Decadent Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake Recipe

Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake Recipe

Few desserts capture the essence of summer quite like strawberry shortcake. But what if we told you that you can turn this classic into a show-stopping, easy-to-serve sheet cake? Say hello to the Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake a delightful fusion of buttery sponge cake, luscious whipped cream, and layers of juicy strawberries, all baked and assembled in one convenient pan. This recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue, celebrating a birthday, or just craving a sweet, fruity indulgence.

Unlike traditional layered shortcake or store-bought versions, this sheet cake is baked in a single pan, making it simple to transport, serve, and store. It delivers the same iconic flavors but with less hassle and more portions ideal for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.

Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe walks you through each step, from mixing the batter to decorating the top with beautiful strawberry slices and whipped cream swirls. Get ready for a bite of nostalgia with a modern twist!

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ?

• One-Pan Wonder: No need for stacking layers or complicated assembly—everything is baked in one sheet pan.

• Fresh and Fruity: Made with real strawberries for that natural sweetness and vibrant color.

• Perfect Texture: A soft, fluffy vanilla cake base with a rich whipped cream topping.

• Customizable: Add cream cheese, swap in other berries, or make it gluten-free.

• Great for Gatherings: Serves 12+ easily, making it ideal for parties and events.

• Simple Yet Elegant: Looks as good as it tastes with minimal effort.

🧺 What Do You Need to Prepare Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake?

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delightful dessert from scratch:

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup sour cream

For the Strawberry Filling:

• 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp lemon juice

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Garnishes:

• Whole or halved strawberries
• Mint leaves
• White chocolate shavings

👨‍🍳 How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake Step-by-Step Instructions ?

Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch sheet pan with butter or non-stick spray and line with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy—about 3–4 minutes.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

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

Step 5: Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients

Add the dry ingredients in three batches, alternating with the milk and sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; avoid over-mixing.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely before topping.

Step 7: Macerate the Strawberries

While the cake cools, combine the sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let sit for 15–20 minutes to release their natural juices.

Step 8: Whip the Cream

In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

Step 9: Assemble the Cake

Spread a generous layer of whipped cream over the cooled cake. Top with macerated strawberries, letting the juices drip into the cream for extra flavor.

Step 10: Garnish and Chill

Garnish with whole strawberries, mint, or white chocolate shavings if desired. Chill for 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

🔄 Variations

This strawberry shortcake sheet cake is versatile, allowing you to get creative with your flavors and presentation. If you're a fan of tangy desserts, add a layer of lemon curd between the cake and the whipped cream. For a richer version, incorporate cream cheese into the whipped topping to create a stabilized frosting. You can also use angel food cake or pound cake as the base if you prefer denser or airier textures.

Want to experiment with fruits? Swap strawberries with blueberries, raspberries, or peaches, or try a mixed berry blend for a colorful twist. For added crunch, sprinkle toasted almonds or graham cracker crumbs on top.

If you're catering to dietary restrictions, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or use almond milk and coconut cream for a dairy-free version. A chocolate lover? Add a swirl of melted white or dark chocolate into the whipped topping.

You can even turn this into a layered sheet cake by slicing the cake in half horizontally and layering strawberries and cream in between. The possibilities are endless!

🍳 Cooking Note

Baking a perfect sheet cake relies on a few key principles. First, ensure your ingredients are at room temperature. Cold eggs or butter can cause the batter to split or bake unevenly. Measuring ingredients accurately is equally important—use a kitchen scale if possible for the flour.

Avoid over-mixing the batter, especially after adding flour. Overworked gluten can make the cake tough instead of light and fluffy. After pouring the batter into the pan, tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles and even out the surface.

During baking, resist the urge to open the oven too early. Check doneness only after 30 minutes using the toothpick test. Once out of the oven, allow the cake to cool completely—any remaining heat can cause whipped cream to melt.

When whipping cream, use a chilled bowl and beaters to speed up the process and help achieve firm peaks faster. Don’t overwhip, or it may turn grainy.

Lastly, macerating the strawberries with sugar not only sweetens them but draws out their natural juices, creating a syrupy consistency that pairs perfectly with the soft sponge cake and creamy topping.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve your strawberry shortcake sheet cake chilled for the most refreshing flavor. It’s perfect for outdoor events like picnics, BBQs, birthdays, and bridal showers. Pair it with a glass of iced lemonade, rosé wine, or even a latte for a delightful contrast.

For an elevated presentation, slice the cake into neat squares and top each piece with a fresh mint leaf or a dollop of extra whipped cream. If serving at a formal dinner, you can plate individual slices with a drizzle of strawberry coulis or a side of vanilla bean ice cream.

Want to turn it into a breakfast treat? Serve a small portion with Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola. However you choose to serve it, this sheet cake offers a lovely mix of texture, freshness, and sweet satisfaction.

💡 Helpful Tips

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room temperature eggs, butter, and dairy for the best texture and emulsification.

2. Don’t Overbake: Begin checking your cake at the 30-minute mark. Overbaking dries out the cake.

3. Strawberry Quality: Use ripe, in-season strawberries for the sweetest and juiciest flavor. Organic berries are ideal.

4. Chill Before Slicing: Let the cake chill for at least 30 minutes after assembly. This firms up the whipped cream and enhances flavor melding.

5. Stabilized Whipped Cream: Add 1 tbsp of cornstarch or gelatin to your whipped cream if you need it to hold for hours.

6. Prevent Soggy Cake: If serving later, layer the strawberries just before serving or strain out excess juice.

7. Decorative Touch: Use a piping bag for whipped cream swirls for a professional finish.

8. Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge covered with plastic wrap. Best consumed within 48 hours.

9. Transport Tip: If traveling, assemble the cake at your destination to avoid whipped cream shifting.

10. Sheet Pan Size: A 9x13 pan is ideal; using a smaller one will increase thickness and affect baking time.

🏆 Tips for the Best Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake

To create the absolute best strawberry shortcake sheet cake, start with high-quality vanilla extract and fresh, sweet strawberries. These simple upgrades make a noticeable difference. Use sour cream in the batter for extra moistness and tang.

Let the cake cool completely before adding whipped cream—any residual heat will make your topping melt. For extra flair and flavor, brush the top of the cake with a thin layer of the strawberry juice from maceration before layering on whipped cream.

If you're serving guests, use a serrated knife to cut clean slices without dragging cream or fruit. Want to go the extra mile? Decorate the top using a piping tip to create beautiful swirls and add mint sprigs for color contrast.

Keep everything cold before serving this cake is best enjoyed slightly chilled, enhancing the creamy and fruity notes in each bite.

⏱️ Timing Overview

🧾 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx. 12 servings)

❓ FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance. Store in the fridge and top with cream and strawberries just before serving.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries are best, but thawed frozen strawberries can work. Just be sure to drain excess liquid.

How long will it last?

It’s best within 1–2 days, stored in the fridge in an airtight container.

Can I freeze this cake?

You can freeze the plain cake layer, but avoid freezing with whipped cream and strawberries.

Can I use store-bought whipped cream?

Yes, though homemade whipped cream gives better flavor and texture.

🎉 Conclusion

The Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake is more than just a dessert it’s a celebration of fresh, fruity flavors wrapped in a soft, moist sponge and creamy topping. Easy to make, easy to serve, and absolutely delicious, this recipe brings all the charm of traditional strawberry shortcake with a convenient sheet cake twist. Whether for birthdays, holidays, or weekend treats, this crowd-pleaser is sure to impress every time.

Don't forget to bookmark this recipe and share it with fellow dessert lovers. Happy baking! 🍓🍰