sliced strawberries: The crowning glory that adds color, texture, and freshness to finish the cake.

How to Make Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan. This step is essential to ensure the cake bakes evenly and doesn’t stick when it’s done.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Combining these beforehand guarantees an even distribution of rising agents and seasoning, which is key for a balanced texture.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this can take about 3 to 5 minutes. It’s a crucial step that helps incorporate air into the batter, giving the cake a tender crumb.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract. This builds richness and flavor complexity in your cake.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Wet Ingredients

Alternate adding the dry flour mixture with the buttermilk and strawberry purée, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently after each addition to combine everything without overworking the batter, which keeps the cake beautifully tender and moist.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma of fresh strawberries filling your kitchen during this time is simply irresistible!

Step 7: Make the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake cools, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and strawberry purée until silky smooth and easily spreadable. This frosting is the perfect balance of creamy and fruity, tying the whole dessert together.

Step 8: Frost and Top Your Cake

Once the cake is completely cool, generously slather the frosting over the top, then decorate with fresh sliced strawberries for a vibrant, fresh finish.

How to Serve Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake

Garnishes

A simple garnish of fresh sliced strawberries on top adds an eye-catching pop of color and reinforces the fresh strawberry flavor. For an extra touch, scatter a few mint leaves or dust some powdered sugar to create a special presentation that everyone will admire.

Side Dishes

This cake shines as a standalone star, but pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream elevates the experience. Fresh berries on the side or a light green salad can also balance the sweetness and keep the dessert feel refreshingly light.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake into squares and serve on delicate plates to showcase its gorgeous color. For parties, cut it into bite-sized squares and place them on a pretty platter, or layer pieces with whipped cream and extra strawberries in a trifle bowl for a twist that guests will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake should be stored covered in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh and prevent drying out. Wrapped properly, it stays moist and flavorful for up to 4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze this cake if you want to save some for later. It’s best to freeze the cake without the frosting, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then spread the frosting fresh for the best taste and texture.

Reheating

If you like your cake slightly warmed, a few seconds in the microwave can soften the cake beautifully—just avoid reheating the frosted portion directly to keep it from melting or becoming oily. Serve warm or at room temperature for maximum enjoyment.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh for the Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but it’s important to thaw and drain them well before making your purée to avoid adding too much extra moisture to the batter, which could affect the cake’s texture.

How can I make the cake more strawberry-flavored?

To intensify the strawberry flavor, consider adding a little strawberry extract to the batter or frosting, or increase the amount of strawberry purée slightly. Using the freshest, ripest strawberries will also make a big difference.

Is this cake gluten-free or can it be made gluten-free?

The original recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking to accommodate gluten sensitivities. Be sure to check your blend’s leavening requirements for best results.

Can I make this cake vegan or dairy-free?

For a vegan twist, substitute eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer, use plant-based butter and cream cheese alternatives, and replace buttermilk with a mix of plant milk and lemon juice. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

How long does the Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake stay fresh?

Stored properly in the refrigerator, the cake remains fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Beyond that, the freshness and texture start to degrade, so it’s best enjoyed sooner rather than later.

Final Thoughts

Making a Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake is like capturing the joy of summer in a single dish. Its tender crumb, natural sweetness, and gorgeous pink frosting topped with fresh slices create a treat that feels both comforting and special. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, I promise this cake will quickly become one of your favorites to make and share with loved ones. Go ahead and try it soon—you’ll be so glad you did!

“`