Name: Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup vegetable oil (170g); 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (56g); 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (300g); 3 large eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/3 cup milk (80g); 340g fresh or frozen strawberries (makes about 1 1/2 cups of puree) – if using frozen, thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes beforehand; 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (360g); 2 tbsp cornstarch (20g); 3/4 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp salt; Optional: a few drops of pink gel food color; 12 oz cream cheese, room temperature (340g); 1/3 cup strawberry jam of choice (80g); 1/4 cup granulated sugar (60g); 1/3 cup heavy cream (80g); Pinch of salt; Fresh strawberries to taste for decoration

Print Recipe· 3.9 from 7 reviews

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s bursting with fresh, fruity flavor and topped with the creamiest frosting imaginable, you’re going to adore this Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It’s a delightful, tender cake packed with luscious strawberry puree, balanced perfectly by a smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting that’s sweetened just right. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a picnic, or simply a treat for yourself, this recipe brings together simple ingredients to create an absolute crowd-pleaser, and it’s incredibly easy to prepare!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A rectangular metal baking pan filled with a single thick layer of light pink, creamy batter with small red speckles evenly spread across the surface, placed on a white marbled textured surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering fresh and straightforward ingredients is key to making this cake shine. Each element plays a vital role, from the moistening oils and rich cream cheese to the natural sweetness of strawberries that infuse every bite.

Vegetable oil (¾ cup): Keeps the cake moist and tender without overpowering flavors.
Unsalted butter, melted (¼ cup): Adds richness and contributes to a soft crumb.
Granulated sugar (1 ½ cups): Sweetens the cake perfectly to complement the strawberries.
Large eggs (3): Provide structure and help bind all the ingredients together.
Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Enhances the cake’s sweetness with a warm, comforting aroma.
Milk (⅓ cup): Adds moisture and helps blend the strawberry puree evenly.
Fresh or frozen strawberries (340g): Pureed for a natural fruit flavor and beautiful pink hue.
All-purpose flour (2 ¾ cups): Forms the base of the cake’s tender structure.
Cornstarch (2 tbsp): Keeps the texture light and delicate.
Baking soda (¾ tsp) and baking powder (1 tsp): Help the cake rise just right for a fluffy crumb.
Salt (1 tsp): Balances sweetness and boosts overall flavor.
Pink gel food color (optional): For an extra pop of vibrant strawberry pink.
Cream cheese, room temperature (12oz): The base for a luscious, tangy frosting.
Strawberry jam (⅓ cup): Incorporates more strawberry flavor into the frosting.
Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Sweetens the frosting just right without overwhelming.
Heavy cream (⅓ cup): Makes the frosting silky and easy to spread.
Pinch of salt: Balances the richness of the cream cheese.
Fresh strawberries: For decorating the top and adding an extra fresh touch.

How to Make Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F using the conventional setting (no fan). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper so the cake will lift out easily when baked. This step is simple but ensures your cake doesn’t stick and bakes evenly.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the vegetable oil, melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk together smoothly for about two minutes until the mixture is well combined and a bit glossy. This mixture forms a rich, flavorful base for your cake.

Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Puree

Pop your fresh or thawed strawberries into a food processor and blitz until you get a smooth puree. You can leave some tiny chunks if you prefer a bit of texture in your cake. The strawberry puree will add moisture, sweetness, and that signature fruity flavor unique to this Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients and Strawberry Puree

Add the strawberry puree and milk directly into the bowl with your wet ingredients. Whisk gently just until everything is combined. This will blend the fruity goodness evenly throughout the batter and keep the cake deliciously moist.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting helps to incorporate air, making the cake lighter. Then, gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, gently whisking until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender and soft.

Step 6: Add Color

If you’re feeling fancy, add a couple drops of pink gel food color to the batter and fold gently until the color is even. This isn’t necessary but makes the cake look extra fun and festive, especially for special occasions.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour your batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly, and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick in the center – it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Be careful not to overbake, or it’ll dry out.

Step 8: Let the Cake Cool

Once out of the oven, allow your cake to cool completely at room temperature. Patience here is key because a warm cake will melt the frosting.

Step 9: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a bowl, whisk together room temperature cream cheese, strawberry jam, sugar, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt on medium-low speed. This creates a silky, luscious frosting packed with strawberry flavor. Don’t overmix to avoid thinning it out too much.

Step 10: Assemble and Decorate

Carefully remove the cooled cake from the pan if you like, or frost it directly in. Spread the cream cheese frosting generously on top, then decorate with fresh, sliced strawberries for a beautiful, fresh finish. Slice up your masterpiece and get ready to wow your guests!

How to Serve Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

The image shows a rectangular dessert with one visible layer covered in light pink whipped cream that has a smooth, swirled texture. On top, whole and halved fresh strawberries are scattered evenly, giving a mix of red and light green colors from the fruit's skin and leaves. There are small red powder sprinkles spread across the whipped cream and the white marbled surface around the dessert. The dessert sits on a white marbled rectangle board, and there are extra whole and broken strawberries around it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh strawberries are the star garnish here. You can also sprinkle some edible flower petals, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or even finely chopped toasted almonds for extra crunch and elegance.

Side Dishes

This strawberry sheet cake pairs beautifully with light sides like whipped cream, vanilla bean ice cream, or a fresh mixed berry salad. Those fresh accompaniments complement the cake’s fruity sweetness without overpowering it.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this cake in rustic wooden trays at picnics, or dress it up for celebrations by piping the cream cheese frosting around the edges in pretty rosettes. Another fun idea is to turn leftover cake into trifles layered with whipped cream and fresh strawberries for a quick dessert reinvention.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. It will stay delicious for about 3 to 4 days. Bringing the cake to room temperature before serving allows the flavors and textures to shine again.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake without frosting for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap to protect it. Thaw overnight in the fridge and then add the cream cheese frosting fresh before serving to retain the best texture.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake slightly warm, let slices sit at room temperature or gently warm them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. Avoid reheating the whole cake to preserve the frosting integrity.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this cake?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before pureeing to avoid excess moisture that can affect the cake’s texture.

What makes this cake different from a typical strawberry cake?

This recipe uses fresh strawberry puree within the batter and a cream cheese frosting that’s enhanced with strawberry jam, resulting in layers of vibrant strawberry flavor and a moist, tender crumb.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but results may vary. Be sure to include xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t have it to help maintain structure.

How do I avoid the frosting becoming too runny?

Use room temperature cream cheese and whisk gently without overmixing. Adding heavy cream slowly helps achieve that perfect, silky texture without thinning the frosting too much.

Is there a way to make this cake less sweet?

You can reduce the sugar slightly in the cake and frosting, but keep in mind the strawberries’ natural sweetness balances the flavors well, so adjust carefully to keep the harmony in taste.

Final Thoughts

Trying this Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is like bringing a little slice of summer to your table any time of year. With its irresistible strawberry flavor and creamy frosting, it’s sure to become a beloved classic in your dessert repertoire. Whip it up for your next gathering or simply treat yourself—you won’t regret it!