Name: Strawberry Sheet Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the cake:; 2 cups (260g) all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar; 1 cup (240g) fresh strawberry purée; 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil; 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Few drops pink or red gel coloring (optional); For the frosting:; 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened; 3 cups (360g) icing sugar; 1/2 cup (120g) reduced strawberry purée or thick strawberry jam; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

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A soft, tender strawberry sheet cake bursting with fresh berry flavor and topped with a creamy strawberry frosting. This simple yet elegant dessert is perfect for gatherings, offering a moist crumb and a naturally sweet, fruity finish in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This strawberry sheet cake stands out for its balance of flavor and texture. The use of fresh strawberry purée gives it a natural sweetness and a delicate pink hue without being overpowering. It’s incredibly moist thanks to the combination of oil and buttermilk, making each bite soft and rich.

Another reason to love this recipe is its simplicity. Baked in a single sheet pan, it avoids the complexity of layered cakes while still delivering impressive results. The frosting is smooth, creamy, and infused with real strawberry flavor, complementing the cake perfectly.

It’s also versatile enough for any occasion—whether you’re preparing a casual dessert or something a bit more special. Plus, the ingredients are easy to find, and the process is beginner-friendly.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cake
2 cups (260g) all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
1 cup (240g) fresh strawberry purée
½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
½ cup (120ml) buttermilk
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
a few drops of pink or red gel colouring (optional)

For the strawberry frosting
1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
3 cups (360g) icing sugar
½ cup (120g) reduced strawberry purée or thick strawberry jam
1 tsp vanilla extract
a pinch of salt

Directions

Begin by preparing the strawberry purée. Blend fresh strawberries until smooth, then measure the required amount. This will form the base of your cake’s flavor.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry purée with vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.

In a separate bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a smooth batter forms. If you want a more vibrant pink color, add a few drops of gel colouring at this stage and mix well.

Grease a 9×13-inch sheet pan and pour the batter evenly into it, smoothing the surface. Bake in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for 25–30 minutes, or until the top springs back lightly when touched and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting.

To prepare the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy and light. Gradually add the icing sugar, mixing well after each addition. Add the strawberry purée or jam, followed by vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake, creating soft swirls. Optionally, garnish with fresh strawberry slices for a decorative finish.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 12 to 15 servings, depending on portion size.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25 to 30 minutes
Cooling and frosting time: 30 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

For a richer flavor, you can substitute part of the strawberry purée with strawberry jam. If you prefer a lighter texture, try using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour.

You can also add chopped fresh strawberries into the batter for small bursts of fruit in every bite. For a citrus twist, increase the lemon juice slightly or add lemon zest.

If you enjoy a layered dessert feel, cut the cake in half horizontally and add frosting between the layers before topping.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If your kitchen is warm, it’s better to refrigerate it to keep the frosting firm.

In the refrigerator, the cake will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to soften.

This cake is not ideal for reheating, but if desired, you can microwave a slice for 10–15 seconds to slightly warm it.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, just thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before blending into purée.

Can I make this cake without buttermilk?

You can substitute buttermilk with milk mixed with a little lemon juice or vinegar.

How do I thicken strawberry purée for frosting?

Simmer it on low heat until reduced and thicker, then let it cool before using.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance and frost it before serving.

Why is my cake dense?

Overmixing the batter or using too much flour can result in a dense texture.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, freeze unfrosted or frosted cake in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

What type of pan works best?

A standard 9×13-inch sheet pan ensures even baking and easy serving.

Can I reduce the sugar?

You can slightly reduce it, but it may affect the texture and moisture.

How do I know when the cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

Can I use food coloring?

Yes, it’s optional but helps enhance the pink color for presentation.

Conclusion

This strawberry sheet cake is a delightful combination of simplicity and flavor. With its moist texture, natural strawberry taste, and creamy frosting, it’s a dessert that’s sure to please. Whether for a family gathering or a casual treat, it delivers beautiful results with minimal effort.