Strawberry Sheet Cake with Pudding Layer – The Softest, Dreamiest Cake from My Kitchen

The Story & Intro

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.

Today I want to share something very special with you: my Strawberry Sheet Cake with Pudding Layer. This Strawberry Sheet Cake with Pudding Layer feels like spring sunshine on a plate. I make it when strawberries are sweet and bright, when my kitchen smells like vanilla and sugar, and when I want to see happy faces around my table.

The first time I made a Strawberry Sheet Cake with Pudding Layer, I remember thinking how beautiful it looked soft pink strawberries sitting on creamy pudding, all resting on a fluffy cake. It looked almost too pretty to cut. Almost. But once I sliced into it and saw those perfect layers, I knew this recipe would stay in my home forever.

This Strawberry Sheet Cake with Pudding Layer combines everything I love: soft cake, silky vanilla pudding, and juicy fresh strawberries. Every bite feels light, creamy, and comforting at the same time.

Why I Love Making This Recipe

I love this cake because it feels generous. A sheet cake feeds many people, and I always think about gatherings when I bake it. I imagine sisters talking over coffee, children running in the yard, neighbors stopping by “just for a minute” and staying for an hour.

I also love how simple it is. I don’t need fancy tools. I don’t need complicated techniques. I just need good strawberries, a soft vanilla cake base, and a smooth pudding layer that hugs everything together.

The pudding layer makes this cake special. It keeps the cake moist and adds that creamy texture that melts in your mouth. The strawberries bring freshness and a little tang that balances the sweetness perfectly.

When I serve this Strawberry Sheet Cake with Pudding Layer, I always see people close their eyes for a second when they take the first bite. That small moment makes all the effort worth it.

Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets

Let me tell you exactly what I use, and I will share my little secrets with you.

For the Cake Layer:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Pudding Layer:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 cup heavy cream

For the Strawberry Layer:

• 3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Optional Topping:

• 1 cup whipped cream
• Extra sliced strawberries for decoration

My Kitchen Secrets

I always use room temperature butter and eggs. They blend more smoothly and create a softer cake.

I taste my strawberries before using them. If they are very sweet, I reduce the sugar slightly. If they are a little tart, I add a bit more sugar.

I let the cake cool completely before adding the pudding layer. If the cake is warm, the pudding will melt and become messy.

I chill the cake for at least two hours before serving. Patience makes the layers set beautifully.

How I Make It, Step by Step

I always start by preheating my oven to 350°F (175°C). I grease and lightly flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.

1. I cream the butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy. I mix for about 3–4 minutes.
2. I add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. I stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In another bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. I add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture slowly, alternating with the milk. I start and end with the flour mixture.
6. I pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
7. I bake for 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. I let the cake cool completely in the pan.

While the cake cools, I prepare the strawberries.

9. I mix the sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice.
10. I let them sit for 20–30 minutes so they release their juices.

Next comes the pudding layer.

11. In a bowl, I whisk the instant pudding mix with the milk until it thickens.
12. In another bowl, I whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
13. I gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding. This makes it lighter and creamier.

Now I assemble everything.

14. I spread the pudding mixture evenly over the cooled cake.
15. I arrange the strawberries on top, spooning a little of their juice over the surface.
16. I refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours.

Before serving, I sometimes add whipped cream and a few extra strawberries on top.

How I Serve It at Home

I cut this Strawberry Sheet Cake with Pudding Layer into generous squares. I like to serve it slightly chilled but not too cold. I take it out of the refrigerator about 15 minutes before serving.

I place each slice on a simple white plate. Sometimes I dust a tiny bit of powdered sugar on top. Sometimes I add a spoon of extra whipped cream on the side.

When my friends come over for coffee, this cake always sits in the center of the table. It looks beautiful and inviting.

For birthdays or celebrations, I decorate the top with whole strawberries and mint leaves. It becomes elegant but still feels homemade and comforting.

Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips

I store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pudding layer keeps everything moist.

I do not recommend freezing this cake because the pudding texture changes after thawing.

If I want to make it ahead, I bake the cake one day before and keep it covered at room temperature. The next day, I prepare the pudding and strawberries and assemble everything fresh.

This cake tastes even better on the second day because the flavors blend together beautifully.

100-Word Short Version

This Strawberry Sheet Cake with Pudding Layer features a soft vanilla sheet cake topped with a creamy vanilla pudding mixture and fresh sweet strawberries. I bake the cake until fluffy, let it cool, then spread a light pudding and whipped cream layer over it. I finish with juicy strawberries tossed in sugar and lemon juice. After chilling, the layers set into a refreshing, creamy dessert that feels perfect for spring and summer gatherings. It’s simple, beautiful, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Recipe Card Section

⏱️ Time
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: About 3 hours

🛒 Ingredients

For the Cake:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

For the Pudding Layer:
2 cups whole milk
1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
1 cup heavy cream

For the Strawberry Layer:
3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Optional:
1 cup whipped cream

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan.
2. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time. Stir in vanilla.
4. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt separately.
5. Add dry ingredients alternately with milk.
6. Pour into pan and bake 30–35 minutes. Cool completely.
7. Mix strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let sit.
8. Whisk pudding mix with milk until thick.
9. Whip heavy cream and fold into pudding.
10. Spread pudding over cooled cake.
11. Top with strawberries.
12. Chill at least 2 hours before serving.

📝 Notes

Use ripe strawberries for best flavor. Chill well before slicing for clean layers. Store refrigerated up to 3 days.

🍽️ Nutrition (per serving, approximate)

Calories: 380
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 20g
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 220mg

Strawberry Sheet Cake with Pudding Layer

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• Author: INAYA
• Total Time: 3 hours
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Strawberry Sheet Cake with Pudding Layer is a soft, fluffy vanilla sheet cake topped with a light, creamy vanilla pudding layer and finished with juicy strawberries. I love how the pudding keeps every bite moist and tender, while the strawberries add a fresh, bright sweetness. It’s an easy, crowd-friendly dessert for gatherings, birthdays, or a cozy coffee moment at home—simple to make, beautiful to serve, and always the first pan to disappear.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 cups whole milk (for pudding)
• 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for strawberries)
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 cup whipped cream (optional, for topping)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×13-inch sheet cake pan.
2. Cream the softened butter and sugar in a large bowl until pale and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in 2–3 additions, alternating with the 1 cup milk. Mix just until combined to keep the cake tender.
6. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool the cake completely in the pan before adding the topping layers.
8. While the cake cools, toss the sliced strawberries with 2 tablespoons sugar and the lemon juice. Let them sit for 20–30 minutes to get juicy.
9. Make the pudding layer: whisk the pudding mix with 2 cups cold milk until thickened, about 2 minutes.
10. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream to soft peaks, then gently fold it into the pudding to make it light and creamy.
11. Spread the pudding mixture evenly over the cooled cake.
12. Spoon the strawberries over the pudding layer, adding a little of the strawberry juices for extra flavor.
13. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours (or up to overnight) so the layers set cleanly.
14. Slice into squares and serve chilled, optionally topped with whipped cream and extra strawberries.

Notes

For the best flavor, use ripe, fragrant strawberries and taste them before adding sugar—some batches need less. Make sure the cake is fully cooled before spreading the pudding layer, or it can melt and turn runny. Chill the finished cake at least 2 hours for neat slices. Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. I don’t recommend freezing this cake because the pudding texture can change after thawing. You can bake the cake a day ahead, then add pudding and strawberries the next day for the freshest topping.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 95mg

Conclusion

When I make this Strawberry Sheet Cake with Pudding Layer, I don’t just bake a dessert. I create a moment. I create something that invites people to sit down, slow down, and enjoy each other.

Every time I slice into it and see those soft, creamy layers, I feel proud. Not because it looks perfect, but because it carries love inside it.

If you try this recipe in your kitchen, imagine me standing next to you, smiling, maybe wiping flour off the counter. Bake it for your family. Bake it for your friends. Bake it for yourself.

Because food brings us together. And this Strawberry Sheet Cake with Pudding Layer brings pure sweetness to any table.