Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake is a delightful twist on the classic strawberry shortcake dessert, made easy in sheet cake form. This delicious cake is perfect for serving a crowd, making it ideal for parties, family gatherings, or any special occasion.

With layers of fluffy cake, fresh strawberries, and a creamy whipped topping, every bite is pure indulgence. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is simple to follow and guaranteed to impress.

Let’s dive into how to make this mouthwatering treat!

🍰 Recipe Preparation Equipment 🛠️

Before you get started on your strawberry shortcake sheet cake, here’s a list of equipment you’ll need:

9×13 inch baking pan – A standard sheet pan to bake the cake.
Mixing bowls – For mixing the cake batter and cream topping.
Electric hand mixer or stand mixer – For whipping the cream and beating the cake batter.
Whisk – For stirring dry ingredients.
Spatula – For spreading the batter and topping evenly.
Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements.
Knife – For slicing strawberries.

🍓 What Do You Need to Prepare Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake? 🥄

Ingredients for the Cake:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk

Ingredients for the Topping:

2 cups heavy whipping cream
3 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

🍰 How to Make Easy Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake Step-by-Step?

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan 🧈

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray, then lightly dust it with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients 🥄

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until evenly mixed, then set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar 🍰

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla 🍓

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients 🍰

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Step 6: Bake the Cake 🍰

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 7: Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping 🍓

In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue beating until stiff peaks form.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake 🍓

Once the cake is completely cooled, spread a generous layer of whipped cream on top. Then, arrange the fresh strawberries over the whipped cream in a decorative pattern.

🍰 Variations

There are plenty of ways to put your unique spin on this strawberry shortcake sheet cake! Here are some fun variations to try:

Add a Fruit Compote: Instead of fresh strawberries, you can use a mixed berry compote with raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a vibrant twist.
Make It Lemon-Infused: Add a tablespoon of lemon zest and a tablespoon of lemon juice to the cake batter for a refreshing citrus flavor that pairs beautifully with the strawberries.
Chocolate Lovers Twist: For a decadent treat, drizzle melted chocolate over the whipped cream layer before adding the strawberries for a chocolate-strawberry combo.
Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk (like almond or coconut milk) to make this cake dairy-free. For the whipped topping, use coconut cream or a dairy-free whipped topping.
Tropical Flavor: Mix in shredded coconut or pineapple chunks for a tropical flair.

🍓 Cooking Notes

Room Temperature Ingredients: Be sure that your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps the batter come together smoothly and ensures a soft, moist cake.
Whipped Cream: Make sure your mixing bowl is cold when whipping the cream. This helps the cream whip faster and results in a firmer consistency.
Storage: If you have leftover cake, store it in the refrigerator. Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out. The cake will stay fresh for about 2-3 days.

🍰 Serving Suggestions

Strawberry shortcake sheet cake is perfect for any celebration, but here are a few fun ways to serve it:

Serve with Extra Fresh Fruit: Add extra sliced strawberries or mix in other fruits like blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries for a colorful fruit salad.
Pair with a Cup of Tea or Coffee: This cake makes a wonderful afternoon treat. Pair it with a hot cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee for a delightful dessert experience.
Top with Ice Cream: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an extra indulgent dessert.

🍓 Helpful Tips

Do Not Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
Chill Your Whipping Cream: For the best whipped cream, make sure your cream is well-chilled before whipping it.
Use Fresh Strawberries: For the freshest flavor and the best presentation, use ripe, fresh strawberries. You can also toss them in a little sugar if you want them to release more juice for extra sweetness.

🍰 Tips for the Best Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake 🍓

Use Full-Fat Cream: For the richest whipped cream, always use heavy whipping cream with a high fat content.
Don’t Skip the Cooling Step: Make sure the cake is completely cooled before adding the whipped cream topping. This prevents the cream from melting and sliding off.
Even Slicing of Strawberries: Slice your strawberries uniformly for a neat, even layer on top of the cake. This ensures a beautiful presentation.

Timing Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including cooling)

Nutritional Information

Calories: 350 per serving
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 125mg
Fat: 18g (of which 10g is saturated)
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 28g

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FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes! You can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before using them to avoid a soggy cake.

2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it in an airtight container. Add the whipped cream and strawberries on the day you plan to serve it.

3. How can I make the whipped cream fluffier?

Ensure that the cream is very cold and that you beat it on high speed. Adding a tablespoon of powdered sugar also helps stabilize the whipped cream.

🍰 Conclusion

Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake is the perfect combination of light, fluffy cake and sweet, juicy strawberries. It’s easy to prepare, visually stunning, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re hosting a big celebration or just want a tasty treat for the family, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

With the step-by-step guide provided, you’ll create a show-stopping dessert that everyone will love.

Enjoy!