You will love this fluffy and delicious strawberry sheet cake that captures the essence of fresh strawberries in every bite. Ideal for gatherings, special occasions, or a simple family dessert, this cake is easy to make and delightful to eat. With its vibrant pink color and refreshing taste, it’s sure to impress anyone who tries it.
Why We Love This Best Strawberry Sheet Cake
This best strawberry sheet cake stands out for its light and airy texture that perfectly complements the rich flavor of strawberries. The cake’s moist crumb and the sweet, creamy frosting make it a favorite for birthdays, picnics, and even casual weekday desserts. You can easily prepare it in a large pan, allowing for easy cutting and serving, which is perfect when you have a crowd. Moreover, using fresh strawberries not only enhances the taste but also adds a beautiful pop of color, making it visually appealing. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a beginner, crafting this cake is straightforward and rewarding, filling your kitchen with a delightful aroma that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients for Best Strawberry Sheet Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, pureed (plus extra for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×18-inch sheet pan with cooking spray or butter and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until combined.
- Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In another bowl, mix the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and strawberry puree until well combined.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture, mixing until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, frost your cake with your favorite cream cheese frosting. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices if desired.
How to Serve Best Strawberry Sheet Cake
When it comes to serving this best strawberry sheet cake, presentation is key. Cut the cake into neat squares and place each piece on a dessert plate. For an inviting touch, you can add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside the cake. Garnish each slice with fresh strawberry slices, mint leaves, or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an extra special appearance. This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making it perfect for afternoon gatherings or a delightful end to any meal. If you plan to serve it at a party, consider displaying it on a tiered cake stand, making it an enticing centerpiece that invites guests to indulge.
Expert Tips for Best Strawberry Sheet Cake
To achieve the best results with your strawberry sheet cake, always use fresh, ripe strawberries for the puree. This will ensure that the cake bursts with flavor. When measuring flour, avoid scooping directly from the bag; instead, spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy. This helps prevent a dense cake. If you want a stronger strawberry flavor, consider adding a few drops of natural strawberry extract to the batter or frosting. When baking, keep an eye on your cake during the last few minutes to avoid overbaking, as ovens can vary in temperature. Lastly, let the cake cool completely before frosting; this prevents the frosting from melting and ensures an appealing appearance.
How to Store Best Strawberry Sheet Cake
Storing your best strawberry sheet cake properly will help maintain its freshness and flavor. Once your cake has cooled and you’ve added frosting, you can keep it at room temperature for up to two days, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. If you need to store it longer, keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the unfrosted cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. This will retain its moisture and flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then frost it as desired.
Variations of Best Strawberry Sheet Cake
You can easily customize your best strawberry sheet cake to suit your preferences. One popular variation is to mix in whipped cream into the batter, which gives the cake a fluffier texture. You can also create a strawberry shortcake version by layering the cake with additional whipped cream and fresh strawberries. For a tropical twist, consider adding a bit of crushed pineapple in the batter or topping it with coconut flakes alongside the frosting. If you’re a fan of nuts, finely chopped almonds or walnuts can add a nice crunch and complement the cake’s sweetness. Lastly, consider experimenting with different frostings such as lemon or chocolate for a unique take on this classic dessert.
FAQ about Best Strawberry Sheet Cake
What makes the best strawberry sheet cake?
The best strawberry sheet cake features fresh strawberries for a vibrant flavor, a moist and fluffy texture, and a delicious creamy frosting.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh for the cake?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them well before pureeing to avoid excess moisture in the cake batter.
How long will the best strawberry sheet cake last?
The best strawberry sheet cake can last up to two days at room temperature, a week in the refrigerator, or can be frozen for longer storage.
Can I make the cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. Frost it just before serving to ensure it stays fresh.
Is this recipe suitable for special dietary needs?
You can adapt the recipe for gluten-free diets by using a gluten-free flour mix and ensuring any frosting is also gluten-free.
Best Strawberry Sheet Cake
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Spoon into measuring cup for accuracy.
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.75 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1.5 cups fresh strawberries, pureed (plus extra for garnish) Use ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13-inch by 18-inch sheet pan with cooking spray or butter and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until combined.
- Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In another bowl, mix the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and strawberry puree until well combined.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture, mixing until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, frost your cake with your favorite cream cheese frosting and garnish with fresh strawberry slices, if desired.
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