The sweet aroma of baked strawberries wafting through the kitchen is like a warm hug from grandma on a chilly day. Picture this: a fluffy cake base layered with juicy strawberries and cloud-like whipped cream that dances on your taste buds like it’s auditioning for “Dancing with the Stars.” Trust me; your taste buds are going to throw a party every time you take a bite of this strawberry sheet shortcake.
I remember the first time I made this dish; my friends devoured it faster than I could say “strawberry shortcake.” It was a sunny afternoon BBQ, and everyone was buzzing with excitement. As soon as I placed it on the table, it vanished within minutes! Perfect for picnics or backyard barbecues, this delightful treat packs all the flavor without any fuss.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This easy-to-make strawberry sheet shortcake is quick to prepare and requires minimal ingredients
- The delightful blend of flavors will impress your friends and family
- Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing, perfect for any gathering
- Enjoy this versatile dessert at parties or casual dinners alike
Making this dish always brings back fond memories of laughter and joy around the table. My cousin once claimed he could eat an entire tray by himself—let’s just say he tried and failed miserably but laughed hard while doing so!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Strawberries: Select plump, ripe strawberries for the best flavor; they should be vibrant red with no soft spots.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar helps to enhance the natural sweetness of the strawberries; adjust according to your taste.
- All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached flour for a tender crumb; it’s essential for that fluffy texture we all love.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent is crucial for making the cake rise beautifully.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances out the sweetness of the cake; don’t skip it!
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over saltiness; it adds richness too.
- Milk: Whole milk works best for a moist cake; feel free to use any milk you prefer!
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Essential for making that luscious whipped topping; don’t skimp here!
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla adds depth to both the cake and whipped cream—always opt for pure over imitation.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it with nonstick spray or butter so our delicious creation doesn’t stick around longer than necessary.
Prepare the Strawberries: Rinse your fresh strawberries under cold water. Hull them carefully and slice them into bite-sized pieces. Toss them in a bowl with sugar and let them sit while you work on the cake batter. This allows them to release their sweet juices—trust me; you’ll thank me later when you see how syrupy they become!
Create the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. In another bowl, cream softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy—this should take about 3-4 minutes on medium speed.
Add Wet Ingredients: Gradually mix in milk and vanilla extract into your buttery mixture until fully incorporated. Now slowly fold in the dry ingredients using a spatula—be gentle! We don’t want tough cake here!
Bake Your Cake: Pour the batter into your greased pan and spread it evenly using a spatula. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean—oh boy! Your kitchen will smell divine!
Whip Up Some Cream: While your cake cools down slightly, grab that heavy whipping cream! In another mixing bowl, beat it until soft peaks form—add sugar if desired—and voilà! You’ve got yourself some dreamy whipped cream.
Assemble Your Masterpiece: Once cooled completely (patience is key!), slice that beautiful cake in half horizontally. Layer half on a serving platter and top generously with those sugared strawberries followed by an elegant dollop of whipped cream before placing the other half on top.
Your friends will think you deserve all culinary awards when they see—and taste—this beauty!
Enjoy every mouthful of your homemade strawberry sheet shortcake—you’ve earned it after putting up with all those tempting aromas filling your kitchen!
You Must Know
- Strawberry sheet shortcake is a delightful twist on the classic dessert, simplifying preparation while maximizing flavor
- The contrast of sweet strawberries and fluffy cream makes it irresistible
- Perfect for gatherings, this treat is both visually appealing and incredibly satisfying
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven and preparing the strawberry filling first, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you bake the cake layer.
Add Your Touch
Experiment with different berries or add a splash of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile of your strawberry sheet shortcake.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat individual slices gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh strawberries for vibrant flavor; frozen berries can work but often yield more moisture
- Opt for a light touch when whipping cream to maintain its airy texture
- Allow the cake to cool completely before layering to prevent sogginess
It was during a summer picnic that my strawberry sheet shortcake stole the show, receiving rave reviews from friends who couldn’t get enough of its fluffy goodness.
FAQ
What is strawberry sheet shortcake?
Strawberry sheet shortcake is a simplified version of traditional shortcake served in a large pan.
Can I use other fruits for this recipe?
Yes, feel free to substitute strawberries with blueberries, peaches, or raspberries for variety.
How do I prevent the cake from becoming soggy?
Allow the cake to cool before layering and avoid over-soaking it with syrup or cream.
Strawberry Sheet Shortcake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12
Description
Strawberry Sheet Shortcake is a delightful summer dessert featuring layers of fluffy cake, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream. Perfect for any gathering, it’s simple to make and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
- Fresh strawberries
- Granulated sugar
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
- Whole milk
- Heavy whipping cream
- Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Hull and slice strawberries; toss with sugar and set aside to release juices.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, cream softened butter with sugar until fluffy. Gradually mix in milk and vanilla.
- Fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- While cooling, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- Once cooled, slice the cake horizontally, layer half with strawberries and whipped cream, then cover with the remaining cake half.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
