Name: Strawberry Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup vegetable oil (170g); ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (56g); 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (300g); 3 large eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; ⅓ cup milk (80g); 340g fresh or frozen strawberries (makes about 1 ½ cup of puree); 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (360g); 2 tbsp cornstarch (20g); ¾ tsp baking soda; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp salt; Optional: few drops of pink gel food color; 12 oz cream cheese, room temperature (340g); ⅓ cup strawberry jam (80g); ¼ cup granulated sugar (60g); ⅓ cup heavy cream (80g); Pinch of salt; Fresh strawberries to taste

If you're craving a dessert that's bursting with fresh strawberry flavor and easy to whip up, this Strawberry Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is exactly what you need. Moist, tender, and topped with a luscious frosting, it's a crowd-pleaser every single time.

The image shows a slice of rectangular cake with two layers: a moist light brown base and a thick, smooth pale pink frosting on top. The cake slice is decorated with halved fresh strawberries placed partly on the frosting, adding red and green from the fruit’s leaves. Pink crumbs are sprinkled over the frosting for extra texture. The slice is lifted slightly by a knife under it on a white marbled surface, with more cake slices visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Strawberry Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Strawberry Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made this cake; the fresh strawberry puree in the batter gave it such a light, natural sweetness, and that cream cheese frosting with strawberry jam? Absolutely dreamy. It's one of those desserts you find yourself craving over and over.

Fresh strawberry flavor: The cake uses real strawberry puree for a natural and vibrant taste.
Simple to make: No complicated techniques—just straightforward mixing and baking.
Perfectly balanced frosting: Cream cheese frosting sweetened with strawberry jam for a silky finish.
Beautiful presentation: Fresh strawberries on top make it look as stunning as it tastes.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing the right ingredients really makes a difference here, especially the strawberries and cream cheese. Whether fresh or frozen, quality fruit makes the flavor pop, and room temperature cream cheese ensures a smooth, dreamy frosting.

Flat lay of fresh whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of golden vegetable oil, a small white ceramic bowl with melted butter, a small white ceramic bowl filled with granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of milk, a small white ceramic bowl containing fresh whole strawberries with stems, a small white ceramic bowl of cream cheese softened and smooth, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red strawberry jam, a small white ceramic bowl of heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl of cornstarch, a small white ceramic bowl with all-purpose flour, and a small white ceramic bowl with a pinch of salt and mix of baking soda and baking powder all arranged symmetrically, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender without weighing it down.
Unsalted butter: Adds a subtle richness to the batter.
Granulated sugar: Provides the perfect sweetness balancing the natural strawberry tartness.
Eggs: Help bind the ingredients and add structure for a soft crumb.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor depth.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a tender texture.
Fresh or frozen strawberries: Pureed to infuse the cake with vibrant and natural strawberry flavor.
All-purpose flour: Forms the base, supporting a light yet sturdy crumb.
Cornstarch: Lightens the cake for that tender texture.
Baking soda and baking powder: Both help the cake rise nicely and become fluffy.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies the flavor.
Pink gel food color (optional): Adds a pretty pink hue if you want to amp up the visuals.
Cream cheese: The star of the frosting, providing creaminess with a tangy touch.
Strawberry jam: Sweetens and flavors the frosting naturally with real fruit bits.
Heavy cream: Lightens the frosting, making it silky and spreadable.
Fresh strawberries for decoration: Brighten up the cake and add fresh texture.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Strawberry Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is how easily you can tailor it to your taste or occasion. Whether you want it extra fruity, less sweet, or even dairy-free, there’s a delicious way to make it your own!

Variation: For a brighter strawberry flavor, I like to add a handful of finely chopped fresh strawberries right into the batter. It adds pops of juicy fruit that surprise your bite every time.
Dairy-Free Option: I’ve had wonderful results swapping the cream cheese and heavy cream for vegan cream cheese and coconut cream. The cake stays moist, and the frosting still has that luscious, creamy texture.
Color Play: If you want a deeper pink hue, adding a few drops of pink gel food coloring really amps up the visual appeal without affecting the flavor.
Seasonal Twist: When strawberries aren’t in season, try substituting fresh raspberries or blueberries—puree them just like the strawberries for a fun flavor twist!
Extra Frosting Love: If you’re a frosting fan like me, double the frosting ingredients so you get extra creamy coverage that makes each slice even more indulgent.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Strawberry Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

The image shows a single slice of light pink cake with a soft, crumbly texture, topped with a smooth layer of pale pink frosting. On top of the frosting, there are fresh strawberry slices adding bright red color with green small leaves attached. The slice sits on a white plate with a scalloped edge, with a gold fork placed under the slice. In the background, there is another smaller rectangular piece of the same cake on a similar white plate. Around the plates, whole strawberries and small pieces of dried strawberries are scattered on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (conventional, no fan). This ensures an even bake without drying out the delicate cake. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper—this makes removing the cake much easier and keeps the edges perfect. You can even leave an overhang on the sides to lift out the cake effortlessly once cool.

Step 2: Whisk Together Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine ¾ cup vegetable oil and ¼ cup melted unsalted butter. Add 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, 3 large eggs, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Beat the mixture with a hand mixer or whisk for about 2 minutes until it’s smooth and creamy. You’ll notice the sugar starts dissolving and the batter thickens slightly—this is a great sign your cake will be moist and tender.

Step 3: Puree the Strawberries

Next, blitz 340g of fresh or thawed strawberries in a food processor until smooth. I like to leave a little bit of texture because those tiny strawberry bits give the cake a lovely natural fruity bite. If you're using frozen berries, remember to thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes beforehand for the best puree consistency.

Step 4: Combine Puree and Milk with Wet Ingredients

Add the strawberry puree along with ⅓ cup of milk to your wet mixture. Whisk everything together well so the flavors meld evenly and the batter has a beautiful pink tint. If you want, this is the moment to add a few drops of pink gel food coloring for that extra pop of color.

Step 5: Fold in Dry Ingredients Gently

Sift together 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ¾ teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Using a hand whisk, gently fold just until no lumps remain—avoiding overmixing is key here to keep your cake tender and fluffy.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Pop it in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Start checking at 25 minutes by inserting a toothpick in the center—when it comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter, you’re good. Resist the urge to keep baking, as this cake tastes best moist and tender.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Let your cake cool in the pan at room temperature for about 10 minutes, then carefully lift it out using the parchment overhang (or leave it in the pan). Cooling fully before frosting ensures the cream cheese topping won’t melt or slide off.

Step 8: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a clean bowl, beat together 12 oz room temperature cream cheese, ⅓ cup strawberry jam, ¼ cup granulated sugar, ⅓ cup heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Whisk on medium-low speed until silky smooth and lump-free. Be careful not to overmix—too much air will cause the frosting to turn runny. If you want, add color here for consistency. This frosting is luscious and perfectly balances the fresh cake.

Step 9: Assemble and Decorate

Spread the strawberry cream cheese frosting generously over the cooled cake. Top with plenty of fresh sliced strawberries for a stunning, fresh finish that tastes as good as it looks. The fresh fruit adds color, texture, and an extra boost of strawberry flavor.

Step 10: Slice, Serve, and Store

Cut into 12 equal slices and serve at room temperature to fully enjoy the soft crumb and creamy frosting. Keep any leftovers refrigerated to maintain freshness. This cake is a perfect dessert to enjoy all summer long or bring to any celebration with a smile guaranteed!

Top Tip

Making the perfect Strawberry Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe may seem straightforward, but a few tried-and-true tips can elevate it to extraordinary. These pointers come from hands-on experience in my kitchen, and I’m excited to share them with you!

Handle the batter gently: After adding the dry ingredients, gently whisk just until no lumps remain. Overmixing can toughen the cake, so be patient and careful.
Use fresh or properly thawed strawberries: Frozen berries should be thawed at room temperature for about 30 minutes before pureeing to maintain the cake’s moist texture and vibrant flavor.
Chill your frosting ingredients beforehand: Let your cream cheese come to room temperature but keep the heavy cream cold until just before mixing. This helps the frosting whip up silky and smooth without becoming runny.
Don’t skip the cooling step: Wait until your cake is completely cooled before frosting. Applying frosting too soon can cause it to melt and slide off, which I’ve learned the hard way!

How to Serve Strawberry Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

A wooden bowl filled with smooth, light pink batter that has tiny darker pink specks mixed evenly throughout. A metal whisk with a wooden handle is resting inside the bowl, slightly lifting some of the batter, showing its creamy texture. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface and has a light dusting of flour along its rim, adding a touch of rustic feel. The batter looks thick but easy to stir, with soft swirls caused by the whisk's movement. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh, sliced strawberries on top are a classic finishing touch, adding brightness and natural sweetness. For a little extra flair, try a light dusting of powdered sugar or scatter some toasted sliced almonds on the frosting for crunch. A few edible flowers or a sprig of mint can add a beautiful pop of color and freshness.

Side Dishes

This strawberry cake pairs wonderfully with simple sides like vanilla ice cream or a scoop of whipped cream. For a refreshing balance, serve with a citrus fruit salad or a chilled glass of sparkling rosé. At brunch or summer parties, it complements light green salads or grilled chicken nicely.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After slicing, store any leftover strawberry sheet cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The frosting stays freshest this way. It’s best enjoyed within 3-4 days for optimal flavor and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before frosting and serving. Avoid freezing the cake once it has been frosted, as the texture of the frosting may change when thawed.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed at room temperature, so simply remove slices from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving. If you prefer it warm, gently warm a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, but avoid overheating as this can make the frosting too soft.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh for this cake?

Yes! Frozen strawberries work well if thawed at room temperature for about 30 minutes before pureeing. This prevents excess moisture and helps maintain the right texture in the cake.

What if I want more frosting on my cake?

This recipe makes a light layer of cream cheese frosting, but you can double the frosting ingredients to increase the frosting-to-cake ratio to your liking.

How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?

Bake the cake for about 30 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Avoid overbaking to keep the cake moist and tender.

Can I make the cake gluten-free?

This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, but you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends. Just be mindful of texture changes and adjust baking time if necessary.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe has quickly become a favorite in my family and friends’ gatherings. There’s something so joyful about biting into the soft, strawberry-infused crumb combined with the luscious, silky frosting and fresh berries on top. Whether it’s a celebration or a simple weekend treat, this cake brings a lovely touch of sweetness and warmth. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do!