Oh my goodness, friends! If you’re looking to add a little sweetness to your day, then let me introduce you to my all-time favorite dessert: Strawberry Sheet Cake! This delightful cake is not just a feast for the taste buds but also for the eyes, with its beautiful pinkish hue and fresh strawberry goodness. I remember the first time I made this cake – it was for a birthday picnic in the park with my closest friends. The sun was shining, and as we sat on our picnic blanket, everyone took a bite, and their faces lit up with joy. It felt like summer right there in that moment!
What I love most about this recipe is how simple and straightforward it is. You get to enjoy all the delicious flavors of fresh strawberries without spending hours in the kitchen! It’s like a slice of sunshine on your plate, perfect for spring and summer gatherings or just a cozy afternoon snack while binge-watching your favorite show (I won’t judge!). So, let’s dive in and get that baking magic happening!
What’s in Strawberry Sheet Cake?
White Cake Mix: The base of this cake comes from a good ol’ box of white cake mix. It saves time during busy days, and you can always jazz it up with your own flavor twists if you want!
Water: Just a simple ingredient that helps bring the cake batter together; I like to use room temperature water for the best results.
Vegetable Oil: This adds moisture and tenderness to the cake. You could also substitute it with melted coconut oil if you like a bit of a tropical twist!
Large Eggs: These are crucial for binding the ingredients and giving the cake lift, so don’t skip them!
Fresh Strawberries: The star of our show! Freshly chopped strawberries add juicy bursts of flavor, making each bite a delightful experience. Trust me, fresh is best – but if frozen is all you have, they can work, too!
Strawberry Frosting: You can buy store-bought frosting for convenience, or if you’re feeling adventurous (or just love frosting), homemade is the way to go!
Optional Fresh Strawberries for Garnish: Because who doesn’t love a little extra fruit on top?!
Is Strawberry Sheet Cake Good for You?
Now, I’m all about balance in life, and while this cake is certainly a sweet treat, it does have some perks! The fresh strawberries are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, which can be health-boosting. Plus, they add a lovely natural sweetness that can allow you to use less sugar in the overall baking process. Just be mindful of the frosting – too much sugar can sneak up on you!
Storage is crucial too; this cake will stay fresh for about 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Perfect for when that late-night craving strikes!
Ingredients List
– 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix
– 1 cup water
– 1/3 cup vegetable oil
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
– 1 cup strawberry frosting (store-bought or homemade)
– Optional: fresh strawberries for garnish
Serves: Approximately 12 slices
How to Make Strawberry Sheet Cake?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan (trust me, you don’t want your cake to stick!).
2. In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat on medium speed until well combined (about 2 minutes will do the trick).
3. Gently fold in the finely chopped strawberries into the batter until evenly distributed. Make sure they’re mixed well, but don’t overdo it – we want those lovely chunks of strawberry!
4. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
5. Bake for 28-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen should smell heavenly at this point!
6. Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes. Then, remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on the wire rack.
7. Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the strawberry frosting evenly over the top. Go ahead, slather it on there!
8. Cut into squares and serve. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with additional fresh strawberries on top!
Sweet Suggestions to Elevate Your Cake
This cake is fab on its own, but if you want an extra touch, why not whip up some fresh whipped cream to serve on top? It gives a beautiful contrast and adds a lightness that pairs beautifully with the frosting and strawberries. And if you have a little mint lying around, chop some up for garnishing – it’ll add color and a refreshing zing!
I can’t wait for you to try this recipe! The next time you have a gathering or just want to treat yourself, whip up this Strawberry Sheet Cake and watch the smiles spread around the table. Don’t forget to let me know how it turns out; I’m sure it’ll be a crowd-pleaser! Happy baking!
