The sun shines down as you bite into a slice of Strawberry Sheet Shortcake—soft whipped cream mingling with sweet strawberries on a fluffy cake base. It’s like sunshine on a plate! The juicy strawberries burst with flavor while the soft cake cradles them like a loving hug.
I remember the first time I attempted this delightful dessert at my cousin’s picnic. Everyone dove in like they’d found the Holy Grail of desserts. Spoiler alert: they did! Now I make it for every warm-weather gathering because who can resist those layers of creamy goodness and vibrant berries?
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Strawberry Sheet Shortcake is incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
- The flavor profile combines sweetness with a hint of tartness from fresh strawberries
- Its visual appeal is stunning—layers of bright red strawberries on a golden cake topped with fluffy cream make it a showstopper at any event
- Perfect for picnics but versatile enough for any celebration or casual gathering
The sweet aroma wafts through the air as this simple yet scrumptious treat bakes in your oven, making your kitchen feel like a bakery.
I once made this for a family BBQ, and let me tell you—the kids swooned while the adults begged for seconds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached flour for the best texture; it yields a softer cake.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweeten things up; adjust based on your taste preferences.
- Baking Powder: Ensure your cake rises perfectly; fresh baking powder is essential!
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors; don’t skip it!
- Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy mixing; it adds rich flavor.
- Milk: Whole milk works best for moisture; you can substitute with almond milk if needed.
- Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe strawberries for sweetness; hulled and sliced are perfect!
- Heavy Whipping Cream: For that luscious topping; chilled cream whips up best.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash amplifies sweetness and depth in flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a sheet pan or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until fully combined. This will ensure an even rise.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add sugar until fluffy—this should take about 3-4 minutes.
Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in milk and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture until smooth. The batter should be glossy and well-mixed.
Combine Mixtures and Bake: Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined—don’t overmix! Pour into prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Prepare Strawberries and Cream Topping: While baking, hull and slice fresh strawberries. Whip heavy cream with sugar until stiff peaks form—this will fluff up beautifully!
Once cooled completely, layer whipped cream over the cake topped with juicy strawberries. Voilà! You have an irresistible Strawberry Sheet Shortcake ready to impress everyone!
Enjoy your creation as you gather friends around—a sweet treat that sparks joy in every bite!
You Must Know
- This Strawberry Sheet Shortcake is a delightful twist on the classic dessert
- The fluffy cake paired with fresh strawberries offers a summer paradise in every bite, making it perfect for gatherings or simply indulging yourself
- It’s easy to make and even easier to devour!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve a light and airy texture, start by whipping the cream until soft peaks form, then fold it into the cooled cake mix gently.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap strawberries for other berries like blueberries or raspberries, or add a splash of vanilla extract to elevate the flavor further.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best results, enjoy chilled without reheating.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing
- Use fresh strawberries for that juicy burst of flavor and avoid overmixing your batter to keep it fluffy
- Keep whipped cream chilled before serving for a delightful contrast in temperatures
Memories of my first Strawberry Sheet Shortcake still make me smile; my friends devoured it faster than I could slice it!
FAQ
What is Strawberry Sheet Shortcake?
Strawberry Sheet Shortcake is a light sponge cake topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead?
Yes, but fresh strawberries provide better flavor and texture in this recipe.
How do I prevent the cake from becoming soggy?
Serve immediately after assembling to maintain optimal texture and freshness.
Strawberry Sheet Shortcake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12
Description
Strawberry Sheet Shortcake is a delightful, easy-to-make dessert featuring layers of fluffy cake, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream. Perfect for summer gatherings or a sweet indulgence.
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour
- Granulated Sugar
- Baking Powder
- Salt
- Unsalted Butter
- Milk
- Fresh Strawberries
- Heavy Whipping Cream
- Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a sheet pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- In another bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually mix in sugar until fluffy.
- Add milk and vanilla to the butter-sugar mixture, stirring until smooth.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- While the cake cools, hull and slice fresh strawberries. Whip heavy cream with sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Once cooled, layer whipped cream over the cake and top with sliced strawberries.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
