🍓 Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake Recipe

The Story & Introduction

Hi, I’m Inaya, 38, from the sun-kissed island of Crete, Greece. Growing up, I spent my summers helping my grandmother bake cakes using fresh fruits from our garden. Strawberries were always my favorite their bright color, sweet aroma, and juicy taste made every dessert special.

When I moved away, I wanted to recreate that same nostalgic flavor but in a simpler, fuss-free way. That’s how this Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake came to life soft, buttery vanilla cake topped with fluffy whipped cream and a generous layer of juicy strawberries.

It’s the perfect dessert for family gatherings, birthdays, or even a quiet afternoon treat. Unlike traditional layered shortcakes, this sheet cake version is easy, feeds a crowd, and still feels wonderfully homemade.

Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced one, this strawberry shortcake sheet cake recipe is pure joy to make and even better to share. Every bite feels like a warm hug soft, creamy, and full of strawberry goodness.

Ingredients

You’ll need a few simple ingredients all easily found in your pantry or at your local market.

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ cup sour cream

For the Strawberry Topping:

• 1 lb (450g) fresh strawberries, sliced
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Whipped Cream Frosting:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

In a bowl, mix the sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes this helps them release their natural juices, creating a delicious syrup.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper.

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another large bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla. Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients with buttermilk and sour cream, mixing just until smooth.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.

Step 4: Make the Whipped Cream

Beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla together until soft peaks form. Don’t overwhip — you want a smooth, fluffy texture.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

Spread the whipped cream evenly over the cooled cake. Spoon the macerated strawberries on top, letting some of the syrup drizzle over the cream. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for the flavors to blend beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

This Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake is best served chilled, with an extra spoonful of syrup and a few mint leaves on top. It pairs beautifully with a cup of Greek coffee or a glass of chilled rosé.

If you’re preparing for a party, you can slice the cake into squares and serve each piece with a fresh strawberry on top.

🍓 Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake Recipe

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A soft, buttery vanilla sheet cake layered with fluffy whipped cream and juicy macerated strawberries this Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake is a simple yet elegant dessert that brings the taste of summer right to your table. Perfect for parties, family dinners, or cozy afternoons with coffee.

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 ½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar

• 3 large eggs

• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup buttermilk

• ½ cup sour cream

For the Strawberry Topping:

• 1 lb (450g) fresh strawberries, sliced

• 2 tbsp granulated sugar

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Whipped Cream Frosting:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Strawberries:
   Combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a bowl. Let sit for 30 minutes to release juices.

2. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan:
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan and line with parchment paper.

3. Make the Cake Batter:
   In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
   In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla.
   Alternate adding dry ingredients with buttermilk and sour cream. Mix just until combined.

4. Bake:
   Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.

5. Make Whipped Cream:
   Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.

6. Assemble:
   Spread whipped cream evenly on the cooled cake. Top with macerated strawberries and drizzle syrup over the top. Refrigerate 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

• For extra flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar to your strawberries before macerating.

• Use chilled heavy cream for better whipping results.

• Cake can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• You can substitute strawberries with raspberries or peaches for a seasonal twist.

• Author: INAYA
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American – Greek Inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/12 of cake)
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 170mg
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Conclusion

Making this strawberry shortcake sheet cake reminds me of baking in my grandmother’s kitchen where love, laughter, and the scent of strawberries filled the air.

It’s simple, elegant, and heartwarming proof that even a humble sheet cake can taste like a celebration. Whether you bake it for friends, family, or just yourself, this recipe brings sunshine to any table.

So preheat that oven, grab your strawberries, and let’s make something delicious together. ❤️

Short 100-Word Version

Hi, I’m Inaya from Crete! This Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake is my go-to dessert for easy, crowd-pleasing sweetness. It combines a buttery vanilla cake, fluffy whipped cream, and juicy strawberries all baked in one pan! Simple, elegant, and irresistibly good. The best part? It’s stress-free and full of homemade charm. Perfect for family gatherings or summer afternoons, this cake tastes like sunshine in every bite. Bake, share, and enjoy the warmth of a classic made simple.