Strawberries and Cream Sheet Cake: A Summer Classic
Lush berry puree and fluffy cheese frosting deliver a vibrant summer treat.
Strawberries and Cream Sheet Cake
When strawberry season arrives, there’s no match for the classic combination of sweet berries and rich cream. While chocolate and peanut butter or steak and potatoes may be iconic duos, strawberries paired with airy, tangy cream create a dessert experience that captures the very taste of summer. This strawberries and cream sheet cake recipe brings together the freshness of pureed berries and the luxuriant flavor of cream cheese frosting for a treat destined to become a go-to at any gathering.
Why Strawberries and Cream?
Strawberries and cream is a beloved partnership for a reason. The natural acidity and sweetness of strawberries are perfectly balanced by the lush smoothness of cream, making for a versatile base in countless desserts. Whether you’re making strawberry shortcake, ice cream, or cheesecake, this duo always shines. This sheet cake variation is the answer when you need an easy, crowd-sized dessert that brings nostalgic flavors and a festive appearance to any event—from picnics to baby showers and everything in between.
Sheet Cakes: The Ultimate Party Dessert
Sheet cakes are popular for their ease of preparation, ability to serve a crowd, and flexibility for decorating. Unlike layered cakes, sheet cakes are baked in a large, flat pan, making them a go-to for home bakers who value convenience and reliable results. They are often finished with generous swathes of frosting and a flourish of fruit or sprinkles on top, making them as beautiful as they are delicious.
- Ease of serving: Sheet cakes are easy to slice and portion, ideal for potlucks and parties.
- Great for decorating: Add fresh fruit, edible flowers, or decorative piping for a special occasion.
- Make-ahead friendly: Sheet cakes can often be baked in advance, then frosted right before serving for maximum freshness.
Ingredients: Freshness Is Key
This recipe prioritizes fresh, high-quality ingredients, starting with ripe strawberries and real cream. The cake gets its flavor—and gorgeous color—from a homemade strawberry puree, enhanced with a touch of vanilla and optional food coloring for that classic pink hue. The creamy frosting is made with tangy cream cheese and whipped heavy cream for a silky, luscious finish.
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Ingredient Notes
- Strawberries: Use ripe, sweet strawberries for maximum flavor and color in both the cake and garnish.
- Flour: All-purpose flour gives the cake sufficient structure and a soft crumb.
- Cream cheese: Provides a slight tang to balance the sweetness in the frosting.
- Heavy cream: Whipped into the frosting, this adds lightness and a creamy texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
To make this sheet cake, follow the detailed steps below for moist, berry-packed cake topped with cloud-like frosting. Allow for cooling time—this ensures the frosting goes on smoothly and stays fluffy.
1. Prepare the Strawberry Puree
- Preheat your oven to 350˚F (177°C). Spray a 13-by-18-inch rimmed baking sheet (also known as a half-sheet pan) with nonstick cooking spray.
- Blend 1 3/4 cups strawberries (from the total 1 lb.) with 1/4 cup sugar in a blender or food processor until smooth. This yields about 1.5 cups of puree.
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2. Make the Cake Batter
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
- In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and remaining 1.5 cups sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, strawberry puree, and if using, the red food coloring. Mix to combine.
- With the mixer on low, gradually add the flour mixture, beating just until combined and no streaks remain.
3. Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet and spread evenly. Bake for 16-18 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through baking for even browning.
- The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack—at least 1 hour to ensure no melting when frosting is added.
4. Prepare the Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting
- Combine the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla in a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat on medium speed until smooth and creamy (about 1 minute).
- Add the heavy cream to the bowl. Beat on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, 2-3 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid overbeating.
5. Frost and Decorate
- Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top, reaching the edges for full coverage.
- Top generously with the remaining sliced strawberries, arranging them in patterns or scatter-style as you prefer for visual appeal and added freshness.
Tips for the Best Strawberries and Cream Sheet Cake
- Use room temperature ingredients for the cake and frosting to achieve the best texture.
- Don’t skip cooling: Frosting a warm cake will melt the cream. Let the cake cool fully after baking.
- Blend strawberries well for a smooth, flavorful puree that distributes evenly in the batter.
- Add food coloring if a vibrant pink hue is desired, but the strawberries alone provide gentle color and plenty of flavor.
- Chill before serving if preferred; a stint in the fridge helps set the frosting and flavors meld even more.
Serving Suggestions
This sheet cake is perfect for almost any summer event:
- Birthday celebrations
- Graduation parties
- Baby or bridal showers
- Picnics and backyard gatherings
- Mother’s Day and spring events
Slice the cake into squares or rectangles for easy serving. Garnish individual pieces with extra whipped cream, mint leaves, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar if desired.
Storing and Make-Ahead Tips
- Store: Refrigerate the cake (covered) for up to 3 days. The fresh berries on top are best enjoyed within 24 hours for the brightest appearance and texture.
- Make ahead: The cake layer can be baked a day in advance and held (covered) at room temperature. Frost and garnish with berries just before serving or a few hours ahead, storing in the fridge.
- Freeze: The unfrosted cake base can be frozen, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Frosting doesn’t freeze well due to the whipped cream.
Variations and Swaps
- Mixed berries: Try a combination of strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a colorful berry medley.
- Lemon zest: Add 1-2 tsp. lemon zest to the cake batter for a bright citrus note.
- Frosting alternatives: Swap whipped cream cheese frosting for mascarpone cream or a classic buttercream as preferred.
- Sheet pan size: The recipe fits a half-sheet pan. Adjust baking time if using a different size.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can substitute frozen strawberries in the puree, but thaw them first and drain excess liquid. Fresh strawberries are preferred for garnish.
Q: How do I prevent the cake from becoming soggy?
A: Allow the cake to cool completely before adding frosting or berries, and add fresh berry topping just before serving for best texture.
Q: What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
A: You can use a hand mixer for both cake and frosting. When whipping the cream, keep an eye on the texture to avoid overbeating.
Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A: Substitute a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Check your baking powder and baking soda for gluten content if sensitivity is a concern.
Q: How long will the frosting hold up?
A: The frosting is best enjoyed the day you make it but will hold up refrigerated for up to two days. Avoid leaving the frosted cake at room temperature for extended periods.
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Customize the finish: For an extra-special look, alternate rows of sliced berries with piped frosting or edible flowers.
- Flavor boosts: Add a splash of strawberry or vanilla extract to intensify flavors.
- No red food dye? Embrace the natural color of strawberries for a rustic charm.
- Serve with ice cream: For a decadent twist, pair a slice with vanilla bean or strawberry ice cream.
More Strawberry Desserts to Try
- Classic strawberry shortcake
- Strawberry ice cream
- Fresh strawberry pie
- Strawberry cheesecake bars
Conclusion: Your Must-Bake Summer Sheet Cake
This strawberries and cream sheet cake delivers summer in every bite, bursting with real berries and finished with clouds of creamy frosting. Easy to make and sure to impress, it belongs at the top of your list for all your warm-weather gatherings. Serve it up at your next event and enjoy the compliments that follow!
References
- https://cookingbride.com/strawberry-sheet-cake/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a64476303/strawberry-and-cream-sheet-cake-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a36210775/strawberries-and-rose-sheet-cake-recipe/
- https://www.aol.com/ree-drummonds-strawberry-cream-sheet-040000748.html
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bk6YxCBArbI
- https://savorysweetlife.com/the-pioneer-womans-strawberry-shortcake-cake/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g32005659/sheet-cake-recipes/
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