Introduction to Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake
If you’ve ever indulged in a classic strawberry shortcake, you know the delightful layers of fluffy cake, luscious cream, and sweet strawberries that make it irresistible. But have you ever thought of transforming that beloved dessert into a sheet cake? This strawberry shortcake sheet cake makes sharing a breeze while retaining all the flavors you adore.
Why Go for a Sheet Cake Version of Strawberry Shortcake?
Opting for a sheet cake version brings convenience to the forefront. Imagine a moist, fluffy cake that easily serves a crowd—with no fiddly layers to deal with! Perfect for potlucks, parties, or simply a family gathering, a sheet cake ensures everyone gets a generous slice without the hassle of assembling layers.
Furthermore, using freeze-dried strawberries not only intensifies the strawberry flavor but also adds a beautiful hue to your cake. Pairing it with cream cheese frosting gives that rich and tangy note, elevating the experience. If you're interested in making missteps in your baking or engaging with other foodies, consider checking out the AllRecipes forum for tips and tricks!
So, ready to dive into this easy and delightful recipe? Let’s get baking and create a dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake
Overview of Cake Ingredients
Creating a delicious strawberry shortcake sheet cake starts with some delightful ingredients. You'll need 3 cups of freeze-dried strawberries, which give your cake a rich, concentrated flavor. Popular choices for the fat in this recipe include 1 cup of melted coconut oil—a healthier alternative that keeps your cake moist. Don’t forget ½ cup of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream to enhance the cake's texture. For sweetness, ¾ cup granulated sugar should do the trick, while 1 cup of high-quality strawberry jam brings in that fresh fruitiness we adore. You’ll also need 2 large eggs, 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, and a few leavening agents like 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder and ¼ teaspoon baking soda.
Overview of Frosting Ingredients
To crown your strawberry shortcake sheet cake, whip up an irresistible frosting. Start with 6 ounces of cream cheese and 2 sticks of salted butter, both at room temperature for the perfect consistency. For that sugary sweetness, measure out 2 ½ to 3 cups of powdered sugar. A splash of 1 teaspoon vanilla extract adds warmth, while ¼ cup of warm milk helps achieve the desired texture. Finally, stir in ⅓ cup of strawberry jam for a fruity twist, and finish with 1 cup of brown rice crispies for that delightful crunch.
These ingredients come together to make a cake that is not only beautiful to look at but utterly delicious too!
Preparing Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake
Making a delightful strawberry shortcake sheet cake is a breeze, especially with a few key steps that will guide you towards sweet success. Whether you’re prepping for a gathering or just craving a slice of something delicious, this cake will surely satisfy your indulgent cravings. Here’s how to prepare it!
Process the freeze-dried strawberries
Start by transforming those vibrant freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder. This is crucial as it infuses your strawberry shortcake sheet cake with a robust fruity flavor. Simply toss 3 cups of freeze-dried strawberries into a blender or food processor, and blend until it's a fine dust. This step not only enhances the cake but will also add a lovely hue to your frosting later on.
Preheat the oven and prep the baking dish
Once your strawberry powder is ready, it’s time to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish. Line it with parchment paper—this will keep your cake from sticking and make for easy removal once it’s baked. Trust me, a well-prepped baking dish makes all the difference when it's time to cut those perfect slices!
Mix the wet ingredients and combine with dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the wet ingredients: 1 cup of melted coconut oil, ½ cup of plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream), 2 large eggs, and ¾ cup of granulated sugar. Stir in 1 cup of high-quality strawberry jam and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. This combination will ensure your cake has a moist and flavorful base. Now, add the dry ingredients: 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, ¼ teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Fold in about ⅔ of the strawberry powder you made earlier. Finally, slowly mix in ¼ cup of milk until everything is combined.
Bake the cake to perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and pop it in the oven. Allow it to bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the center is set and no longer wiggly. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Once baked, remove the cake and let it cool completely in the pan.
Make the frosting and decorate the cake
To whip up a dreamy frosting, start by beating 6 ounces of room-temperature cream cheese until it’s fluffy. Gradually add 2 sticks of softened salted butter, and beat until well combined. Mix in 2 ½ to 3 cups of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. You can adjust the consistency by adding warm milk. For that extra strawberry touch, swirl in ⅓ cup of strawberry jam right at the end.
Once your cake is cool, frost it generously. For a fun and crunchy finish, sprinkle brown rice crispies mixed with the remaining strawberry powder over the top.
Now you’re ready to slice, serve, and enjoy your delicious strawberry shortcake sheet cake! Whether for a special occasion or a weekday treat, this cake is sure to impress.
Variations on Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake
Gluten-free Options
If you've got dietary restrictions in your circle, never fear! You can easily swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to make this strawberry shortcake sheet cake accessible for everyone. Look for a blend that mimics the properties of regular flour—this helps maintain that delightful texture. Brands like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur Flour offer great gluten-free options. Just be sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free, too!
Vegan Adaptations
Want to cater to your vegan friends? No problem! Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg) and switch the Greek yogurt for a non-dairy alternative like coconut yogurt. For the frosting, you can use vegan butter and a plant-based cream cheese. Trust us, even non-vegans will love this delightful twist on the classic strawberry shortcake sheet cake!
Feel free to add your own twist and make this cake your own, celebrating your dietary preferences! Happy baking!
Cooking Tips and Notes for Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your strawberry shortcake sheet cake, keep an eye out for these common pitfalls:
- Overmixing the batter: This could lead to a dense cake. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
- Skipping the parchment paper: Not lining your baking dish can result in a sticky mess come serving time.
- Not cooling the cake properly: Make sure to allow it to cool completely before frosting, or you risk a melty disaster.
Storing Tips for Leftovers
If you have leftovers of this delightful strawberry shortcake sheet cake, store it properly to keep it fresh and tasty:
- Refrigerate: Place any leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge, where it can stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for later: For longer storage, wrap individual slices securely in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Just pull it out when you're ready to enjoy a sweet treat!
Need more inspiration? Check out this guide on freezing baked goods for freshness.
Serving suggestions for Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake
Ideal occasions for serving this cake
This delightful strawberry shortcake sheet cake is perfect for a variety of occasions! Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a summer barbecue, or looking for a lovely dessert for a picnic, this cake is a crowd-pleaser. Its vibrant color and fresh flavor make it an excellent choice for bridal showers and bridal receptions, too. You could even whip it up for an informal potluck gathering or family reunion—everyone will adore a slice!
Pairing ideas to elevate your dessert experience
To enhance your strawberry shortcake sheet cake experience, consider serving it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for that creamy balance. A fruity berry compote on the side can also complement the cake’s sweetness. For drinks, opt for refreshing sparkling water with a splash of lemon or iced tea with mint to keep things light and tasty. If you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle some balsamic reduction over your slice for an unexpected twist that will have guests raving!
Time breakdown for Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake
Preparation time
Getting started with your strawberry shortcake sheet cake takes about 20 minutes. This includes gathering all your ingredients, blending the freeze-dried strawberries, and mixing the cake batter. Speedy prep means you can get to the best part—baking—much faster!
Baking time
The cake will need 30-35 minutes in the oven at 350°F. Keep an eye on it; you want the top to be just set—a little golden brown is perfect for that home-baked look.
Cooling and decorating time
After baking, let your cake cool for about 30 minutes before frosting it. Decorating with that delicious cream cheese frosting and strawberry jam will take another 15-20 minutes. In less than an hour, you’ll have a beautiful strawberry shortcake sheet cake to share!
Nutritional Facts for Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake
Calories per serving
Each slice of this delicious strawberry shortcake sheet cake contains approximately 300 calories. Keep in mind that serving sizes can vary, so adjust accordingly based on your preferences.
Breakdown of key nutritional content
This delightful treat features a wonderful blend of flavors and textures while providing essential nutrients:
- Total Fat: 14g (Includes healthy fats from coconut oil)
- Carbohydrates: 45g (Quick energy from sugars and flour)
- Protein: 4g (From Greek yogurt and eggs)
- Fiber: 1g (Minimal, but the strawberries help add a bit)
For further details, consider checking out sources like the USDA Nutrient Database for a comprehensive breakdown of the nutritional content of ingredients used. Remember to enjoy this cake as an occasional treat within a balanced diet!
FAQs about Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried ones?
Absolutely! While the freeze-dried strawberries offer concentrated flavor and a lovely texture, you can definitely use fresh strawberries in your strawberry shortcake sheet cake. Simply chop them finely to mix into the batter, but remember that using fresh strawberries may require adjusting the moisture in your cake. Excess moisture can affect the cake's texture, so consider adding a little more flour if it seems too wet.
How can I make the cake more flavorful?
To elevate the flavor of your strawberry shortcake sheet cake, here are a few tips:
- Add a splash of lemon juice for a zesty kick.
- Try using vanilla bean paste instead of extract for a deeper vanilla flavor.
- Incorporate more strawberry jam into the batter or frosting for a richer taste.
These small tweaks can make a big difference!
What are some creative serving ideas for this dessert?
Get creative with your presentation! Consider these fun serving ideas:
- Top slices with whipped cream and extra fresh strawberries.
- Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
- For a twist, drizzle with balsamic reduction to enhance the strawberries' natural sweetness.
These ideas can transform your strawberry shortcake sheet cake into a stunning centerpiece for any gathering!
Conclusion on Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake
Final thoughts on making and enjoying this delightful treat
Creating a strawberry shortcake sheet cake is a joyful experience that brings a taste of summer to your table year-round. This delightful dessert is perfect for gatherings, offering fruity satisfaction in every slice. Enjoy it fresh, share it with friends, and relish the sweet memories it creates!
Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake
Equipment
- blender
- Oven
- mixing bowl
- Stand Mixer
- baking dish
Ingredients
Cake
- 3 cups freeze dried strawberries
- 1 cup melted coconut oil
- ½ cup plain greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup high-quality strawberry jam
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup milk
Frosting
- 6 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
- 2 sticks salted butter at room temperature
- 2 ½-3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup warm milk
- ⅓ cup strawberry jam
- 1 cup brown rice crispies
Instructions
Preparation
- In a blender or food processor, process 3 cups freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder.
- Preheat the oven to 350° F. Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat together the coconut oil, yogurt, eggs, sugar, strawberry jam, and vanilla. Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add about ⅔ of the strawberry powder (save the remainder for the frosting). Mix until just combined, then slowly beat in the milk until fully combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the top is just set and no longer wiggly in the center. Remove and let cool.
- To make the frosting: In a stand mixer, beat together the cream cheese until whipped. Add the butter and beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat until the frosting is light and fluffy, then slowly stream in the milk until your desired consistency is reached, you may not use it all.
- Frost the cake all over. Swirl the jam into the frosting, not fully mixing it in. Add the rice crispies to a blender or ziplock bag. Crush into fine crumbs, then mix in the remaining strawberry powder (about 3 tablespoons). Sprinkle the crumbs over the cake. Slice, eat and enjoy!
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