Name: Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2½ cups all purpose flour; 3 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1¾ cups granulated sugar; ½ cup vegetable or canola oil; 2 large eggs (room temperature); 2 large egg whites (room temperature); 2½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon almond extract; ⅔ cup sour cream; ¾ cup milk (preferably whole or 2%, room temperature); 6 ounces cream cheese (softened to cool room temperature); ¾ cup powdered sugar; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 1½ cups chilled heavy whipping cream; 5 cups sliced fresh strawberries (just under 2 pounds); 2 tablespoons strawberry jam

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 9 reviews

If you are searching for a dessert that is a perfect balance of fluffy, creamy, and fruity, this Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake Recipe will become your new favorite. Imagine a moist, tender cake base layered with a light, dreamy cream cheese whipped topping and a generous mound of fresh, juicy strawberries—this is not just any cake; it’s the ultimate strawberry shortcake experience updated into a crowd-pleasing sheet cake that’s ideal for parties, family dinners, or any time you crave something sweet and spectacular.

Ingredients You'll Need

A close-up view of a dessert with three layers: the bottom layer is a light yellow sponge cake with a soft, porous texture; the middle layer is a thick, white creamy frosting with a smooth and slightly fluffy appearance; the top layer is a pile of bright red sliced strawberries, shiny and juicy, with some strawberry juice dripping down slightly onto the frosting and cake. The dessert sits on a white plate, and the background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don't be intimidated by the ingredient list because each one plays a crucial role in making this cake deliciously tender, flavorful, and vibrant. From the richness of the sour cream to the freshness of the strawberries, every element is essential to achieving perfection in this Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake Recipe.

2½ cups all purpose flour: Provides structure to the cake, making it both light and sturdy enough to hold the frosting and fruit.
3 teaspoons baking powder: The leavening agent that ensures your cake rises beautifully and stays fluffy.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors by balancing sweetness and depth.
1¾ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake without overpowering the natural strawberry flavor.
½ cup vegetable or canola oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender with a neutral flavor.
2 large eggs (room temperature): Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients.
2 large egg whites (room temperature): Lightens the batter for an extra tender crumb.
2½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Adds a warm, inviting aroma and complements the strawberries.
½ teaspoon almond extract: A subtle, nutty undertone that takes the cake’s flavor up a notch.
⅔ cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and moistness for a soft crumb.
¾ cup milk (preferably whole or 2%, room temperature): Keeps the cake batter smooth and tender.
6 ounces cream cheese (softened to cool room temp): The base of the luscious frosting that’s both creamy and fluffy.
¾ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and ensures a smooth, silky texture.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the frosting with a rich, sweet aroma.
1½ cups chilled heavy whipping cream: Whipped into peaks to create the airy texture of the frosting.
5 cups sliced fresh strawberries (just under 2 pounds): The star of the cake, bursting with color and fresh flavor.
2 tablespoons strawberry jam: Adds an extra dollop of strawberry sweetness and shine on top.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to get everything warm and ready. Then, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl—this dry mix is the foundation for the perfect cake crumb.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

Using your mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together granulated sugar, oil, eggs, egg whites, and both vanilla and almond extracts until fully combined and fragrant. Next, add in the tangy sour cream and mix again. Now, gradually incorporate the dry flour mixture in two parts, alternating with the milk, gently folding and mixing to maintain a tender texture without overworking the batter.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Grease a 9x13 metal baking pan and pour your batter into it, smoothing it out evenly. To help air bubbles escape and ensure a smooth surface, lightly tap the pan against your countertop a few times. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If necessary, rotate the pan midway to help it brown evenly. Once done, move the cake to a rack and let it cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until you get a nice smooth mixture. While beating on medium speed, slowly add the chilled heavy whipping cream. Increase the speed to high and whip until the frosting holds stiff peaks that are fluffy but stable enough to spread.

Step 5: Assemble the Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake Recipe

Spread the luscious cream cheese frosting over the cooled cake with a spatula, creating an even layer. To finish, toss the sliced strawberries with strawberry jam to coat them with a sweet glaze and spoon the berries over the frosted cake right before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant. If you’re not serving immediately, keep the frosted cake refrigerated and add the strawberries just before you share this tasty creation.

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake Recipe

This image shows a three-layer dessert in a rectangular baking pan. The bottom layer is a light tan crust, filling the whole pan evenly. On top of this is a thick, creamy white layer that looks smooth and soft. The top layer is made of fresh, bright red strawberries, some whole, some sliced in halves or pieces, spread closely over the cream. The strawberries have a shiny glaze that makes them look juicy and fresh. The pan is set on a white marbled surface, with a red and white striped cloth partially visible on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top off this beauty with a few extra whole strawberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. A small sprig of fresh mint can add a pop of color and a subtle fresh note that pairs wonderfully with the rich, creamy frosting and sweet strawberries.

Side Dishes

This sheet cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for extra indulgence. For a lighter option, serve alongside a simple fruit salad or a chilled glass of sparkling lemonade to balance out the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the cake into bite-sized squares for a beautiful dessert platter at your next gathering. Or use mini cookie cutters to create fun shapes that kids and adults alike will adore. Layering leftover cake pieces with extra strawberries and cream in a clear glass bowl makes for an impressive and easy parfait-style dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container and refrigerated. The cake will stay fresh and moist for 3 to 4 days, but the strawberries are best added fresh at serving time to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving. Avoid freezing the cake once it’s frosted with cream and topped with strawberries, as these components don’t thaw well.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer a slightly warmer slice, remove it from the fridge about 30 minutes before serving. Because of the delicate cream cheese frosting, microwaving is not recommended as it may separate or melt.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Frozen strawberries can become too watery and may make the cake soggy. If you must use frozen, thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before adding to the cake, but fresh strawberries will always provide the best flavor and texture.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, making sure it includes xanthan gum or another binder to maintain texture. The cake’s delicate crumb will be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I prepare the frosting without heavy whipping cream?

The whipped cream is key to creating the light and fluffy texture of the frosting. Without it, the frosting will be denser and less airy. If you prefer, a stabilized whipped cream alternative or whipped topping can be used, but it won’t mimic the same texture exactly.

How far in advance can I assemble the cake?

The cake can be baked and frosted up to a day in advance. However, add the strawberry topping right before serving to keep the fruit fresh and prevent the cake from getting soggy.

What can I do if I don’t have sour cream?

You can substitute sour cream with an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk to maintain the cake’s moisture and slight tang. Each option will slightly alter the flavor but still deliver a tender crumb.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake Recipe is truly a showstopper that brings all the best parts of a classic strawberry shortcake into one delectable, easy-to-share cake. Whether for a special occasion or an everyday treat, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep coming back to. Dive in, enjoy the process, and treat yourself and your loved ones to something wonderfully sweet and unforgettable!