Name: Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2½ cups all purpose flour; 3 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1¾ cups granulated sugar; ½ cup vegetable or canola oil; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 2 large egg whites, room temperature; 2½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon almond extract; ⅔ cup sour cream; ¾ cup milk, preferably whole or 2%, room temperature; 6 ounces cream cheese, softened to cool room temp; ¾ cup powdered sugar; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 1½ cups chilled heavy whipping cream; 5 cups sliced fresh strawberries (just under 2 pounds); 2 tablespoons strawberry jam

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Introduction to Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake

Life gets busy, doesn’t it? Whether you’re juggling work, family, or both, finding the time to whip up something special can feel overwhelming. That’s where my Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake comes in! This delightful dessert is not only easy to make but also beautiful and delicious, perfect for any occasion. Imagine a fluffy cake topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, ready to impress your loved ones. Best of all, this recipe allows you to create a sweet moment without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me; you’ll want to keep this one in your back pocket!

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake

This Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake is the ultimate dessert for busy lives! With its quick preparation and baking time, you can have a stunning cake ready in just an hour. The delicious combination of light cake and juicy strawberries will make your taste buds dance. Plus, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd, making it ideal for celebrations or family get-togethers. This cake is sure to bring smiles and sweet memories to any gathering!

Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake

When making a Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake, the ingredients are the stars of the show. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this delightful dessert to life:

All-purpose flour: This forms the cake’s base. Use unbleached flour for a richer flavor.
Baking powder: This helps the cake rise, creating that fluffy texture we all love.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness, making each bite a treat.
Vegetable or canola oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender; can substitute with melted butter for a richer taste.
Eggs: Using large, room-temperature eggs helps create a light and fluffy batter.
Pure vanilla extract: A classic flavor enhancer that brings warmth to your cake.
Almond extract: This adds a touch of nutty flavor, making your cake even more special.
Sour cream: This ingredient adds durability and moisture; Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative.
Milk: I prefer whole or 2% milk for a richer texture, but any milk will work.
Cream cheese: Softened, it gives a creamy base for the frosting.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting while also giving it a silky texture.
Heavy whipping cream: This is what you whip into clouds of deliciousness for the frosting.
Fresh strawberries: The star of the show! Look for ripe, sweet strawberries to make this cake shine.
Strawberry jam: This enhances the flavor of the fresh strawberries and adds a glossy finish.

If you’d like to see exact measurements, they’re found at the bottom of this article, along with a handy printable version. Let’s gather these ingredients and create something scrumptious!

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake

Making a Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake is a breeze! Let me guide you through the steps, so you can create this delicious treat with confidence. Promise, it’s easier than you might think!

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This small step is crucial because a hot oven ensures your cake rises beautifully. While the oven warms up, we can prep our ingredients!

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This simple mix ensures all dry ingredients are well-distributed. Set it aside for now; we’ll come back to it soon.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Next, grab your mixer! In a large bowl, combine granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, egg whites, pure vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat these until everything is well mixed. The mixture should be smooth and slightly bubbly—it’s like melting in your mouth already!

Step 4: Combine Everything

Now, it’s time to add the sour cream. Mix until just combined. Gradually add half of your dry ingredient mix and keep mixing until it’s barely combined. Then, slowly pour in the milk and finish adding the rest of your flour mix. Be gentle here, as overmixing will dull that airy texture we want.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Grease a 9×13 metal baking pan and pour in the batter, spreading it evenly. Bake your cake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Place it on a wire rack to cool completely. The aroma will have your family buzzing with excitement!

Step 6: Make the Frosting

While your cake cools, let’s whip up our frosting! In a separate bowl, blend cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy. Gradually add chilled heavy cream, then whisk until stiff peaks form. This frosting is a cloud of goodness; seriously, it’s like a hug in dessert form!

Step 7: Assemble and Serve

Spread that luscious frosting generously over your cooled cake. For an extra sweet touch, mix fresh strawberries with strawberry jam and spoon them over the top. If you’re not serving right away, store the frosted cake in the refrigerator and add strawberries just before serving. Trust me, it will be worth the wait!

Tips for Success

Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
Don’t overmix the batter; stop mixing once everything is just combined.
Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and presentation.
Chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping the cream for extra fluffiness.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for freshness.

Equipment Needed

Baking pan (9×13): Use a metal or glass pan; both work well for even baking.
Mixer: A stand mixer is ideal, but a hand mixer will do the job just fine.
Mixing bowls: Use two medium-sized bowls for dry and wet ingredients.
Whisk: Essential for blending dry ingredients and mixing frosting.
Spatula: Great for scraping down the sides and spreading frosting evenly.

Variations

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour for a celiac-friendly version.
Berry Medley: Swap strawberries for a mix of berries like blueberries and raspberries for a colorful twist.
Whipped Coconut Cream: Substitute heavy cream with whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free delight.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the whipped cream frosting for a decadent touch.
Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the batter or frosting for a citrusy brightness that complements strawberries beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures.
Serve alongside freshly brewed iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing touch.
Garnish with mint leaves for an elegant finish.
Present on a decorative platter to show off its colorful layers.

FAQs about Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Just keep it covered at room temperature. Frost it just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

How should I store leftovers?

To keep your Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last about 3-4 days, but trust me, it won’t last that long!

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries are ideal for this dish, but frozen strawberries can work in a pinch. Thaw them out thoroughly and drain excess liquid before using them in the frosting!

Is this cake suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour, and you’ll still enjoy that delightful Strawberry Shortcake flavor.

What other flavors can I incorporate?

Feel free to get creative! Adding lemon zest to the batter or frosting balances the sweetness beautifully. You could also mix in some almond extract for an extra layer of flavor.

Final Thoughts

Creating a Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake is more than just baking; it’s about crafting sweet moments with loved ones. Each slice tells a story of joyous gatherings, laughter, and delicious flavors that linger long after the last bite. The simplicity of this recipe makes it a go-to for busy days, yet it never fails to impress at celebrations. So, whether it’s a birthday, a family dinner, or simply a Tuesday, this cake is your secret weapon for spreading smiles. I hope you find as much joy in baking and sharing this cake as I do!