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Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake

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This strawberry sheet cake is basically summer in dessert form, and it’s about to become your new favorite way to use up all those gorgeous berries.

Picture this: a tender, incredibly moist cake that’s naturally pink from real strawberries, not artificial coloring, topped with the silkiest strawberry cream cheese frosting you’ve ever tasted.

The secret is using fresh strawberry puree in both the cake and frosting, which gives you that intense berry flavor that boxed mixes just can’t deliver.

This is the kind of cake that makes people stop mid-conversation and ask “Wait, you made this from scratch?” – and yes, you absolutely did.

The beauty of a sheet cake is that it feeds a crowd without any fancy decorating skills required, making it perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or when you just want cake without the fuss.

Plus, that cream cheese frosting gets better after a day in the fridge, so this is actually one of those magical desserts that improves with time.

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Cake

2 cups (264g) all-purpose flour (see notes for gluten-free option)
3 /4 cup (98g) cake flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 /2 teaspoon baking soda
1 /2 teaspoon salt
3 /4 cup (170g) vegetable oil
1 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 1/2 cups (325g) lightly pureed fresh strawberries (about 1 1/2 pints)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
1 /2 cup (110g) unsalted butter, room temperature
4 cups powdered sugar
1 /4 cup (58g) lightly pureed fresh strawberries

Instructions

Preparation

1 Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Line it with a strip of parchment paper, allowing the paper to cover the bottom and the two longest sides with some overhang for easy removal later.
2 To puree the strawberries, place them in a food processor and let it run for a couple of seconds. Then pulse until they’re almost completely pureed but still have a few small strawberry chunks for texture. This same process applies to the strawberries for the frosting.

Making the Cake Batter

3 In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside. The combination of all-purpose and cake flour creates the perfect tender crumb.
4 In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, eggs, strawberry puree, and vanilla extract until well combined. The oil keeps this cake incredibly moist, while the strawberry puree adds natural flavor and that gorgeous pink color.
5 Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a large spoon or silicone spatula. Mix just until the batter comes together – overmixing will result in a tough cake.

Baking

6 Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly using an offset spatula. The batter will be fairly thick but spreadable.
7 Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Don’t overbake, as this will dry out your cake.
8 Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting – this is crucial for preventing the frosting from melting. If you want to lift the cake out of the pan, refrigerate it for at least 1 hour before doing so.

Making the Frosting

9 Start the frosting right when the cake finishes baking so both can chill together. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat together the room temperature cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
10 Gradually mix in the powdered sugar one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth frosting.
11 Beat in the strawberry puree until fully incorporated. The frosting will be soft at this point, which is normal.
12 Refrigerate the frosting for 1 hour to allow it to thicken to the perfect spreading consistency.

Assembly

13 Once both the cake and frosting are completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top of the cake using an offset spatula. Work from the center outward for the smoothest finish.
14 Serve immediately or store covered in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. The flavors actually develop and improve after the first day!

Recommended Equipment and Kitchen Tools

Recommended Tools (for best results)

Food processor – Essential for achieving the perfect strawberry puree consistency with small chunks that add texture without being too chunky
Stand mixer or hand mixer – Creates the smoothest, fluffiest cream cheese frosting by properly aerating the mixture
Kitchen scale – Ensures accurate measurements, especially important for the flour ratios that create this cake’s perfect texture
Offset spatula – Makes spreading both batter and frosting infinitely easier and more professional-looking

Helpful Upgrades

Silicone spatula set – Perfect for folding ingredients without overmixing, and the flexible edges scrape bowls completely clean
Bench scraper – Useful for transferring chopped strawberries and leveling frosting for a bakery-smooth finish
Parchment paper – Non-stick insurance that makes removing the cake foolproof, even if your pan isn’t perfectly seasoned

Nice-to-Have Options

Instant-read thermometer – While not essential, checking that your ingredients are at proper room temperature ensures the smoothest frosting
Large mixing bowls – Having multiple sizes means less washing between steps and better organization during baking

Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications

Gluten-Free Adaptation

Replace both flours with 2 3/4 cups gluten-free flour blend (one that contains xanthan gum)
Add an extra 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t contain it
Expect a slightly denser texture, but the moisture from strawberries and oil helps maintain tenderness
Increase baking time by 3-5 minutes as gluten-free batters often need longer

Dairy-Free Modifications

Substitute vegan butter for regular butter in equal amounts
Replace cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternative (Kite Hill or Tofutti work well)
Use plant-based milk if thinning the frosting is needed
The cake itself is already dairy-free, so only the frosting needs modification

Vegan Version

Replace eggs with 4 flax eggs (4 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 12 tablespoons water, let sit 15 minutes)
Use vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives as mentioned above
Add 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar to enhance the cake’s rise and tenderness

Flavor Variations

Mixed Berry: Replace half the strawberries with blueberries or raspberries for a more complex flavor
Strawberry Lemon: Add 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and 1 tablespoon lemon zest to both cake and frosting
Chocolate Strawberry: Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and reduce flour by the same amount

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Key Nutritional Highlights

This fresh strawberry sheet cake provides approximately 285 calories per serving when cut into 15 pieces. The cake delivers 4 grams of protein from the eggs and flour, while the fresh strawberries contribute natural fiber and essential vitamins. Unlike artificial strawberry desserts, this cake gets its flavor and color from real fruit, providing actual nutritional benefits alongside indulgence.

Health Benefits of Main Ingredients

Fresh strawberries are nutritional powerhouses, providing 149% of your daily vitamin C in just one cup, plus significant amounts of folate, potassium, and manganese. The anthocyanins that give strawberries their red color act as powerful antioxidants, supporting heart health and reducing inflammation. Eggs contribute high-quality complete protein and choline for brain health, while the combination of all-purpose and cake flour provides energy-sustaining carbohydrates. The vegetable oil adds healthy fats that help your body absorb the fat-soluble vitamins present in the other ingredients.

Dietary Considerations

This cake contains gluten, eggs, and dairy, making it unsuitable for those with celiac disease, egg allergies, or lactose intolerance without modifications. Each serving provides approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates, making portion control important for those managing blood sugar. The natural fruit content does provide fiber and nutrients that refined sugar desserts lack, making this a more nutritious choice than many traditional cakes.

Smart Swaps and Ingredient Substitutions

Common Substitutions:

All-purpose flour → 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (add extra xanthan gum if needed)
Cake flour → 3/4 cup all-purpose flour minus 2 tablespoons, sifted
Vegetable oil → Melted coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce (reduce by 1/4 cup if using applesauce)
Fresh strawberries → Frozen strawberries, thawed and drained (may need to reduce liquid slightly)

Budget-Friendly Swaps:

Cream cheese frosting → Simple powdered sugar glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, and strawberry puree
Cake flour → All-purpose flour (use 2 3/4 cups total instead of the combination)
Fresh strawberries → Frozen strawberries when fresh are expensive (often more affordable and equally flavorful)

Pantry Emergency Substitutions:

Eggs → 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce per egg or 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg
Baking powder → 1/2 teaspoon baking soda + 1 teaspoon cream of tartar for each teaspoon needed
Vanilla extract → Almond extract (use half the amount) or 1 tablespoon vanilla-flavored milk

Pro Tips for Substitutions:

When using frozen strawberries, thaw completely and drain excess liquid to prevent a soggy cake
Room temperature ingredients mix more easily – if you forgot to take eggs out early, place them in warm water for 10 minutes

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

Sugar Substitutions:

Replace granulated sugar with 1 1/4 cups erythritol or 1 cup stevia baking blend
Substitute powdered sugar in frosting with 3 cups powdered erythritol
Total carb reduction: Approximately 25-30 grams per serving with these substitutions
Note that sugar alternatives may affect texture slightly – the cake may be less tender but still delicious

Flour & Carb Modifications:

Replace 1 cup of the all-purpose flour with almond flour to reduce total carbs by about 15 grams per serving
Use coconut flour for 1/2 cup of the flour (reduce liquid by 2 tablespoons as coconut flour is very absorbent)
Consider making mini sheet cakes in 8×8 pans for better portion control

Portion & Timing Tips:

Cut into 20 smaller squares instead of 15 larger pieces to reduce carb load per serving
Estimated carbs per modified serving: 18-22 grams depending on substitutions used
Pair with Greek yogurt or whipped cream to add protein and slow sugar absorption
Best enjoyed after a protein-rich meal to minimize blood sugar spikes

Additional Modifications:

Increase fresh strawberry content and reduce flour slightly for more fiber and nutrients
Add chopped nuts to boost protein and healthy fats

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

Beverage Pairings

This fresh strawberry cake pairs beautifully with sparkling rosé or Moscato, whose light sweetness complements rather than competes with the berry flavors. For non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with fresh mint or iced green tea with honey – both cleanse the palate between bites. Cold brew coffee makes an excellent contrast to the cake’s sweetness, while fresh lemonade creates a delightful summer dessert experience.

Complementary Dessert Additions

Serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream or fresh whipped cream for added richness. Sliced fresh strawberries and mint leaves make beautiful garnishes that echo the cake’s flavors. For special occasions, drizzle with warm chocolate sauce or caramel sauce for an indulgent twist.

Complete Meal Ideas

This cake shines as the finale to grilled chicken or fish dinners, summer barbecues, or brunch gatherings. It’s perfect after lighter meals like salads or seafood, where its richness provides satisfying contrast. For potluck events, this travels well and feeds a crowd beautifully.

Occasion Suggestions

Ideal for birthday parties, baby showers, Mother’s Day celebrations, and spring picnics. The natural pink color makes it perfect for Valentine’s Day or breast cancer awareness events. Its make-ahead friendly nature makes it excellent for busy holiday weekends when you want homemade dessert without last-minute stress.

Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

Professional Baking Tips

Room temperature ingredients are crucial for this recipe – cold cream cheese will create lumpy frosting, while cold eggs won’t emulsify properly with the oil. If you forgot to bring ingredients to room temperature, place eggs in warm water for 10 minutes and microwave cream cheese for 15-20 seconds at 50% power. When folding in dry ingredients, use a gentle motion and stop as soon as you no longer see flour streaks – overmixing develops gluten and creates a tough cake.

Storage and Make-Ahead Strategies

This cake actually improves after 24 hours as the flavors meld and the crumb becomes more tender. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months. The frosting can be made 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator – just let it come to room temperature and rewhip before using.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cake sinks in the middle, your oven temperature may be too high or you may have overmixed the batter. Crumbly texture usually indicates overbaking or too much flour – always measure by weight when possible. If the frosting is too soft, refrigerate for 30 more minutes; if too stiff, beat in 1-2 tablespoons of the reserved strawberry puree.

Scaling and Presentation

This recipe doubles perfectly for two 9×13 pans or can be halved for an 8×8 square pan (reduce baking time to 25-30 minutes). For elegant presentation, dust with powdered sugar or top with fresh strawberry slices arranged in rows.

This fresh strawberry sheet cake proves that the best desserts often come from simple, quality ingredients treated with care. Every bite delivers that perfect balance of tender cake and creamy frosting, with real strawberry flavor that tastes like summer captured in dessert form. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want to treat your family to something special, this cake delivers homemade goodness that store-bought desserts simply can’t match.