Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake for Easy Gatherings
This Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake combines soft vanilla cake, rich cream cheese frosting, and fresh strawberries for a delightful dessert that's perfect for any gathering.
Equipment
- - 9x13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- - Stand mixer
- Whisk
- Wire rack
Ingredients
For the Cake Base
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Provides structure for a tender cake.
- 2 teaspoons Baking Powder Acts as the leavening agent.
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt Enhances sweetness and balances flavors.
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar Sweetens the cake for a tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil Keeps the cake moist.
- 2 large Eggs Adds richness and structure.
- 2 large Egg Whites Lightens the texture.
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract Infuses warmth and sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon Almond Extract Optional for a unique flavor twist.
- 1 cup Sour Cream Contributes moisture and tenderness.
- 1 cup Milk Hydrates the batter.
For the Frosting
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese For a silky-smooth frosting.
- 4 cups Powdered Sugar Sweetens and stabilizes the frosting.
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest Brightens flavors.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream Must be cold for best texture.
For the Topping
- 2 cups Fresh Strawberries Choose firm, bright red strawberries.
- 1/4 cup Strawberry Jam Coats strawberries and adds flavor.
- Mint Optional garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and gather all your ingredients.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a stand mixer, mix the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, almond extract, and sour cream. Beat until pale and well-combined.
- Alternately add the dry mixture and milk to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Grease a 9x13-inch pan and pour in the batter. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for 30-45 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add vanilla and lemon zest, then mix in the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly on top.
- Toss fresh strawberries with strawberry jam to coat and arrange on top of the frosting.
Notes
Keep strawberries fresh until just before serving to avoid sogginess. Consider experimenting with different toppings.