Strawberry-Infused Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This Strawberry-Infused Sheet Cake is a delightful treat, combining the fresh flavor of strawberries with a rich cream cheese frosting. Ideal for any celebration or as a special everyday dessert, it’s sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup pureed fresh strawberries (about 1/2 cup strawberries blended)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed)
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh strawberries (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Preheat Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.

Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Incorporate Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture, alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
6. Fold in Strawberries: Gently fold in the pureed strawberries until evenly distributed.

Bake

1. Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool

1. Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Beat Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well after each addition.
3. Incorporate Vanilla and Milk: Stir in the vanilla extract and adjust the consistency with milk if needed.

Frost the Cake

1. Frost: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
2. Garnish: Garnish with chopped fresh strawberries if desired.

Serve

1. Cut and Enjoy: Cut into squares and enjoy!

Notes

• Strawberry Flavor: For a stronger strawberry flavor, mix a bit of strawberry jam into the frosting.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
   Yes, but thaw and drain them well before pureeing to avoid excess moisture in the cake.
2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
   Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance and store it, unfrosted, at room temperature. Frost before serving.
3. How do I store leftovers?
   Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
4. Can I freeze this cake?
   Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
5. Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?
   Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream.
6. What can I use instead of cream cheese in the frosting?
   You can use mascarpone cheese or a buttercream frosting for a different flavor.
7. How can I make the cake more strawberry-flavored?
   Add strawberry extract or mix in some strawberry jam with the batter.
8. Can I use a different type of fruit?
   Yes, you can substitute with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries.
9. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
10. What if I don’t have a 9×13-inch pan?
    You can use an 8×8-inch pan; just adjust the baking time as the cake may need a bit more time.

Conclusion

This Strawberry-Infused Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a luscious dessert that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the rich creaminess of frosting. It’s perfect for any occasion, offering a delightful treat that will please any crowd. Enjoy every bite of this indulgent dessert!

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