Delicious Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Imagine this: a golden-brown sheet cake that practically begs to be sliced, topped with fluffy cream cheese frosting and adorned with vibrant, glistening strawberry puree. It’s a delightful creation called the Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake, celebrating the best of summer’s sweetest fruit in every mouthful. Whether you’re hosting a picnic or throwing a birthday bash, this cake will steal the spotlight and have everyone asking, “Who made this?”

Beyond its stunning appearance and heavenly taste, what makes this cake so special? It’s not just about satisfying your sweet tooth; it’s about the memories created over a shared dessert, whether that’s with friends gathered after a long day or family celebrating a special occasion. This cake is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience waiting to happen.

Ingredients for Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake:

2 cups (264g) all purpose flour – All-purpose flour gives our cake the right structure and tenderness for that delicious bite. Make sure it’s fresh for optimal rise.
3/4 cup (98g) cake flour – Cake flour creates a lighter texture, letting the cake crumb shine. It’s like giving our cake a little pampering!
2 tsp baking powder – This is our leavening agent, helping the cake rise beautifully.
1/2 tsp baking soda – A bit of baking soda balances acidity and adds to the cake’s fluffy goodness.
1/2 tsp salt – A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors, making the strawberries pop.
3/4 cup (170g) vegetable oil – Vegetable oil keeps our cake moist and tender. Plus, it’s flavorless, so the strawberries shine!
1 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar – The sugar adds sweetness and helps with the cake’s moisture, creating that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
4 large eggs – Eggs bind the ingredients together and add richness. They are key to keeping our cake together!
1 1/2 cups (325g) lightly pureed strawberries – Fresh strawberry puree makes this cake sing with natural fruit flavor and a gorgeous hue.
1 tsp vanilla extract – Vanilla round out the flavors, giving the cake an aromatic touch that everyone loves.
8 oz full fat cream cheese – At room temperature, this creates a rich and dreamy frosting that pairs perfectly with the cake.
1/2 cup (110g) unsalted butter – This butter adds a creamy texture to our frosting, enhancing flavor.
4 cups powdered sugar – Powdered sugar makes the frosting sweet and gives it that perfect spreadable consistency.
1/4 cup (58g) lightly pureed strawberries – This mix-in for the frosting adds a gorgeous color and fruity flavor, making it even more delightful.

How to Make Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grease and line a 9×13 baking pan with a strip of parchment paper — this will make cake extraction way easier and less messy.

Step 2: Puree the Strawberries
Grab your trusty food processor and puree the strawberries until they are nearly smooth but still have a few tasty chunks. This chunky puree will infuse our cake with fantastic flavor, adding texture that will keep you coming back for more.

Step 3: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that everything is evenly distributed, which is crucial for a well-risen cake.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another giant bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, eggs, strawberry puree, and vanilla extract. You’ll whisk until everything is well combined — think of it as a fruity elixir that promises a luxurious cake.

Step 5: Mix It Up
Now, it’s time to bring the dry and wet ingredients together. Gently fold in the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined, being careful not to over-mix. You’re aiming for a batter that’s slightly lumpy and oh-so luscious.

Step 6: Bake and Cool
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. For the icing on the cake (literally), refrigerate for at least an hour if you plan to lift the cake out for easier frosting.

Step 7: Make the Frosting
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together using a mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing one cup at a time followed by the strawberry puree until the frosting reaches your desired thickness. Refrigerate the frosting for about an hour to thicken it further.

Step 8: Frost and Serve
Once the cake is completely cool, generously spread the frosting over the top. That visual appeal is key, because who doesn’t love a frosted masterpiece? Serve it up to eager friends and family, and watch it disappear in no time!

And there you have it — a delightful Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake that is sure to impress anyone lucky enough to have a slice. Perfect for summer gatherings, birthday parties, or just because you’re feeling fancy, this cake is the definition of delicious and uplifting joy. Enjoy the laughter and happiness this cake brings to your table, one slice at a time!

Perfecting Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake Cooking Process

To achieve the best results with this Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake, start by preheating your oven and preparing your pan. Then, whip up the batter while the strawberries are pureeing. Finally, add the frosting after the cake has completely cooled to ensure the perfect creamy texture.

Add Your Touch to Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake

Feel free to get creative with your Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake! You can swap out the strawberries for mashed bananas or even blueberries. For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a hint of lemon zest or a splash of almond extract in the batter.

Storing & Reheating Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake

To keep your Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake fresh, store it covered in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you need to reheat, pop individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds until slightly warm, bringing back that freshly baked flavor.

There was a time when I brought this Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake to a family gathering, and I was met with a chorus of “Wow! You made this?” It felt like winning a cooking competition right in my grandma’s kitchen!

FAQs About Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake

What is Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake?

Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the sweet and tangy flavors of ripe strawberries with a moist, tender cake. This approachable recipe transforms fresh strawberries into a vibrant cake that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to special celebrations. Topped with creamy strawberry-infused cream cheese frosting, this cake is as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s easy to make, making it an ideal choice for bakers of all skill levels who want to impress friends and family.

How can I adjust the flavor of my Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake?

You can easily modify the flavor of your Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake to suit your taste. Consider adding citrus zest, like lemon or orange, to provide a bright, refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the strawberries. You might also introduce spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth, or replace some of the strawberries with other berries, such as blueberries or raspberries. Mixing and matching flavors allows you to create a unique twist on a classic dessert, perfect for any occasion.

Can I make Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake is perfect for making ahead of time. You can bake the cake a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator, well-covered to maintain freshness. Just keep the frosting separate until you’re ready to serve. When it’s time to indulge, spread the creamy frosting over the chilled cake for a refreshing treat. This makes it an excellent choice for parties or gatherings, allowing you to prepare in advance and enjoy more time with your guests.

How should I store Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake?

To store your Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake, cover it with plastic wrap or an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to seven days in the refrigerator. If you have leftover slices, you can also freeze them for a longer-lasting treat. Just wrap each piece in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw the slices in the refrigerator or at room temperature, and they’ll taste almost as good as freshly baked.

Conclusion for Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake

In summary, the Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake is a delightful and vibrant dessert that showcases the deliciousness of strawberries in a simple, accessible way. With its moist texture and creamy frosting, this cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday celebration or a casual weeknight treat. Remember, you can easily customize the flavors to match your preferences or the season. So go ahead, whip up this showstopper and create lasting memories with every slice you serve.

Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake

Delight in this Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake topped with creamy frosting, perfect for any occasion and sure to impress your guests.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Chilling Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 2 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 12 slices

Course: Dessert Recipes

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 3/4 cup cake flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups lightly pureed strawberries
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Frosting Ingredients

• 8 oz full fat cream cheese room temperature
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter room temperature
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup lightly pureed strawberries

Equipment

• 9x13 baking pan
• food processor
• mixer
• whisk
• measuring cups and spoons

Method

 

Baking the Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350F and grease and line a 9×13 baking pan with a strip of parchment paper.
2. Puree the strawberries using a food processor until almost completely pureed but with a few small chunks remaining.
3. In a bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, eggs, strawberry puree, and vanilla extract.
5. Fold in the dry ingredients just until the batter comes together.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick in the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.
8. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting. Refrigerate for at least an hour if you wish to lift the cake out of the pan.

Making the Frosting

1. To make the frosting, mix together the cream cheese and butter until smooth using a mixer.
2. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, followed by the strawberry puree.
3. Refrigerate the frosting for an hour to thicken.
4. Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the frosting on top and serve. Store in the fridge for up to 7 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 3gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 220mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 4mg

Notes

Feel free to get creative with the recipe by swapping strawberries with other fruits, or adding citrus zest for an extra flavor boost.

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