The Strawberry Sheet Cake is a dreamy dessert that tastes like summer in every bite. With the help of a cake mix, it’s surprisingly simple to put together, but the addition of fresh strawberry puree in both the batter and frosting takes it to another level. The result is a moist, berry-infused cake topped with a creamy strawberry cream cheese frosting that’s as pretty as it is delicious.
Whether you’re planning a backyard picnic, a birthday party, or just want to treat yourself to something sweet and pink, this sheet cake delivers. Its tender crumb and tangy-sweet frosting make it a hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s a breeze to make ahead and refrigerate. One slice is never enough!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 (16 ounce) package fresh strawberries
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1 (15.25 ounce) package white cake mix
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3 large eggs
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¾ cup oil
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1 (3 ounce) package strawberry-flavored gelatin (such as Jell-O®)
Strawberry Frosting:
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¼ cup butter, softened
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1 (4 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
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2 ½ cups powdered sugar (or more as needed)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 cup strawberry puree
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch sheet pan.
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Wash and hull the strawberries. Puree them in a blender you’ll need 1 ¾ cups total. Set aside 1/2 cup of the puree for the frosting.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, 1 1/4 cups strawberry puree, eggs, oil, and strawberry gelatin. Mix with an electric mixer until fully blended.
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the surface evenly.
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Bake for 35-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.
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While the cake cools, beat butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add 1/2 cup strawberry puree, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until frosting is smooth and creamy.
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Once the cake is completely cool, frost with the strawberry frosting. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 374 kcal | Servings: 16 servings
Strawberry Sheet Cake: A Sweet Celebration of Simplicity and Flavor
There’s something inherently joyful about strawberries. Maybe it’s their bright ruby hue, juicy sweetness, or the way they evoke memories of summer afternoons and sun-drenched picnics. Whatever the reason, it’s no surprise that strawberries are a beloved ingredient in home kitchens across the globe. Among the many strawberry-inspired desserts, one classic stands out for its crowd-pleasing charm and ease of preparation the Strawberry Sheet Cake.
This cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a reminder that baking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. With a foundation built on simplicity and flavor, it merges the comfort of a boxed cake mix with the freshness of real strawberry puree. The result? A tender, moist cake with a blush-pink hue and just the right balance of fruity sweetness, crowned with a creamy, strawberry-laced frosting that’s irresistibly smooth.
The Allure of the Strawberry Sheet Cake
The popularity of this cake lies in its beautiful duality: it feels nostalgic yet modern, indulgent yet approachable. Sheet cakes in general are known for their ease of preparation and serving, making them a perfect dessert for potlucks, family gatherings, birthdays, baby showers, and casual weeknight dinners. But what sets the strawberry version apart is the inclusion of fresh strawberries, both in the batter and the frosting. It’s a step up from traditional cake mix-based recipes without adding too much complexity perfect for beginner bakers and busy hosts alike.
Unlike elaborate layer cakes that require intricate decorating, the strawberry sheet cake thrives in its simplicity. It’s typically baked in a standard 9×13-inch pan, which means no need for leveling layers or mastering piping skills. Yet, once frosted and perhaps topped with a few fresh berries, it still manages to look festive and enticing.
The Secret is in the Strawberry Purée
What elevates this cake from standard boxed fare is the addition of strawberry purée. Made by blending fresh, hulled strawberries, this purée is folded directly into the cake batter, infusing every bite with real fruit flavor. This method not only provides authentic strawberry taste but also contributes to the moist texture that makes this cake a standout.
In the frosting, the purée performs a similar magic. When combined with butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar, it creates a rich and tangy-sweet topping that complements the cake perfectly. The natural tartness of the berries helps balance the richness of the cream cheese and sugar, resulting in a frosting that is luscious without being overpoweringly sweet.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Sheet Cake
Even with a straightforward recipe, a few helpful tips can make all the difference:
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Use ripe, fresh strawberries. The better the berries, the better the purée and the better the final flavor.
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Drain excess juice from the purée if it’s too watery. Too much liquid can lead to a soggy cake or runny frosting.
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Don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of the light, tender crumb you want.
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Cool the cake completely before frosting. Cream cheese frosting tends to melt on warm cake, resulting in a sloppy presentation.
Variations and Creative Twists
One of the beauties of this recipe is its versatility. While delicious in its original form, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your mood or the occasion:
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Add diced strawberries to the batter for texture and an extra burst of flavor.
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Use strawberry jam instead of purée for a more concentrated fruit flavor in the frosting.
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Try different frosting bases, such as a whipped topping or buttercream if cream cheese isn’t your thing.
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Incorporate lemon zest or juice into the batter or frosting for a bright citrus contrast.
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Top with sliced strawberries, a drizzle of white chocolate, or edible flowers for a decorative touch.
You can also play with the format. Bake the batter into cupcakes for individual servings, or halve the recipe and bake in an 8×8 pan for a smaller gathering. This flexibility makes the recipe great for both everyday indulgences and special celebrations.
Serving Suggestions and Storage
Strawberry sheet cake is best served chilled. The cool temperature enhances the cream cheese frosting’s texture and keeps the cake firm and sliceable. It’s a hit on its own, but you can take it a step further by adding:
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A dollop of whipped cream on the side
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A scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream
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A few fresh mint leaves for garnish
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A glass of cold milk or a fruity white wine to accompany the sweetness
If you happen to have leftovers which is rare they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. The flavor even deepens after a day or two, as the purée continues to mingle with the cake.
Why It’s a Perfect Year-Round Dessert
Although strawberry season peaks in spring and early summer, this cake is truly a year-round gem. Thanks to the wide availability of fresh strawberries in supermarkets and the use of strawberry-flavored gelatin, it’s easy to bring a taste of sunny days to your kitchen even in the colder months.
Its cheerful pink hue and refreshing flavor make it a lovely dessert for Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, or a girl’s birthday party. It’s also an unexpected but welcome treat at Thanksgiving or Christmas offering a fruity contrast to the usual array of pies and chocolate-heavy desserts.
A Recipe for Generations
Like many cherished family desserts, strawberry sheet cake is the kind of recipe that can be passed down through generations. It’s simple enough for a child to help make, and nostalgic enough to conjure fond memories for adults. In an age where food often gets overcomplicated, this cake reminds us of the beauty of sticking to the basics using real ingredients, tried-and-true techniques, and a whole lot of heart.
Whether you’re baking it for the first time or the fiftieth, this cake always delivers. It’s not about perfection; it’s about pleasure. It’s about that moment when someone takes a bite and smiles, or when you serve it at a gathering and watch the pan empty faster than you expected.
Conclusion:
The Strawberry Sheet Cake is more than a dessert it’s a celebration of simplicity, flavor, and the joy of baking from the heart. It’s proof that a humble boxed cake mix, when paired with fresh fruit and a little love, can become something extraordinary.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your repertoire. It’s easy, customizable, and above all, delicious. It reminds us that the best recipes aren’t always the fanciest sometimes, they’re the ones that make us feel at home.