Description
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.
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
🧀 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
✨ For Decoration
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Whole strawberries
- Strawberry crumbs
- White chocolate shavings
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
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.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together:
- Flour
- Sugar
- Strawberry gelatin
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Add:
- Melted butter
- Eggs
- Buttermilk
- Vanilla
- Strawberry extract
Mix until the batter is smooth.
Step 4: Add the Strawberries
Gently fold the finely chopped fresh strawberries into the batter.
Avoid overmixing.
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.
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.
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.
Step 8: Frost the Cake
Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the completely cooled cake.
Step 9: Decorate
Top with fresh sliced strawberries.
For extra presentation, add white chocolate shavings or strawberry crumbs.
Step 10: Slice and Serve
Cut into squares and serve chilled or at cool room temperature.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cooling & Frosting Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 480
- Sodium: 310mg
- Carbohydrates: 67g
- Protein: 5g