Welcome back to my kitchen, friends. Today, I’m sharing one of my all-time favorite big-batch desserts: a soft, fluffy, berry-rich strawberry cake sheet that’s perfect for birthdays, potlucks, family gatherings, school celebrations, or any moment when you need a dessert that feeds a crowd and tastes like summer.
If you’re already a fan of our classic Strawberry Cake Recipe: The Ultimate Homemade Guide (Fresh, Moist & Easy), you’re going to fall head-over-whisks for this recipe. It takes the same strawberry-packed flavor profile and transforms it into an easy strawberry sheet cake recipe that anyone—yes, even beginner bakers—can make without stress.
This beauty combines real fresh strawberry purée, strawberry gelatin, and a tender base that gives you that iconic moist strawberry cake from scratch feeling… but in the simplest, fastest way possible. Think of it as my Chef James version of a classic strawberry texas sheet cake, reimagined with richer berry flavor and a dreamy strawberry cream cheese frosting.
As always, I follow safe handling guidance when baking with fresh produce and dairy, especially when prepping large-batch desserts. I rely heavily on trusted sources like the USDA food safety guidelines and technique breakdowns from the Serious Eats baking guide to keep everything safe and high quality.
If you love strawberry desserts, you can also explore clusters like our creamy strawberry cheesecake cake walmart or berry-loaded strawberry cake mix canada. And don’t forget to revisit our pillar recipe—the heart of our strawberry category—Strawberry Cake Recipe: The Ultimate Homemade Guide (Fresh, Moist & Easy).
Ready to bake a perfectly pink masterpiece? Let’s make this unforgettable strawberry sheet cake.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cake Sheet
- Perfect for feeding a crowd — The quintessential strawberry party cake.
- Packed with real berry flavor thanks to fresh strawberry puree and gelatin.
- Super easy strawberry sheet cake — no complicated techniques, no guesswork.
- Moist, light, and tender every time, just like a moist strawberry cake from scratch.
- Vibrant color naturally (plus a little help from strawberry Jell-O).
- Pairs beautifully with strawberry cream cheese frosting for extra richness.
- Great for birthdays, holidays, potlucks, or Valentine’s Day.
- Customizable — turn it into cupcakes, a double-layer cake, or sheet cake bites.
Quick question for you, baker friend:
Would you serve your strawberry cake sheet with fresh berries on top or a thick swirl of strawberry puree frosting?
Ingredients Needed
Here’s everything you need to make this luscious strawberry sheet cake recipe:
🍓 For the Cake
- 16 oz fresh strawberries – Puréed to create a fresh strawberry puree cake base. You’ll need 1 cup for the batter.
- 1 box white cake mix – The foundation that keeps this recipe reliable and easy.
- 3 large eggs – Bring structure and tenderness.
- ¾ cup vegetable oil – Keeps the sheet cake lightweight and moist.
- 3 oz strawberry gelatin (Jell-O) – Adds sweetness, color, and enhances strawberry flavor, creating the classic strawberry sheet cake with jello texture.
🍰 For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened) – Base for creamy texture.
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened) – The star of strawberry cream cheese frosting.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances berry flavor.
- 3 cups powdered sugar – Sweetness + structure.
- ¼ cup strawberry purée – For color, flavor, and a silky finish.
Ingredient Tip (Chef James):
If you’re craving deeper flavor, swirl in a spoonful of concentrate from freeze-dried strawberries. It intensifies the flavor without adding moisture—one of my secret tricks when I prepare a fresh strawberry puree cake.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Fresh Strawberry Purée
Blend fresh strawberries until smooth. Measure 1 cup for the batter and ¼ cup for the frosting.
(If using frozen berries, thaw halfway—not fully—to avoid excess water.)
2. Make the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the cake mix, eggs, and oil.
Add the strawberry gelatin + 1 cup strawberry purée.
Mix until smooth. The batter should be vibrantly pink and fragrant.
3. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 sheet pan.
Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
4. Prepare the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat butter and cream cheese until creamy.
Add vanilla + powdered sugar.
Finish with the strawberry purée and beat until silky.
You just made a perfect strawberry puree frosting.
5. Frost the Cake
Once completely cooled, spread the frosting generously across the top.
6. Slice & Serve
Cut into squares and serve as a classic strawberry texas sheet cake–style treat.
Chef James Tip:
For parties or potlucks, cut into 1.5-inch squares for cleaner plating and easy serving.
Tips, Variations & Chef Suggestions
✔ Variations
- Raspberry Sheet Cake → Swap strawberries with raspberries + raspberry gelatin.
- Strawberry Crunch Topping → Add crushed cookies to mimic strawberry crunch cake cincinnati.
- Two-Layer Round Cake → Bake in two 9-inch pans (20–25 min) instead of a 9×13.
✔ Make It Extra Moist
Add 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt or sour cream for richer texture—similar to our how to make a strawberry cake from scratch method.
✔ Chef James Suggestion
Top your strawberry cake sheet with fresh sliced berries right before serving. It adds sparkle, freshness, and that irresistible bakery-style finish.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigeration
Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days.
This is safest and aligns with USDA food safety guidelines for dairy-based frostings.
Freezing
Flash-freeze slices on a tray, then wrap in plastic + foil.
Keeps for 2–3 months.
Perfect for make-ahead events or party prep.
Thawing
Let thaw at room temperature for 1 hour before serving.
Frosting will return to a creamy texture.
Do Not Store Fresh Berries on Top
Add them only when serving to avoid moisture and color bleeding.
FAQs (People Also Ask)
1. Can I make this strawberry cake sheet a day ahead?
Absolutely. This strawberry cake sheet actually tastes even better the next day because the strawberry flavors deepen. Just store it covered in the fridge and frost it the day of serving.
2. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, but don’t thaw them completely. If the berries release too much liquid, your strawberry puree becomes watery and affects the crumb. Follow the same safety rules recommended by the USDA food safety guidelines when handling thawed fruit.
3. Why do you add strawberry gelatin?
Strawberry gelatin enhances color and boosts berry flavor, creating that classic pink tone seen in many strawberry sheet cake recipes. It also helps keep the cake moist.
4. Can I bake it in a larger sheet pan for a crowd?
Definitely. You can double the recipe and bake it in an 18×26 pan for parties. This is why a strawberry texas sheet cake–style format is so beloved.
5. Can I use strawberry cake mix instead of white cake mix?
You can, but it will change the flavor intensity and sweetness. You’ll lose the fresh strawberry puree taste that makes this version shine.
6. How do I avoid a dense cake?
Don’t overmix the batter. Smooth is good—elastic is not. For best technique, refer to the Serious Eats baking guide which explains batter aeration beautifully.
What to Serve With This Cake
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This strawberry cake sheet pairs wonderfully with bright, refreshing sides that amplify its berry-forward flavor. Here are a few favorites from the Tiramisucake collection:
- Fresh fruit salads
- Light whipped cream bowls
- Berry-topped ice cream scoops
If you want more berry inspiration, revisit our pillar page:
👉 Strawberry Cake Recipe: The Ultimate Homemade Guide (Fresh, Moist & Easy)
This combination makes any dessert table feel warm, colorful, and summery.
More Recipes You’ll Love
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If you enjoyed this strawberry cake sheet, here are more delightful berry desserts you’ll want to explore next:
Each recipe offers a different take on strawberry flavor—creamy, vibrant, or bakery-style soft.
Print
Strawberry Cake Sheet (Moist, Fresh & Easy for a Crowd)
This strawberry cake sheet is fluffy, berry-rich, and perfect for birthdays, potlucks, and summer gatherings. It’s easy to make and feeds a crowd with classic strawberry flavor.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 servings 1x
Ingredients
16 oz fresh strawberries, puréed (1 cup for batter, ¼ cup for frosting)
1 box white cake mix
3 large eggs
¾ cup vegetable oil
3 oz strawberry gelatin (Jell-O)
For Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups powdered sugar
¼ cup strawberry purée
Instructions
1. Blend fresh strawberries until smooth. Reserve 1 cup for the cake and ¼ cup for the frosting.
2. In a large bowl, whisk cake mix, eggs, and oil. Add strawberry gelatin and 1 cup strawberry purée. Mix until smooth.
3. Pour batter into greased 9×13 sheet pan. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
4. To make frosting: Beat butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add vanilla and powdered sugar. Finish with strawberry purée and mix until silky.
5. Let cake cool completely, then frost generously.
6. Slice into squares and serve.
Notes
Use Greek yogurt or sour cream for an even moister texture.
Do not store fresh berries on the cake—add them right before serving.
For extra flavor, mix in freeze-dried strawberry powder to the frosting.
Double the recipe for an 18×26 sheet pan.
Chill cake before slicing for cleaner squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Conclusion (Chef James)
Thank you for joining me in the kitchen today. Creating this strawberry cake sheet is one of those joyful moments where simplicity meets nostalgic flavor. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a school event, or a relaxed weekend dinner, this cake always delivers dependable sweetness and moist texture.
I encourage you to explore our strawberry pillar recipe—Strawberry Cake Recipe: The Ultimate Homemade Guide (Fresh, Moist & Easy)—for even more berry inspiration. Baking is all about confidence, and the more you experiment, the more delicious your creations become.
If you’re preparing this strawberry cake sheet for a large gathering, consider pairing it with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even a second berry dessert for variation. And always remember: when using dairy-based frostings, refer to USDA food safety guidelines to ensure proper storage.
I hope this strawberry cake sheet becomes a dessert your family asks for again and again.
Bake it, share it, and don’t forget to leave a comment—I love hearing how your kitchen adventures turn out.
With sweetness,
Chef James
