This Strawberry Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a beautiful, tender dessert that’s bursting with sweet strawberry flavor. Made with strawberry gelatin and fresh strawberries, the cake has a soft, moist crumb and gorgeous pink color, while the rich cream cheese frosting adds the perfect tangy contrast.

Because it’s baked in a sheet pan, this recipe is ideal when you’re feeding a crowd. There’s no need to worry about stacking or decorating multiple cake layers. Simply bake, cool, spread with creamy frosting, and garnish with fresh strawberries.

It’s perfect for Easter, Mother’s Day, summer cookouts, birthdays, potlucks, church gatherings, and family celebrations. One bite and you’ll understand why strawberry sheet cakes are such a beloved Southern-style dessert.

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Ingredients

🍓 For the Strawberry Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 package (3 ounces) strawberry gelatin
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon strawberry extract
• 1 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries

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🧀 For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
• Pinch of salt

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✨ For Decoration

• Fresh strawberries, sliced
• Whole strawberries
• Strawberry crumbs
• White chocolate shavings
• Powdered sugar

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Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease a 9×13-inch sheet pan or baking pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.

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Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together:

• Flour
• Sugar
• Strawberry gelatin
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

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Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Add:

• Melted butter
• Eggs
• Buttermilk
• Vanilla
• Strawberry extract

Mix until the batter is smooth.

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Step 4: Add the Strawberries

Gently fold the finely chopped fresh strawberries into the batter.

Avoid overmixing.

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Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.

Bake for approximately 25–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

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Step 6: Cool Completely

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack.

Allow it to cool completely before frosting.

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Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.

Gradually add the powdered sugar.

Mix in vanilla, salt, and enough cream to create a smooth, spreadable consistency.

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Step 8: Frost the Cake

Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the completely cooled cake.

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Step 9: Decorate

Top with fresh sliced strawberries.

For extra presentation, add white chocolate shavings or strawberry crumbs.

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Step 10: Slice and Serve

Cut into squares and serve chilled or at cool room temperature.

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Variation

1. Strawberry Crunch Sheet Cake

Top the frosting with crushed Golden Oreos mixed with strawberry gelatin and melted butter.

2. Strawberry Lemon Sheet Cake

Add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest to the batter and a little lemon juice to the frosting.

3. Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake

Top with fresh strawberries and homemade whipped cream.

4. Chocolate Strawberry Sheet Cake

Add mini chocolate chips to the batter and drizzle melted chocolate over the frosting.

5. Strawberry Coconut Cake

Add ½ cup shredded coconut to the batter and sprinkle toasted coconut over the frosting.

6. Strawberry Cheesecake Sheet Cake

Swirl a sweetened cream cheese mixture into the batter before baking.

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COOKING Note

For the best strawberry flavor, use ripe, sweet strawberries. If your berries are very juicy, pat them dry before chopping.

Make sure the cake is completely cool before adding the cream cheese frosting. A warm cake will cause the frosting to melt and slide.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve this strawberry sheet cake:

• With fresh strawberries
• With whipped cream
• With vanilla ice cream
• With strawberry sauce
• Alongside iced tea
• At Mother’s Day brunch
• For Easter
• At summer cookouts
• For birthdays and potlucks

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Tips

• Use room-temperature eggs and buttermilk for a smoother batter.
• Don’t overmix after adding the flour.
• Pat fresh strawberries dry before adding them.
• Cool the cake completely before frosting.
• Refrigerate leftovers because of the cream cheese frosting.
• Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Let refrigerated slices sit for 10–15 minutes before serving.
• For an extra-pretty finish, pipe small frosting swirls around the edges and add fresh strawberries.

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Prep Time

25 minutes

Cooking Time

30 minutes

Cooling & Frosting Time

45 minutes

Total Time

1 hour 40 minutes

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Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 5g
• Sodium: 310mg
• Carbohydrates: 67g
• Sugar: 49g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Fiber: 1g
• Cholesterol: 105mg

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FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but thaw and drain them very well before adding them to the batter. Excess moisture can affect the cake’s texture.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely. Bake the cake a day ahead, refrigerate it covered, and frost it before serving.

Can I use strawberry preserves instead of fresh strawberries?

Yes. You can swirl a few spoonfuls of strawberry preserves into the batter for additional flavor.

Why is my cake too dense?

Overmixing the batter can create a dense texture. Mix only until the ingredients are combined.

Does the cake need to be refrigerated?

Yes. Since the frosting contains cream cheese, store the cake covered in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze Strawberry Sheet Cake?

Yes. Freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before frosting.

Can I make this in a different pan?

Yes, but baking times will vary. A 9×13-inch pan gives the classic sheet-cake thickness.

How can I make the strawberry flavor stronger?

Use strawberry extract along with fresh strawberries and strawberry gelatin. A thin layer of strawberry preserves between the cake and frosting is another delicious option.

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Conclusion

This Strawberry Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is soft, moist, fruity, and incredibly easy to make. The sweet strawberry cake pairs beautifully with rich, tangy cream cheese frosting, while fresh strawberries add a bright finishing touch.

It’s a perfect crowd-pleasing dessert for spring and summer celebrations, potlucks, birthdays, and family gatherings. 🍓🍰❤️

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