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
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Prepare the Cake Batter
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Incorporate Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture, alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in Strawberries: Gently fold in the pureed strawberries until evenly distributed.
Bake
- Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool
- 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
- Beat Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well after each addition.
- Incorporate Vanilla and Milk: Stir in the vanilla extract and adjust the consistency with milk if needed.
Frost the Cake
- Frost: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Garnish: Garnish with chopped fresh strawberries if desired.
Serve
- 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
- Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw and drain them well before pureeing to avoid excess moisture in the cake. - 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. - How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. - Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting. - Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream. - What can I use instead of cream cheese in the frosting?
You can use mascarpone cheese or a buttercream frosting for a different flavor. - How can I make the cake more strawberry-flavored?
Add strawberry extract or mix in some strawberry jam with the batter. - Can I use a different type of fruit?
Yes, you can substitute with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries. - How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. - 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!