The Story & Intro
Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake Recipe always brings me back to the sweetest moments of my childhood. When I slice into this soft pink cake and see the fresh strawberries shining inside, I feel like I am standing in my grandmother’s kitchen again, barefoot on cool tile, watching her crush strawberries with a fork while the summer breeze moved the curtains.
Hi, I’m INAYA, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. Cooking has been part of my life since I was a child, learning from my grandmother how to make traditional Greek dishes full of love and flavor. I believe food brings people together, especially women who want to share warmth and happiness through cooking.
I like to keep things simple but tasty, mixing classic recipes with a little creativity. Sometimes my kitchen gets messy, but that’s where the fun is! Whether you’re new to cooking or have some experience, I’m here to help you enjoy making delicious meals that feel like home.
Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.
This Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake Recipe is one of those recipes that feels like a celebration, even on an ordinary day. I make it when strawberries are at their peak, juicy and red and full of sunshine. I make it when my friends come over for coffee. I make it when I want to surprise my family with something soft and sweet after dinner.
What I love most about this Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake Recipe is how simple it feels. I do not need fancy decorations. I do not need complicated steps. I only need fresh strawberries, a mixing bowl, and a little love.
When I bake this cake, my kitchen smells like summer. And in that moment, I feel grateful for simple ingredients that turn into something beautiful.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
I love this Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake Recipe because it feels generous. A sheet cake feeds many people. I do not worry about slicing perfect layers or stacking delicate tiers. I bake it in one pan, spread the frosting over the top, and serve it straight from the tray.
This cake feels relaxed. It invites laughter. It invites second slices.
Fresh strawberries give the cake natural sweetness and a soft pink color. I crush some strawberries into the batter so they melt into the cake while baking. I also fold in small pieces so you taste real fruit in every bite. That texture makes this Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake Recipe special.
I also love how this cake connects women in my life. When I invite my sister or my neighbors over, we sit at the kitchen table, drink coffee, and talk about everything. We share worries. We share dreams. And we share this cake. Food opens hearts. I see it every time.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here is everything I use for my Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake Recipe.
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, finely chopped
- ½ cup fresh strawberry puree (from blended strawberries)
For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 200 g cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup fresh strawberry puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fresh strawberry slices for topping
My Little Secrets
I always choose ripe, fragrant strawberries. If they do not smell sweet, they will not taste sweet. I let my butter, eggs, and cream cheese sit at room temperature before I begin. This step helps everything mix smoothly.
I also lightly coat the chopped strawberries with a spoonful of flour before I fold them into the batter. This trick keeps them from sinking to the bottom.
And I never overmix the batter. I mix just until everything comes together. Overmixing makes the cake dense, and I want it soft and tender.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- I preheat my oven to 180°C (350°F). I grease a 9×13-inch sheet pan and line it with parchment paper for easy lifting.
- I whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. I set it aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, I beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. I mix for about 3–4 minutes.
- I add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each one. Then I stir in the vanilla extract.
- I mix the sour cream and milk together in a small bowl.
- I add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk mixture. I begin and end with the dry ingredients.
- I gently fold in the strawberry puree. Then I fold in the chopped strawberries that I lightly coated in flour.
- I spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- I bake the cake for 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- I let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting.
For the Frosting:
- I beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- I gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until fluffy.
- I stir in the strawberry puree and vanilla extract.
- I spread the frosting generously over the cooled cake.
- I decorate the top with fresh strawberry slices.
When I finish, I step back and admire the soft pink color. It always makes me smile.
How I Serve It at Home
I cut this Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake Recipe into generous squares. I serve it with coffee in the afternoon or after Sunday lunch. Sometimes I add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Sometimes I drizzle a little extra strawberry puree over the plate.
When my nieces visit, I let them help decorate the top with strawberry slices. They feel proud, and I feel happy watching them learn that baking means love and sharing.
In summer, I serve this cake slightly chilled. In cooler months, I leave it at room temperature so the frosting stays soft and creamy.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
I store the cake covered in the refrigerator because of the cream cheese frosting. It stays fresh for up to 4 days. Before serving, I let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes so the texture softens.
If I want to make it ahead, I bake the cake one day earlier and frost it the next day. I also freeze the unfrosted cake. I wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 2 months. I thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.
I do not recommend microwaving slices because the frosting melts quickly. I prefer natural softening at room temperature.
100-Word Short Version
This Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake Recipe gives you a soft, moist cake filled with real strawberries and topped with creamy strawberry cream cheese frosting. I mix fresh strawberry puree into the batter for natural flavor and color. I bake it in a simple sheet pan, which makes it perfect for gatherings. The frosting spreads easily and tastes fresh and tangy. I decorate the top with sliced strawberries for a beautiful finish. This cake stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day. It feels simple, joyful, and perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Recipe Card
⏱️ Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
½ cup whole milk
½ cup sour cream
1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, chopped
½ cup strawberry puree
200 g cream cheese
½ cup unsalted butter (for frosting)
3 cups powdered sugar
¼ cup strawberry puree (for frosting)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Mix dry ingredients together.
- Beat butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla.
- Alternate dry ingredients with milk mixture.
- Fold in strawberries and puree.
- Bake 30–35 minutes.
- Cool completely.
- Beat frosting ingredients.
- Frost and decorate.
📝 Notes
Use ripe strawberries for best flavor. Do not overmix batter. Store in refrigerator up to 4 days.
🍽️ Nutrition (per slice, approx.)
Calories: 420
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 20g
Sugar: 38g
Fiber: 1g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 220mg
Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake Recipe is soft, moist, and bursting with real strawberry flavor. Made with fresh strawberry puree and topped with a luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting, this easy sheet cake is perfect for spring gatherings, birthdays, or anytime you crave a fruity homemade dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberry puree
- 200 g cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh strawberry puree (for frosting)
- Fresh strawberry slices for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 9×13-inch sheet pan.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients with milk and sour cream mixture.
- Fold in strawberry puree and chopped strawberries.
- Spread batter evenly into prepared pan.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely before frosting.
- Beat cream cheese and butter, add powdered sugar, then mix in strawberry puree and vanilla.
- Spread frosting over cake and top with fresh strawberry slices.
Notes
Use ripe, fragrant strawberries for the best flavor. Lightly coat chopped strawberries with flour to prevent sinking. Store cake covered in the refrigerator up to 4 days. You can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 2 months and thaw before frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: B
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Conclusion
When I bake this Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake Recipe, I feel close to my grandmother and close to every woman who finds joy in her kitchen. I believe simple cakes like this carry love in every bite. I do not need perfection. I only need fresh strawberries, a warm oven, and people to share it with.
If you bake this cake, imagine me beside you, smiling, flour on my hands, encouraging you. Let your kitchen get a little messy. Let your heart feel full. That is where the magic lives.
