Best Strawberry Sheet Cake
A delightful and easy strawberry sheet cake that embodies the essence of summer in every bite, perfect for any festive occasion or a cozy family dessert.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour the base that keeps the cake light and tender.
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar balances the strawberry’s tartness; for a lighter option, reduce to 1 cup.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder helps the cake rise evenly.
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda adds gentle lift and texture.
- 0.5 teaspoon salt enhances all the flavors.
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs, room temperature bind the batter and add richness; use flax eggs for a vegan alternative.
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature keeps the cake moist; plain yogurt thinned with milk works as a substitute.
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled gives a tender crumb; swap half with neutral oil for a softer texture.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract rounds the flavors beautifully.
- 1.5 cups hulled, pureed strawberries fresh or thawed frozen will do; for an extra punch, stir in 1/2 cup chopped berries.
- 0.25 cup strawberry jam (optional) intensifies the strawberry flavor when folded into the batter.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch sheet pan and line with parchment if you like easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs with the buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla until glossy. Stir in the pureed strawberries and optional jam.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and fold until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared sheet pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to level it.
Baking
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting or glazing.
Notes
Tips: Add a strawberry glaze, fold in toasted coconut for tropical vibes, or use a light cream cheese frosting for an extra decadent touch. Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.