Easy Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake

Name: Easy Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup milk; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Sweet Baking Inspiration

I am thrilled to share my easy strawberry shortcake sheet cake recipe! Whenever I think of sweet, summery desserts, this cake pops into my mind. The combination of fluffy vanilla cake, whipped cream, and fresh strawberries creates a delightful treat that never fails to impress. It's perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or just a special weekend dessert at home. Plus, the sheet cake format makes it so simple to serve, and the bright colors make it a showstopper on any table. Let's dive into this delicious recipe together!

Created by

Victoria Hall

Last updated on 2026-02-23T23:46:36.543Z

In my culinary adventures, I love discovering simple twists on classic desserts, and this strawberry shortcake sheet cake is a perfect example. The idea of transforming a traditional layered cake into a one-pan wonder intrigued me, and I found that the results are consistently delightful. I used a vibrant mix of fresh strawberries and light whipped topping to capture that classic flavor without the fuss of layering.

During my trials, I learned that allowing the cake to cool completely before adding the topping ensures it stays fluffy and doesn't get soggy. It’s a tip I can’t recommend enough! Serve it chilled for an extra refreshing experience, and you'll be amazed at how quickly it disappears!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Light and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
Fresh strawberries bring a burst of flavor to each bite
Perfect for parties or a simple family dessert

The Role of Fresh Strawberries

In this strawberry shortcake sheet cake, fresh strawberries play a significant role not just in flavor but in texture as well. When selecting strawberries, choose firm and ripe ones without blemishes or excessive softness. This ensures that every slice of cake bursts with vibrant strawberry flavor and color. I always recommend soaking your strawberries in a little sugar for about 15-20 minutes before slicing. This draws out their juices, enhancing their sweetness and creating a natural syrup that will elevate the topping.

Additionally, the quality of strawberries can greatly affect your cake's final presentation. Look for strawberries that are in season, as they are sweeter and more aromatic. If you're making this cake outside of strawberry season, consider using frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture from making your whipped cream soggy.

Perfecting the Whipped Cream Topping

Whipped cream is essential for a classic shortcake experience. To achieve the perfect whipped cream topping, start with cold heavy cream. I recommend placing your mixing bowl and beaters in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes before whipping; this helps the cream whip faster and to a higher volume. Beat it on medium speed and add the powdered sugar gradually to ensure it dissolves evenly, rather than clumping. Look for stiff peaks, which means that the cream should hold its shape well - this is crucial for a topping that won’t slide off the cake.

If you want to elevate the flavor further, consider adding a touch of almond extract or a dash of citrus zest to your whipped cream. This addition can provide an unexpected dimension to your cake. Remember, you can make the whipped cream a few hours in advance; just keep it chilled in the fridge and give it a quick whip just before serving to revive its texture.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

Storing your strawberry shortcake sheet cake properly ensures it stays fresh and delicious for days. Once assembled, lightly cover the cake with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days, as the strawberries may start to release moisture and soften the cake. If you want to preserve it for a longer period, consider baking the cake and preparing the whipped cream separately. Store the cake and cream in airtight containers, and assemble them just before serving for optimal texture and taste.

For serving, cut the cake into squares and consider drizzling some of the fresh strawberry syrup from the marinated strawberries over the top. This not only adds a beautiful presentation but also reinforces the strawberry flavor. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or an outdoor picnic, this cake, with its vibrant colors and fresh flavors, will always look lovely on any dessert table.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients for this delightful dessert.

For the Cake

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

For the Topping

2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get started!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your cake.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Mix the Cake Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the softened butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and well combined.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Prepare the Topping

While the cake cools, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the sliced strawberries.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the whipped cream topping evenly over the cake and garnish with additional strawberries.

Serve and Enjoy

Slice the cake into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy this refreshing treat with family and friends!

Now that you've made this delicious cake, enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of orange juice to the strawberries or a hint of almond extract to the whipped cream.

Substitutions and Variations

If you need to modify the recipe for dietary restrictions, there are several successful substitutions. For a gluten-free option, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. When using gluten-free flour, keep an eye on the batter texture; it should still be smooth and pourable. For dairy-free versions, almond milk or coconut milk make great substitutes for regular milk, and using coconut cream can provide a rich alternative to heavy whipping cream.

In terms of flavor variations, you can easily switch out the strawberries for other fruits like blueberries, peaches, or raspberries. Each fruit brings its own unique flavor, so feel free to experiment! Just be mindful of the moisture content; fruits that release more juice may require additional adjustments in the whipped cream or cake to maintain the cake's integrity.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

A common issue with cakes like this one can be overmixing the batter, which can lead to a dense texture. Be sure to mix your ingredients until just combined for a light and airy finished product. If you find your cake rises too much in the center, try leveling the batter before baking and positioning your oven rack in the center for more even heat distribution.

If your whipped cream doesn’t seem to thicken, there are a few tricks you can try. Ensure your cream is cold and check the fat content; lower fat creams may not whip as successfully. Alternatively, you can add a stabilizer, such as cornstarch or gelatin, to help the cream hold its shape longer. Just remember not to beat your cream for too long, as it can turn grainy and eventually not be suitable for topping.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries instead?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store leftover cake in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make the cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day before and add the topping on the day you plan to serve.

→ Is there a gluten-free option?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.