Strawberry Sheet Cake: A Sweet and Light Dessert
Strawberry sheet cake is a delicious and refreshing dessert, perfect for spring and summer gatherings. With a light and fluffy texture, this cake is infused with fresh strawberry flavor, making every bite a sweet treat. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a picnic, or simply looking for a new dessert to try, this easy-to-make cake is sure to impress. In this article, we’ll provide you with the basic recipe, decoration ideas, storage tips, and ways to modify the cake to fit different dietary needs.
For more dessert inspiration, check out Best Cake Recipes and Delicious Summer Desserts.
Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions for Strawberry Sheet Cake
Ingredients
To make this strawberry sheet cake, you will need the following ingredients:
For the cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (pureed)
- Red food coloring (optional, for a more vibrant color)
For the frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons strawberry puree (for flavor and color)
- Fresh strawberries (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and strawberry puree. If you’d like a more vibrant color, add a few drops of red food coloring at this stage.
- Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. Add the vanilla extract and strawberry puree, mixing until smooth.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the strawberry frosting evenly over the cake. Garnish with fresh strawberries for an added touch of flavor and decoration.
- Serve and Enjoy: Cut the cake into squares and enjoy! This strawberry sheet cake is perfect for any occasion and will surely delight your guests.
Advanced Techniques for Strawberry Sheet Cake
Fresh Strawberry Flavor Enhancements
If you want to intensify the strawberry flavor in your cake, consider adding chopped strawberries to the batter. This will provide a chunkier texture and a more pronounced fruity taste. Just make sure to gently fold them in at the end to avoid overmixing the batter.
Decorating Tips
For an extra-special touch, consider decorating the strawberry sheet cake with piped whipped cream, fresh strawberries, or even a drizzle of strawberry glaze. You can also sprinkle some finely chopped mint leaves over the cake to add a pop of color and a refreshing flavor.
Layered Cake Option
If you want a more elaborate presentation, you can turn your sheet cake into a layered cake. Simply divide the batter into two 9-inch round cake pans, bake, and then layer the cakes with frosting and fresh strawberry slices in between for a beautiful layered effect.
See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips for Strawberry Sheet Cake
How to Store Strawberry Sheet Cake
Store any leftover strawberry sheet cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To prevent the frosting from becoming too soft, you can refrigerate the cake, but allow it to come to room temperature before serving to ensure the best texture and flavor.
Freezing Strawberry Sheet Cake
To freeze the cake, wrap the unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. The cake can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the cake at room temperature and frost with fresh frosting.
Maintaining Freshness
If you want to keep the cake fresh for a longer time, you can freeze individual slices. This way, you can enjoy a piece of cake whenever you’d like without having to thaw the entire cake.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions for Strawberry Sheet Cake
Gluten-Free Strawberry Sheet Cake
To make this strawberry sheet cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that is designed for baking to ensure the right texture. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, so check for doneness with a toothpick.
Dairy-Free Strawberry Sheet Cake
For a dairy-free version, replace the butter with dairy-free margarine and use a non-dairy milk, such as almond milk or coconut milk. Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and use powdered sugar that is free of any dairy-based additives.
Reduced-Sugar Strawberry Sheet Cake
If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, you can replace some or all of the granulated sugar in the cake and frosting with a sugar substitute such as stevia or erythritol. Keep in mind that the texture and sweetness may differ slightly, so it’s essential to experiment with the right balance.
FAQs About Strawberry Sheet Cake
Can I use frozen strawberries in the cake?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them before pureeing to avoid excess liquid in the cake batter. Fresh strawberries will give a better flavor, but frozen can work in a pinch.
How can I make the frosting firmer?
If your frosting is too soft, you can add more powdered sugar to thicken it up. Alternatively, you can refrigerate the frosting for 30 minutes before applying it to the cake to help it set.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the strawberry sheet cake the day before your event and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Strawberry sheet cake is a light and flavorful dessert that is perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to special celebrations. With its sweet strawberry flavor, fluffy texture, and creamy frosting, this cake is sure to impress everyone. Plus, it’s easy to make, with simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.
So, gather your ingredients and bake up this delicious strawberry sheet cake—a crowd-pleasing treat that will leave everyone asking for seconds!