Introduction to Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake
Why Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake is a Game Changer for Homemade Desserts
If you're looking to impress guests or treat yourself to something special, strawberry shortcake sheet cake is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. This recipe combines the light, fluffy texture of vanilla cake with the irresistible sweetness of juicy strawberries and a luscious whipped cream frosting. It’s perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or even a cozy night in!
Why is this cake a game changer? For starters, it’s incredibly simple and can serve a crowd—making it a fantastic option for both casual and formal events. Unlike traditional layered cakes, a sheet cake is easy to assemble and slice, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your company. Plus, if you’ve ever struggled with baking and stacking layers evenly, you’ll appreciate the straightforward nature of this recipe.
Don’t forget, the vibrant color and fresh flavors will not only please your palate but also look stunning on any dessert table. Imagine sinking your fork into a slice topped with syrupy strawberries and whipped cream—it's truly a showstopper! For more dessert inspiration, head over to places like Bon Appétit or Food Network for tips and tricks that can elevate your baking game.
Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake
Creating a delectable strawberry shortcake sheet cake starts with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need for this delightful dessert.
Essential ingredients for the cake
To craft a fluffy, moist base, gather these essentials:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour – For structure.
- 3 teaspoons baking powder – To help your cake rise beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances flavor.
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar – Sweetness that balances all the flavors.
- ½ cup vegetable or canola oil – Keeps the cake moist.
- 2 large eggs & 2 large egg whites – Adds richness and stability.
- 2½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract – For that irresistible vanilla aroma.
- ½ teaspoon almond extract – A subtle but delightful touch.
- ⅔ cup sour cream – Adds moisture and a slight tang.
- ¾ cup whole or 2% milk – Bring it to room temperature for best results.
Ingredients for the frosting
For that luscious topping, you’ll need:
- 6 ounces cream cheese – Make sure it’s softened for easy blending.
- ¾ cup powdered sugar – Sweetens and stabilizes the frosting.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – A hint more of that lovely flavor.
- 1½ cups chilled heavy whipping cream – For a light, airy finish.
Topping needs: Fresh strawberries and jam
To crown your strawberry shortcake sheet cake, the topping is key:
- 5 cups sliced fresh strawberries (about 2 pounds) – Choose the ripest berries for maximum flavor.
- 2 tablespoons strawberry jam – This enhances the strawberries, giving a saucy finish.
Remember, using fresh ingredients makes all the difference in this cake! When selecting strawberries, pick ones that are vibrant and fragrant for the best taste. For more tips on selecting fruits, check out this handy guide from the USDA. Enjoy your baking!
Step-by-step Preparation of Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake
Making a strawberry shortcake sheet cake may seem daunting, but trust me, it's well worth the effort! Follow these easy steps, and you'll create a delicious homemade dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Gather and measure your ingredients
Before diving into the mixing bowl, it’s essential to have all your ingredients ready. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cake: All-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, almond extract, sour cream, and milk.
- Frosting: Cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and chilled heavy whipping cream.
- Strawberry topping: Fresh strawberries and strawberry jam.
Measuring ingredients precisely is key to achieving that perfect fluffy cake—so don't skimp on this step. For proper flour measurement, fluff it in the bag and level it off with a knife. For extra tips on ingredient preparation, visit Serious Eats.
Prepare the cake batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, eggs, and extracts. Following that, add your sour cream before gradually mixing in the flour, alternating with milk. Be gentle here; overmixing can make the cake dense.
When the batter feels just right, pour it into a greased 9x13 baking pan, spreading it evenly. Tap the pan gently to release any air bubbles—this will contribute to that soft, tender crumb we’re aiming for!
Bake the cake to perfection
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and slide the cake into the oven. If you need a visual aid or baking hacks, consider checking out King Arthur Baking. Bake the cake for about 25-30 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick. Once done, allow it to cool completely on a wire rack—patience is a virtue here!
Whip up the luscious frosting
Next, let’s make that incredible frosting! In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Beat until smooth. While still mixing, carefully pour in the chilled heavy cream and whip until stiff peaks form. This creamy texture is what makes a strawberry shortcake sheet cake sing!
Assemble your strawberry shortcake sheet cake
Now the fun part begins! Spread the whipped frosting evenly over the cooled cake. If you’re serving it right away, mix the fresh strawberries with a bit of jam and layer them on top. If not, wait until just before serving to add the strawberries to keep them fresh and vibrant.
Voilà! Your homemade strawberry shortcake sheet cake is ready to impress. With each bite, you’ll taste the love and effort that went into this delightful treat. Enjoy!
Variations on Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake
Add a twist: Lemon or almond flavored variations
If you're looking to elevate your strawberry shortcake sheet cake, consider infusing a hint of lemon or almond flavor. For a zesty twist, replace a tablespoon of vanilla extract with fresh lemon juice and some lemon zest. This brightens the cake beautifully. Prefer something nutty? A splash more of almond extract will give it a delightful depth. Both variations keep it fresh and flavorful, making your cake truly unique!
Incorporating different fruits for seasonal versions
Why limit yourself to strawberries? In spring and summer, swap them with other fruits. How about juicy peaches or raspberries? In fall, consider apples or pears, lightly spiced with cinnamon. Mixing fruits not only changes the flavor profile but also adds a lovely color, making your strawberry shortcake sheet cake a visual delight. Embrace the seasons and have fun experimenting! For more fruit-pairing ideas, check out this helpful guide on seasonal fruits.
Cooking Tips and Notes for Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake
Key Tips for the Perfect Cake Texture
Achieving that fluffy cake texture for your strawberry shortcake sheet cake hinges on a few essential practices:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature for better mixing and increased fluffiness. A quick soak in warm water or a brief microwave warm-up can do wonders.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, be cautious not to overmix the batter. This can lead to a denser cake. Mixing just until combined is ideal.
Best Practices for Prepping Strawberries
Fresh, ripe strawberries are the stars of this dessert! Here’s how to prep them effectively:
- Sugar Time: If your strawberries aren’t quite ripe, sprinkle them with sugar and let them marinate in the fridge for about an hour. This makes them juicy and sweet!
- Timing Matters: Combine your strawberries with jam just before serving to keep them fresh and prevent them from breaking down. This ensures you have the perfect topping for your cake!
For more tips on selecting fresh strawberries, check out the USDA’s Produce Guidelines. Happy baking!
Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake
Ideal occasions to serve this delightful dessert
The strawberry shortcake sheet cake is perfect for numerous celebrations, from birthday parties to summer picnics. It's a crowd-pleaser at barbecues and family gatherings, thanks to its light, airy texture and vibrant strawberry topping. Consider serving it at bridal showers or baby showers for an elegant yet fun touch. You can also pair this cake with a refreshing iced tea or lemonade for a delightful afternoon treat.
Creative plating and garnishing ideas
Elevate your strawberry shortcake sheet cake with a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers for added crunch or fresh mint leaves for a pop of color. Serve it in individual slices on colorful dessert plates, drizzling extra strawberry syrup around the edges for a professional touch. You can even add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a creamy contrast with the fresh strawberries. For inspiration on plating techniques, check out this guide from Bon Appétit to wow your guests!
Time Breakdown for Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake
Preparation time
It takes about 30 minutes to prep your ingredients and get everything ready for this delightful strawberry shortcake sheet cake. Make sure to measure your flour properly and have your ingredients at room temperature for the best results.
Baking time
Once you've prepped your batter, bake it for 20-30 minutes. Keep an eye on your cake during the last few minutes to ensure it’s perfectly baked—nobody likes a dry cake!
Total time
From start to finish, you'll spend about 50 minutes creating this beautiful dessert. Worth every second, I promise! For an extra tip, let the cake cool completely before frosting for a smoother finish.
If you enjoyed this breakdown, you might also appreciate these tips on how to properly store cakes and make the most of seasonal fruits like strawberries. Happy baking!
Nutritional Facts for Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake
Calories per serving
This delightful strawberry shortcake sheet cake serves up about 585 calories per slice, making it a rich yet indulgent dessert choice for special occasions.
Sugar and protein content
Each serving contains approximately 37 grams of sugar and 7 grams of protein. While the cake is sweet, pairing it with fresh strawberries adds a nutritious touch.
Key vitamins and minerals
Beyond its delicious flavor, this cake also provides essential nutrients, including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and minerals like Calcium and Iron. A slice can contribute to your daily vitamin intake, ensuring you don’t just enjoy it — you also benefit from it!
For more detailed information about the health benefits of strawberries, check out recent studies from Healthline.
FAQs about Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake
Can I make this sheet cake vegan?
Absolutely! To create a vegan strawberry shortcake sheet cake, swap the eggs for flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg), and substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt. You can also use almond or coconut milk in place of the regular milk. With these tweaks, you’ll enjoy a delicious plant-based version!
How do I store leftovers?
To keep your strawberry shortcake sheet cake fresh, store any leftovers in the refrigerator. Make sure it’s covered well—using plastic wrap or an airtight container works wonders. Ideally, enjoy it within 2-3 days for the best flavor and texture, but it can last up to 5 days if well-preserved.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If sour cream isn't on hand, here are some great alternatives:
- Greek Yogurt: A fantastic one-to-one substitution that adds creaminess.
- Buttermilk: Use a little less than what the recipe calls for; this will help maintain moisture.
- Cream Cheese: Soften it, then thin it with a bit of milk for a similar flavor.
These substitutes not only work but can even enhance the flavor profile of your cake. Try them out!
Conclusion on Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake
The joy of making and sharing your strawberry shortcake sheet cake
In conclusion, this delightful strawberry shortcake sheet cake is perfect for gatherings and celebrations, bringing smiles to every guest. Its fluffy vanilla base, rich frosting, and juicy strawberries create a memorable treat that is simple to bake and even more enjoyable to share. Embrace the smiles it brings!
Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake
Equipment
- Stand Mixer
- 9x13 metal baking pan
- mixing bowl
Ingredients
Cake
- 2.5 cups all purpose flour Fluff and level for proper measuring
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1.75 cups granulated sugar
- 0.5 cups vegetable or canola oil
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 2 large egg whites room temperature
- 2.5 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoon almond extract
- 0.67 cups sour cream
- 0.75 cups milk preferably whole or 2%, room temperature
Frosting
- 6 ounces cream cheese softened to cool room temp
- 0.75 cups powdered sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1.5 cups heavy whipping cream chilled
Strawberry Topping
- 5 cups sliced fresh strawberries just under 2 pounds
- 2 tablespoons strawberry jam
Instructions
Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt until combined. Set aside.
- Using a stand mixer, beat sugar, oil, eggs, egg whites, and extracts until combined. Then add the sour cream and beat until combined. Add half of the flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Slowly add milk, then the remaining flour. Scrape bowl as needed. Avoid overmixing.
- Grease a 9x13 metal baking pan and pour batter into it, spreading evenly. Tap the pan on the countertop a few times to remove air bubbles.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Rotate the pan if necessary. Cool completely on a rack.
Frosting
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while mixing. Scrape down the bowl as needed. Increase speed to high and whip until stiff peaks form.
Assembly
- Spread the frosting onto the cooled cake. If serving immediately, stir the strawberries with jam and spoon over the top. If not, refrigerate the frosted cake and add strawberries right before serving.
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