The smell of freshly baked strawberry sheet shortcake wafts through the air, mingling with the sweet notes of summer sunshine. This delightful dessert combines fluffy cake layers with juicy strawberries and whipped cream—truly a match made in heaven.
Imagine serving this at your next family gathering; it’s bound to steal the show! With its vibrant colors and luscious flavors, this strawberry sheet shortcake is not just food; it’s a celebration on a plate.
Four compelling bullet points highlighting the recipe’s standout features without writing or typing dashes.
– A straightforward recipe that anyone can master in under an hour.
– Bursting with fresh strawberries and fluffy whipped cream for an unforgettable flavor experience.
– Visually stunning, making it an impressive centerpiece for any occasion.
– Versatile enough to swap out strawberries for other berries or fruits based on your preference.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This easy strawberry sheet shortcake is not only quick to prepare but offers delightful flavors that everyone will love
- The visual appeal makes it perfect for summer parties or barbecues
- You can effortlessly customize it by adding different fruits, too!
A small paragraph of a Personal anecdote of 15 to 20 words sharing a specific experience with the recipe.
I once brought this strawberry sheet shortcake to a picnic, and it vanished faster than my phone at a family gathering!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe strawberries for optimal sweetness; they should be bright red and firm when you select them.
- Granulated Sugar: This sweetener helps draw out the natural juices from the strawberries while balancing flavors perfectly.
- All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached flour for a light texture; it helps give structure while keeping things fluffy.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent ensures your cake rises beautifully; check freshness for best results.
- Baking Soda: A pinch adds lift and enhances browning; always ensure it’s fresh for maximum effect.
- Salt: Just a sprinkle enhances all flavors; don’t skip it!
- Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy mixing into batter; it creates that rich flavor we all love!
- Milk: Whole milk makes everything creamier; opt for full-fat versions if possible.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract adds depth of flavor; avoid imitation if you want that gourmet touch.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Essential for fluffy whipped topping—don’t skimp here!
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens your whipped cream without grittiness; add gradually until desired sweetness is achieved.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper.
Prepare Your Strawberries: Wash and hull about 1 pound of fresh strawberries. Slice them thinly and sprinkle some sugar over them to enhance their natural sweetness.
Create the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt. In another bowl, cream butter until light and fluffy; then add eggs one at a time.
Add Wet Ingredients to Dry Ones: Gradually mix your dry ingredients into the creamed mixture while alternating with milk. Stir until just combined—not too long or you’ll have tough cake!
Bake Your Cake: Pour batter into your prepared baking sheet evenly. Bake in preheated oven for around 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and toothpick comes out clean.
Whip Up Some Cream: While your cake cools slightly, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar gradually until you reach desired sweetness.
Enjoy assembling this treat by layering slices of cake with strawberries and whipped cream—each bite should sing with summertime joy!
You Must Know
- Strawberry sheet shortcake is a delightful twist on a classic dessert
- The airy cake paired with fresh strawberries creates a heavenly flavor experience
- Don’t underestimate the importance of fresh ingredients; they make all the difference in taste and presentation
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, mix the batter and prepare your strawberries. Bake the cake until golden brown and let it cool completely before assembling.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap strawberries for other berries like blueberries or raspberries. You can also experiment with flavored whipped cream, adding vanilla or even a splash of liqueur for an adult twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover strawberry sheet shortcake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best results, assemble just before serving to keep the cake fluffy and fresh.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter; this helps create a light, airy texture
- When whipping cream, chill your bowl and beaters to achieve perfect peaks
- Lastly, don’t skip straining your berries; it prevents sogginess and keeps everything tidy!
It was my grandmother’s recipe that first introduced me to strawberry shortcake. I remember her laughter as we shared the last piece, promising each other we’d never forget that sweet moment.
FAQ
What is strawberry sheet shortcake?
Strawberry sheet shortcake is an easy, layered dessert made with cake, strawberries, and whipped cream.
Can I freeze strawberry sheet shortcake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake layers separately but avoid freezing assembled shortcake.
How do I prevent sogginess in my sheet cake?
To prevent sogginess, layer strawberries just before serving instead of ahead of time.
Strawberry Sheet Shortcake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 people
Description
Delight in this easy strawberry sheet shortcake, featuring fluffy cake layers, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream—perfect for summer gatherings!
Ingredients
- Fresh strawberries
- Granulated sugar
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
- Whole milk
- Vanilla extract
- Heavy whipping cream
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
- Wash, hull, and slice about 1 pound of fresh strawberries. Sprinkle sugar over them to enhance sweetness.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt. In another bowl, cream room temperature butter until fluffy; then add eggs one at a time.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture, alternating with milk until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely before assembling.
- Whip heavy cream until soft peaks form; gradually add powdered sugar to reach desired sweetness. Layer slices of cake with strawberries and whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (85g)
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
