Name: Strawberry Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup vegetable oil (170g); 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (56g); 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (300g); 3 large eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/3 cup milk (80g); 340g fresh or frozen strawberries (about 1 1/2 cups of puree); 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (360g); 2 tbsp cornstarch (20g); 3/4 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp salt; Optional: few drops of pink gel food coloring; 12 oz cream cheese, room temperature (340g); 1/3 cup strawberry jam of choice (80g); 1/4 cup granulated sugar (60g); 1/3 cup heavy cream (80g); Pinch of salt; Fresh strawberries to taste, sliced

If you’re craving a dessert that’s bursting with the fresh, sweet flavor of strawberries, you’re going to adore this Strawberry Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It’s moist, tender, and topped with a silky strawberry-infused frosting that practically melts in your mouth. Trust me, once you try it, this cake will quickly become your go-to for casual get-togethers or simply treating yourself.

A close-up view of a rectangular slice of light brown cake with a thick, smooth layer of pink frosting on top, decorated with three small fresh red strawberries and red sprinkles scattered over the frosting. The cake is being lifted by a clear spatula, showing its soft crumb texture inside. Around the slice, other pieces of the same cake with similar pink frosting and strawberry toppings are slightly visible, all set on a white marbled surface. 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

Whenever I make this cake, it brings a little sunshine into my kitchen — the fresh strawberry flavor really pops and the creamy frosting is just irresistible!

Deliciously Moist: The combination of fresh strawberries and a tender crumb makes every slice satisfyingly soft and flavorful.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of what you need at home, making it easy to whip up on a whim.
Perfect for Sharing: Baked in a 9x13 pan, it’s great for gatherings, potlucks, or family dinners.
Silky Frosting: The strawberry cream cheese frosting adds just the right tang and sweetness without being overpowering.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start mixing, here’s a quick breakdown of the ingredients and why each one matters. Also, if you’re using frozen strawberries, remember to thaw them for about 30 minutes to make your puree extra smooth.

Flat lay of a small pool of vegetable oil in a simple white ceramic bowl, a few unsalted butter cubes melted and pooled in a small white bowl, a small white bowl filled with granulated sugar, three whole brown eggs with clean shells arranged in a triangle, a small white bowl holding pale vanilla extract, a small white bowl with fresh milk, fresh whole strawberries both whole and sliced revealing bright red juicy interiors, a small white bowl with all-purpose flour, a small white bowl with fine cornstarch, a small white bowl containing baking soda powder, a small white bowl containing baking powder, a small white bowl with fine salt, a small white bowl of cream cheese at room temperature, a small white bowl filled with vibrant red strawberry jam, a small white bowl of granulated sugar for the frosting, a small white bowl of heavy cream, and a pinch of salt displayed neatly and symmetrically, all 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 wonderfully moist and tender without overpowering the strawberry flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and depth that complements the fruit’s natural sweetness.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping to create a light crumb.
Large Eggs: Provide structure and help bind all the ingredients together.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and deepens the flavor complexity.
Milk: Softens the batter and balances the richness from the oil and butter.
Fresh or Frozen Strawberries: The star ingredient! Pureed strawberries infuse the cake with authentic, natural flavor and a hint of fruity tang.
All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the cake’s tender crumb.
Cornstarch: Keeps the texture light and delicate by softening the flour’s gluten.
Baking Soda & Baking Powder: Work together to give the cake a gentle rise and fluffy texture.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Pink Gel Food Coloring (Optional): Adds a pretty pink hue without changing the batter’s consistency, perfect for making this cake extra festive.
Cream Cheese: For the frosting, it’s key to use room temperature to achieve that silky, creamy texture.
Strawberry Jam: Packs extra strawberry punch into the cream cheese frosting with natural sweetness and flavor.
Heavy Cream: Lightens the frosting and helps create that smooth, spreadable consistency.
Salt (for frosting): Just a pinch to contrast the sweetness and elevate the taste.
Fresh Strawberries (for decoration): Sliced on top, they add freshness, color, and a delightful bite.

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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

One of the best parts about this Strawberry Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is how easily it adapts to your tastes and pantry. Whether you want to tweak the texture, add a seasonal twist, or make it fit dietary needs, there’s room to personalize this delicious cake.

Strawberry Variety: I love using fresh strawberries in spring and summer for that vibrant flavor, but frozen strawberries work just as well any time of year. Just make sure to thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before pureeing to avoid adding too much liquid to the batter.
Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free twist, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese and swap the butter for coconut oil. The cake stays moist, and the frosting still gets that creamy texture I adore.
Extra Pink Hue: If you want a more vivid pink color, add a few drops of pink gel food coloring to the batter. I find gel keeps the batter consistency just right without watering it down like liquid food coloring might.
Thick Frosting Love: I personally prefer a thin layer of cream cheese frosting to complement the tender cake, but if you prefer your Strawberry Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe to be extra indulgent, simply double the frosting ingredients for a thicker, creamier topping.
Nutty Crunch: For a little texture contrast, sprinkle toasted chopped pecans or sliced almonds on top after spreading the frosting. It adds a lovely crunch without overpowering the strawberry flavor.

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

A slice of light pink cake sits on a white scalloped plate, topped with a creamy layer of pale pink frosting and decorated with fresh, red strawberry slices. The cake has one visible layer of soft, moist texture. There are crumbs scattered near the slice, and a gold fork is placed under the cake, lifting it slightly. In the background, there is another larger piece of the same cake on a white scalloped plate, also topped with pink frosting and whole strawberries. Bright red strawberries and dried strawberry pieces are scattered on a white marbled surface around the plates. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (conventional, no fan). This temperature is perfect for baking the cake evenly without drying it out. Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper — this little step makes sure your cake slides out effortlessly and helps prevent sticking. Leave some extra parchment hanging over the edges so you can grab it to lift the cake out once cooled.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine ¾ cup vegetable oil, ¼ cup melted unsalted butter, 1½ cups granulated sugar, 3 large eggs, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to beat everything until smooth and creamy—about 2 minutes. You'll notice the mixture lightens up and becomes homogenous, which sets a beautiful base for your cake.

Step 3: Puree Your Strawberries

Whether your strawberries are fresh or frozen, blitz 340 grams (about 1½ cups) in a food processor or blender until you get a puree. If you like a bit of texture in your cake, pulse less to leave tiny strawberry bits—they add a delightful burst of fruitiness in every bite!

Step 4: Combine Wet Mixtures and Add Milk

Add the strawberry puree and ⅓ cup milk to the bowl with the other wet ingredients. Whisk gently until everything is fully combined, creating a lovely pink batter that already smells like summer.

Step 5: Sift and Mix Dry Ingredients

Sift together 2¾ cups all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, ¾ teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt. Sifting helps incorporate air and removes lumps for a tender crumb. Gradually whisk the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a hand whisk, stirring just until no lumps remain. Resist the urge to overmix — a gentle touch keeps the cake tender and light.

Step 6: Add Color (Optional)

If you want that beautiful strawberry-pink hue to really pop, fold in a few drops of pink gel food coloring now. Gel color won’t thin out your batter, so it’s the perfect choice for this delicate cake.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pour your batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top gently. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the cake’s center — it should come out with moist crumbs, but no wet batter. This ensures your cake stays perfectly moist and tender.

Step 8: Cool the Cake Completely

Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool fully at room temperature—about 10 minutes or so. Cooling is key before frosting, so the cream cheese topping won’t melt and slide right off.

Step 9: Whip Up the Frosting

In a clean bowl, add 12 ounces 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 smooth and free of lumps. This silky frosting has just the right balance of sweetness and tang. Avoid overmixing to keep it from becoming runny. If you want, add a drop of pink gel color here for an extra pop!

Step 10: Frost and Decorate

Once the cake is completely cooled, either lift it out using the parchment edges or leave it in the pan for easier serving. Spread the luscious cream cheese frosting evenly over the top, then pile on fresh sliced strawberries for a stunning finish. This not only looks beautiful but adds a fresh burst of flavor with every bite.

Step 11: Serve and Store

Slice your Strawberry Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe into 12 generous servings and enjoy! This cake tastes best at room temperature, but store any leftovers in the fridge to keep it fresh. Just bring slices back to room temp before serving for the perfect tender bite.

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the most out of your Strawberry Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, ensuring a moist, flavorful cake and a silky-smooth frosting every time.

Use Fresh or Properly Thawed Strawberries: I found that using fresh strawberries or thawing frozen strawberries at room temperature for 30 minutes before pureeing really preserves the bright strawberry flavor and natural moisture in the cake.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a tougher cake, so gently whisk the dry ingredients in until just combined to keep the cake light and tender.
Control Frosting Texture: Whisk the cream cheese frosting on medium-low speed until smooth but not overmixed — this keeps the frosting silky without becoming runny.
Test Doneness Carefully: A toothpick with a few moist crumbs (no wet batter) means your cake is perfectly baked and will be delightfully moist.

How to Serve Strawberry Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

A wooden bowl filled with thick, smooth pink batter that has small red specks mixed evenly throughout. A metal whisk with a wooden handle is resting in the batter, with batter coating the whisk’s loops. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and there is some dusting of flour around the rim of the bowl and on the surface. The batter looks creamy and soft with gentle swirls made by the whisk. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh sliced strawberries are a classic and beautiful garnish that complement the cake’s strawberry flavor. For a little extra flair, sprinkle chopped toasted almonds or a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. A few mint leaves add a fresh pop of color and aroma.

Side Dishes

This Strawberry Sheet Cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a luscious finish. A simple mixed berry salad or a light lemon sorbet also provide a refreshing contrast without overpowering the delicate strawberry flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After slicing, store any leftover cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the cake fresh and moist for up to 2 days, perfect for enjoying later without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cake layer tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 1 month. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator before frosting. Avoid freezing after frosting to preserve the cream cheese frosting’s texture and flavor.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed at room temperature. Let refrigerated slices sit out for about 20 minutes before serving to bring out their full flavor and softness. Avoid microwaving as it can affect the delicate texture of the cream cheese frosting.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! Use thawed frozen strawberries and let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before pureeing. This ensures your cake stays moist and packed with strawberry flavor.

Why is the cake batter pink and can I skip the food coloring?

The pink gel food coloring is optional and just enhances the strawberry pink color. The natural strawberry puree already provides a lovely soft pink hue, so you can skip the food coloring if you prefer a more natural look.

How thick is the cream cheese frosting layer?

This recipe produces a light layer of silky cream cheese frosting that complements the cake without overpowering it. If you prefer a thicker frosting, feel free to increase the frosting ingredients accordingly.

Can I make this cake vegan or dairy-free?

To make a vegan or dairy-free version, you would need to substitute the eggs, butter, milk, cream cheese, and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives. Keep in mind, this will alter the texture and flavor, so some experimentation is recommended.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is truly a celebration of fresh strawberry flavor in a simple, accessible dessert. Whether you're baking for a celebration or just because, this cake’s moist crumb and luscious frosting never fail to delight. I hope it brings a little slice of sunshine and sweetness to your kitchen — enjoy every bite!