Name: Strawberry Sheet Cake with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups strawberries (fresh or frozen, thawed); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 cup salted butter, room temperature; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 3 eggs, room temperature; 1 cup strawberry reduction (from puree); 1/2 cup sour cream, full fat, room temperature; 1 cup salted butter, room temperature; 3 cups icing sugar; 4 tbsp strawberry reduction

Print Recipe· 4.2 from 9 reviews

If you have a soft spot for all things sweet, fruity, and irresistible, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Strawberry Sheet Cake with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting Recipe. It’s a stunning way to celebrate strawberries in every luscious bite—from the tender, moist cake infused with a fresh strawberry reduction to the silky, creamy buttercream frosting bursting with vibrant strawberry flavor. This cake isn’t just dessert; it’s pure joy on a platter, perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or simply a special treat to brighten your day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a rectangular white pan filled with a single thick layer of light pink creamy mixture that has small red strawberry bits evenly spread throughout. The surface of the mixture is smooth with slight swirling textures. Around the pan are fresh whole strawberries and a sliced strawberry, a white bowl with powdered sugar, and a small container, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Whipping up this delightful strawberry sheet cake calls for straightforward ingredients that you likely already have on hand or can easily grab. Each component plays a crucial role in crafting the cake’s perfect crumb, mouthwatering flavor, and that iconic pink hue you’ll adore.

4 cups strawberries (fresh or frozen, but thawed): The star ingredient delivering natural sweetness and beautiful color.
1/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances the tartness of the strawberries in the puree.
1 tbsp lemon juice: Adds brightness and enhances the strawberry flavor.
3 cups flour: Provides the sturdy base for the cake’s tender crumb.
2 tsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise to fluffy perfection.
1/2 tsp baking soda: Works with the acid from the strawberries and sour cream for lift and softness.
1/2 cup butter (salted and room temperature): Brings richness and moisture to the cake.
1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake extra moist and tender.
1 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake for irresistible flavor.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the overall taste.
3 eggs (room temperature): Bind all ingredients together while contributing to structure.
1 cup strawberry reduction: Intensifies the strawberry essence in the batter and frosting.
1/2 cup sour cream (full fat and room temperature): Boosts moisture and texture with a tangy touch.
1 cup butter (salted and room temperature): For the luscious buttercream frosting base.
3 cups icing sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a perfect spreadable texture.
4 tbsp strawberry reduction: Infuses the frosting with fresh strawberry flavor and lovely pink color.

How to Make Strawberry Sheet Cake with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Puree

Begin by removing the stems from your strawberries and placing them in a pot with lemon juice and sugar. Heat gently on medium, stirring often so nothing sticks or burns. When it begins boiling, lower the heat and keep stirring frequently until the strawberries have broken down and the mixture reduces to about half its volume—a process that takes roughly 30 minutes. If you want a smooth texture, blitz with an emulsion blender once cooled. Chill this puree if you’re preparing it ahead, but always bring it back to room temperature before using it in your cake batter later.

Step 2: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Decide how you want to share your cake; if you plan to lift the cake out of the pan, fully line it with parchment paper followed by a quick spray of non-stick spray to ensure an easy release. If serving from the pan directly, just apply non-stick spray to your baking dish. This step might seem small, but it’s a lifesaver for a smooth, clean cake presentation.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda in a large mixing bowl until evenly combined. This dry mix will soon marry beautifully with the wet ingredients, helping your cake rise and maintain a delicate crumb.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a mixer, beat the room temperature butter until perfectly smooth. Slowly add in the vegetable oil, then sugar, blending continuously until the mixture is silky and fluffy. Incorporate vanilla extract next for that added layer of aroma and flavor that signals a homemade treat is underway.

Step 5: Add Eggs, Sour Cream, and Strawberry Reduction

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully mixed before adding the next. Carefully fold in the sour cream and strawberry reduction next, being mindful not to overmix—this keeps the batter light and airy, essential for a tender cake.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix the flour mixture into the wet batter until just combined. Overmixing can toughen the cake, so aim for smoothness with a few flour streaks gone.

Step 7: Bake Your Cake

Pour your beautiful strawberry batter into the prepared pan and place it on the oven’s middle rack. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and the cake springs back when lightly touched.

Step 8: Cool and Frost

Allow your cake to cool completely before frosting. If you’re frosting in the pan, simply wait until it reaches room temperature. For a clean slice presentation, chill the cake to firm it up, making frosting application smoother and less messy.

Step 9: Whip Up the Strawberry Buttercream Frosting

Beat the room temperature butter until creamy. Gradually mix in the icing sugar until fully blended. Stir in your strawberry reduction a tablespoon at a time, until you achieve your desired texture and vibrant strawberry flavor. This frosting is the perfect finishing touch, tying together all those fruity, buttery notes with a luscious crown.

How to Serve Strawberry Sheet Cake with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting Recipe

The image shows a square piece of strawberry cake on a white scalloped plate. The cake has two layers: the bottom layer is light brown and airy, while the top layer is a thick, pink strawberry-flavored frosting with small red strawberry bits mixed in. Two whole strawberries with green leaves stand upright on the center of the frosting as decoration. Around the cake on the plate, there are a few fresh whole strawberries with green tops. A golden fork is placed on the plate next to the cake. In the background, another piece of cake with similar layers sits on a white scalloped plate with a golden fork. A large pile of fresh strawberries is to the side, and the surface underneath is a white marbled texture. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your presentation and flavor by decorating with fresh strawberry slices, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even edible flower petals. These simple touches uplift the cake’s natural beauty and add a fresh contrast to the creamy frosting.

Side Dishes

Serve your strawberry sheet cake alongside vanilla bean ice cream for a dreamy, cooling effect. Fresh whipped cream or a light citrus fruit salad also make wonderful companions without overpowering the delicate strawberry essence.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the classic rectangular slice. Cut the cake into fun shapes using cookie cutters for a party. Layer thin pieces between delicate shortcakes or cupcakes topped with this frosting are perfect for individual servings. You can even create a trifle by layering chunks of the cake with whipped cream and fresh strawberries in a glass bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cake covered tightly in the refrigerator to preserve freshness. This helps maintain the frosting’s creaminess and keeps the crumb moist for up to 3 days.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the cake slices individually in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen cake maintains its quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for the best texture.

Reheating

If you prefer a slightly warm slice, remove the frosting if possible and warm the cake gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Add back the frosting afterward or enjoy as is for a different but delicious twist.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them fully and drain any extra liquid before starting your strawberry puree. Frozen berries work wonderfully and often have great flavor.

Is it necessary for the eggs and butter to be at room temperature?

Yes, room temperature ingredients blend more easily and result in a smoother batter and frosting, helping the cake to rise evenly and achieve that perfect texture.

What is the best way to make the strawberry reduction smoother?

Using an emulsion blender once the berries have softened and after cooling the mixture helps eliminate any chunkiness, giving you a velvety reduction perfect for cake and frosting.

Can I substitute sour cream with yogurt?

You can use full-fat Greek yogurt as a substitute, but sour cream is preferred for that classic tang and moisture balance. The yogurt may give a slightly different texture and taste.

How long will the cake stay fresh after frosting?

When stored properly in a covered container in the fridge, the frosted cake will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. Beyond that, the texture might begin to degrade.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Sheet Cake with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting Recipe is a true celebration of strawberry goodness that friends and family will happily devour. It’s a recipe that brings joy from making to eating, delivering a beautiful balance of flavor, texture, and freshness in every bite. If you’ve been looking for a homemade cake to impress and satisfy your sweet tooth, your search ends here. Trust me, once you try it, this cake will become one of your go-to favorites for every strawberry season and beyond!