How To Make Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake – Best Ever Soft & Juicy Dessert
Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake is the ultimate dessert that combines soft, fluffy layers with the sweet, tangy flavor of real strawberries. Unlike ordinary cakes, this one bursts with freshness, making it perfect for any season. At HomeasyRecipes, we’ve spent years perfecting this recipe to bring you the best results at home. Our journey started with a passion for creating simple yet irresistible recipes. You can read more about our story and how we bring family-friendly dishes to life on our About Page.
In this article, you’ll learn everything from choosing the right ingredients to troubleshooting common baking problems. We’ll also explore variations like the Pioneer Woman’s take and easy versions using cake mix. Plus, you’ll get insider tips to keep strawberries fresh and your cake moist for days. By the end, you’ll have all the confidence you need to bake the perfect fresh strawberry sheet cake that will impress everyone at the table.
This recipe is inspired by the love for homemade desserts, similar to those shared on Maja’s Recipes where simple ingredients shine.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
The Timeless Charm of Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake
Fresh strawberry sheet cake has long been a favorite in American kitchens. Known for its soft crumb, luscious frosting, and naturally fruity aroma, it’s a dessert that brings back childhood memories of summer gatherings and homemade treats. Unlike other cakes, the fresh strawberries in the batter create a natural sweetness and a lovely pink hue, making it both beautiful and flavorful. This classic dessert has stood the test of time because it blends simplicity with irresistible taste.
Why This Cake Has Become a Household Favorite
What makes this cake so special? For starters, it’s easy to prepare and serves a crowd, perfect for birthdays, barbecues, and potlucks. The combination of lightly pureed strawberries in both the cake and frosting ensures every bite bursts with fresh fruit flavor. Plus, its versatility allows you to play with toppings and decorations. Whether you follow an old-fashioned recipe, use cake mix for convenience, or recreate the beloved Pioneer Woman version, this cake never fails to impress.
Our Story: From Kitchen to Your Home
At HomeasyRecipes, our mission is to simplify cooking without sacrificing taste. This fresh strawberry sheet cake recipe is a product of countless tests and tweaks to bring you the perfect balance of moistness, sweetness, and freshness. We love sharing our passion with readers who want to recreate comforting desserts at home. Don’t miss our other strawberry-inspired desserts like Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes and Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake for more delicious ideas.
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How To Make Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake – Best Ever Soft & Juicy Dessert
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake is soft, fruity, and topped with a luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting. Perfect for summer gatherings or any occasion.
Ingredients
- Strawberry Cake:
- 2 cups (264g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (98g) cake flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup (170g) vegetable oil
- 1 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups (325g) lightly pureed strawberries (about 1 1/2 pints)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (110g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup (58g) lightly pureed strawberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Puree strawberries in a food processor until almost smooth with a few small chunks. Reserve some for frosting.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, strawberry puree, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool completely in the pan before frosting. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour if you plan to lift the cake out.
- Prepare the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter with a mixer until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually, then mix in strawberry puree until creamy.
- Refrigerate frosting for 1 hour to thicken. Spread evenly over cooled cake. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Use fresh ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Chill the cake before slicing for neat pieces.
- Store cake in the fridge for up to 7 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake, Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting, Summer Dessert, Easy Strawberry Cake, Sheet Cake Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake
Essential Ingredients for the Cake Base
To create a perfectly moist cake, you’ll need a mix of all-purpose flour, cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, eggs, and the star ingredient—lightly pureed strawberries. The combination of two types of flour ensures a balance of tenderness and structure.
The frosting is just as important as the cake itself. For this recipe, you’ll use cream cheese, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and pureed strawberries. The cream cheese adds tanginess, while the strawberry puree enhances the fruity flavor, creating a creamy topping that pairs beautifully with the soft cake.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake
Preparing and Pureeing Fresh Strawberries
Wash and hull the strawberries, then place them in a food processor. Blend until you have a puree with tiny chunks to keep the texture lively. This puree is used in both the cake batter and the frosting to maximize flavor.
Baking Tips to Achieve a Moist and Fluffy Texture
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Mix the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another. Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet to avoid overmixing. Pour the batter into a lined 9×13 pan, spread evenly, and bake for 35–40 minutes until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the cake cool completely before adding frosting.
Don’t miss ou
r Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake for another fruity treat.Variations of Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake Recipes
Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake with Cake Mix
Short on time? Enhance it by adding strawberry puree, a splash of vanilla, and a touch of sour cream for extra moisture. This shortcut saves time without sacrificing flavor.
Pioneer Woman-Inspired Sheet Cake Ideas
The Pioneer Woman’s version takes the cake to another level with rich, creamy frosting and a light sponge.
