Light, pink, and bursting with real berries, this strawberry sheet cake is built for spring gatherings and holiday tables. It blends fresh strawberries with a soft crumb and a tangy cream cheese frosting. Read on for an easy, step-by-step version you can bake for potlucks, Easter brunch, or a sunny weekend treat.
Why a Strawberry Sheet Cake Works Best for Parties
Sheet cakes serve a crowd with minimal fuss. They cut into neat squares. They travel well. They also look festive when topped with fresh berries.
- Quick to slice and plate for many guests.
- Easy to dress up with a simple garnish of sliced strawberries.
- A great canvas for seasonal flavors and bright colors.
Ingredients: Fresh strawberry cake and cream cheese frosting
Below are the ingredients for one 13 x 9-inch sheet cake and its frosting. Use ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
Cake components
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons strawberry-flavored gelatin (Jell-O)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup diced fresh strawberries
- Optional: a few drops of pink or red food coloring
Frosting components
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup diced fresh strawberries
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Optional: pink or red food coloring
Baking the cake: a clear step-by-step guide
Follow these steps to make a moist strawberry sheet cake with bright berry flavor.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 13 x 9-inch pan with parchment, leaving an overhang. Spray parchment with cooking spray.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, salt, and strawberry gelatin. Set aside.
- Cream the softened butter at medium speed until smooth. Add sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating after each. Mix in vanilla and lemon juice.
- Add half the dry mix, then the milk, then the remaining dry mix. Stir until combined.
- Fold in diced strawberries. Add a few drops of food coloring if you want a more vivid pink hue.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake 30–40 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil. Cool in the pan 30 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
Making the strawberry cream cheese frosting
This frosting is light, slightly tangy, and studded with fresh berries. It spreads easily over a cooled sheet cake.
- In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream with lemon juice until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1/2 cup powdered sugar and whip to stiff peaks. Set aside.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese with the remaining 1 cup powdered sugar and vanilla until very smooth.
- Gently mix the diced strawberries into the cream cheese. Add food coloring if desired.
- Fold half of the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to lighten it. Fold in the remaining whipped cream until uniform.
- Spread the frosting over the fully cooled cake. Chill slightly to set if you prefer firmer slices.
- Top with extra strawberry slices just before serving for a fresh look.
Timing, serving tips, and storage advice
- Prep time: about 25 minutes. Bake time: 35 minutes. Total time: roughly 1 hour.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature. Chilling helps the frosting firm up for cleaner slices.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For travel, keep cake chilled in a cooler and add fresh fruit at the destination.
- Garnish ideas: whole strawberries, thin slices, or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Variations and recipe ideas to try next
- Make a layered strawberry shortcake using this batter for the layers.
- Swap the strawberry gelatin for raspberry for a different tart note.
- Try a no-bake strawberry jello lasagna for a no-oven alternative.
- Combine chocolate and strawberries for a richer twist on the classic.
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Health advocate and wellness researcher, Dr. Monroe brings clarity to confusing health trends with science-backed advice. Her mission is to help readers live vibrantly, from the inside out.