Strawberry Sheet Shortcake Clara quick dinners

Strawberry Sheet Shortcake is a crowd-pleasing dessert that brings a fun, easy-to-serve twist to the traditional strawberry shortcake. Instead of individual biscuits, this version uses a moist vanilla sheet cake as the base, layered with sweetened strawberries and fluffy whipped cream. It’s the ultimate summer dessert—simple, nostalgic, and bursting with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for serving a group—great for parties and potlucks
• Easier to assemble than traditional shortcake biscuits
• Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
• Fresh, juicy strawberries shine as the star
• Light, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cake:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Whole milk or buttermilk

For the strawberries:

• Fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• Granulated sugar
• Lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

For the whipped cream:

• Heavy whipping cream
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Directions

1. Prep the strawberries: In a bowl, toss sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let sit for at least 30 minutes to macerate and release juices.
2. Make the cake:
   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
   • In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
   • In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
   • Add dry ingredients alternately with milk, mixing just until combined.
   • Pour batter into the pan and smooth the top.
   • Bake for 2530 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely.
3. Make the whipped cream: Beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
4. Assemble the cake: Spread whipped cream over the cooled cake. Spoon strawberries and their juices evenly over the top.
5. Serve: Cut into squares and enjoy immediately, or chill until ready to serve.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 1216
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Bake Time: 2530 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour

Variations

• Use whipped mascarpone or cream cheese frosting instead of whipped cream
• Add a layer of strawberry jam under the whipped cream
• Make it gluten-free using a 1:1 GF flour blend
• Add blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry version

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days
• Freezing: Freeze the plain cake base (without cream or berries) for up to 2 months
• Reheating: Not recommended—best served chilled or at room temperature

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh is best, but thawed and drained frozen berries can be used in a pinch.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes—bake the cake and prep the berries a day ahead. Assemble just before serving.

Can I use boxed cake mix?

Yes, a vanilla or white cake mix works if you’re short on time.

What’s the best way to cut clean slices?

Use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for neat squares.

Can I use store-bought whipped cream?

You can, but fresh whipped cream gives the best flavor and texture.

Is lemon juice necessary for the strawberries?

Not required, but it adds brightness and balances the sweetness.

How do I keep the whipped cream from deflating?

Serve shortly after assembly or stabilize it with a bit of cream cheese or gelatin.

Can I bake this in a jelly roll pan?

Yes, adjust baking time down to 1520 minutes due to thinner cake.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based milk and whipped coconut cream.

Is this dessert too sweet?

It’s lightly sweet overall, especially with fresh berries and homemade whipped cream.

Conclusion

Strawberry Sheet Shortcake is the perfect make-ahead dessert for spring and summer. With its soft vanilla cake, juicy strawberries, and cloud-like whipped cream, it captures everything we love about classic shortcake—without the fuss. Whether you’re hosting a cookout, a birthday, or just want a sweet weekend treat, this sheet cake version is as easy as it is irresistible.

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