Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake

Name: Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: Serves 12
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup milk; 3 eggs; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp salt; 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 cups heavy cream; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Modern Kitchen

I absolutely adore making Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake, especially for gatherings and celebrations. There's something incredibly joyful about a light, fluffy cake layered with sweet strawberries and whipped cream. I love how easy it is to serve, making it perfect for parties! The trick is allowing the strawberries to macerate with sugar, which intensifies their flavor and creates a delightful syrup that seeps into the cake. This dessert is all about freshness, flavor, and that wonderful combination of textures.

Created by

Rhiannon Sutherland

Last updated on 2026-01-24T13:57:35.061Z

When I first decided to try my hand at a Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake, I was amazed at how simple yet elegant it turned out. The combination of the moist cake and fresh strawberries is a classic that never fails to impress. I specifically used fresh strawberries, letting them sit with sugar to enhance that juicy sweetness that really makes this dessert shine.

What I learned through trial and error was to truly focus on the whipped cream. I prefer making it from scratch using heavy cream, as the taste is infinitely better than store-bought. Plus, it's a fun and satisfying process that adds to the overall experience of creating this delightful cake.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Luscious layers of whipped cream and strawberries in every bite
Simple to make and beautifully presented
Perfect for any occasion or celebration

      

The Art of Macerating Strawberries

Macerating strawberries is a crucial step for enhancing their natural sweetness and flavor. By combining the sliced strawberries with sugar, you’re not only drawing out their juices but also creating a syrup that adds moisture to the cake. Allow them to sit for about 15 minutes; this will also soften the berries slightly. If they're not releasing enough liquid, you can gently toss them again with a bit more sugar to encourage the process.

It's worth noting that the type of sugar you use can affect the outcome. Granulated sugar works perfectly, but for a more complex flavor, consider substituting a tablespoon or two of brown sugar. This will add a hint of caramel, which complements the freshness of the strawberries beautifully.

Perfecting the Cake Texture

To achieve a light and fluffy cake, it’s essential to cream the butter and sugar properly. When you cream these ingredients together, aim for a pale, fluffy consistency, which usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes with a stand mixer. Pay special attention not to over-mix once you add the flour; mixing just until the dry ingredients are incorporated will prevent the cake from becoming dense.

If you want to make a gluten-free version of this cake, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just be sure that the blend contains xanthan gum, which helps to mimic the elasticity of gluten, giving your cake a desirable texture.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

This Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake is best enjoyed fresh; however, if you need to store it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The whipped cream may start to deflate after a while, so consider adding fresh whipped cream just before serving for that fluffy texture and appearance.

Another great option is to make the components in advance. You can store the macerated strawberries and whipped cream separately in the fridge for a day or two. When you're ready to serve, simply layer them on the cooled cake. This prep method allows you to enjoy the cake's fresh flavors without the last-minute rush.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a delightful dessert:

For the Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup milk
3 eggs
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt

For the Strawberries

4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Whipped Cream

2 cups heavy cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Make sure to prep your ingredients before starting!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a delicious cake:

Prepare the Strawberries

In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Stir gently and let them sit for about 15 minutes to release their juices.

Make the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the milk and vanilla extract. Gradually add flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until well combined.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into a greased 9x13-inch baking pan. Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.

Whip the Cream

In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cake is cool, spread a layer of whipped cream over the top, followed by the macerated strawberries and their syrup. Finish with another layer of whipped cream and serve.

Enjoy your delightful creation!

Pro Tips

For the best flavor, use fresh strawberries in season. You can also make this cake a day in advance
just layer the strawberries and whipped cream right before serving to prevent sogginess.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cake doesn't rise as expected, check that your baking powder is still active. Baking powder typically lasts around 6 to 12 months; an easy test is to add a teaspoon to hot water to see if it bubbles. Additionally, make sure you’re not opening the oven door too frequently while baking, as this can cause the cake to sink.

Another common issue with whipped cream is over-whipping. It's important to stop whipping as soon as you see soft peaks form. If you accidentally over-whip and it becomes grainy, just add a splash of milk and gently fold it in to bring back some creaminess.

Variations and Flavor Enhancements

While strawberries are the star of this cake, feel free to experiment with other fruits! Raspberries, blueberries, or peaches work wonderfully in combination with the whipped cream for a delightful twist. Just ensure that the fruits start with a similar maceration process to achieve the best flavor infusion.

For an added layer of flavor, consider infusing your whipped cream with citrus zest or a splash of almond extract. This can elevate the dessert and complement the flavors of the strawberries, creating a more complex and delicious profile.

Scaling the Recipe Up or Down

If you need to make a larger batch for a bigger gathering, you can easily double the recipe and bake it in two 9x13-inch pans, stacking them for a beautiful presentation. Just be sure to increase your baking time slightly and check for doneness as you approach the original baking time.

Conversely, if you're making a smaller batch, you can halve the ingredients and bake in an 8x8-inch pan. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it will likely be a little shorter than the original recipe. Adjust by checking for doneness with a toothpick starting around 20 minutes.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

While fresh strawberries are recommended, you can use frozen ones. Make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before using.

→ Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it has xanthan gum for proper texture.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, the cake is best enjoyed fresh.

→ Can I add other fruits?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in or substitute other berries such as blueberries or raspberries for a delightful twist.