Name: Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 1 stick (8 tablespoons) cold salted butter, grated or cut into small pieces; 1/2 cup avocado oil or melted coconut oil; 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 2 cups heavy cream; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup strawberry jam (for swirling in batter); 1 1/2 cups strawberry jam (reserve for topping); 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 8 ounces mascarpone or cream cheese, at room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups cold heavy cream

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 36 reviews

If you have a soft spot for classic desserts that feel both nostalgic and delightfully fresh, this Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake Recipe will become your new favorite in no time. Imagine tender, fluffy cake with swirls of sweet strawberry jam baked right in, layered with a luscious mascarpone whipped cream, and crowned with juicy, vibrant fresh strawberries. It’s everything you love about traditional strawberry shortcake, cleverly reimagined into an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing sheet cake that’s perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or simply elevating an ordinary day.

Ingredients You'll Need

A white colander is filled with bright red strawberries and small white flowers with yellow centers, some green leaves are mixed in. Water droplets cling to the inside edge of the colander. The colander sits on a rustic wooden surface surrounded by several large pink and peach dahlias on green stems, with a few stray strawberries lying nearby. The lighting is warm and natural, casting soft shadows around the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for simple, approachable ingredients that come together to create amazing taste and texture. Each one plays a key role, from the rich butter that adds flakiness, to the fresh strawberries that bring brightness and a punch of color.

3 cups all purpose flour: The foundation for a tender and fluffy cake crumb that holds everything together.

½ cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the strawberries.
1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise to perfection, light and airy.
1 teaspoon sea salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the sweetness.

1 stick (8 tablespoons) cold salted butter, grated or cut into small pieces: Provides richness and creates a delicate texture in the baked cake.
½ cup avocado oil or melted coconut oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
2 large eggs, at room temperature: Bind ingredients and add structure to the batter.

2 cups heavy cream: A key ingredient in the batter for richness, plus the base of the whipped topping.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings a lovely aromatic depth to both the cake and whipped cream.
1 ½ cups strawberry jam: Used both swirled in the batter and mixed with fresh fruit for layered strawberry flavor.

2 cups sliced fresh strawberries: Bright, juicy, and essential for authentic strawberry shortcake taste.
1 teaspoon lemon juice: Adds a subtle tang that complements the sweetness of the berries.
8 ounces mascarpone or cream cheese, at room temperature: Creates a creamy tanginess in the whipped cream topping.

1 ½ cups cold heavy cream: Whipped with mascarpone to crown the cake with airy decadence.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 400° F and greasing a 9x13-inch pan to ensure the cake comes out cleanly. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt — this dry mix is the foundation of your cake’s perfect texture. Next, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture using your fingertips until you see pea-sized bits of butter still scattered, which will make the cake wonderfully tender. Stir in the oil, eggs, heavy cream, and vanilla, mixing gently until just combined. Now, here’s the magic: swirl in 1 cup of the strawberry jam using a spoon or spatula to create sweet pockets of berry flavor.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it evenly with a spatula or slightly damp hands – this helps prevent tearing. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is a beautiful golden color and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow it to cool completely so it can soak up all the flavors before it’s time to add the luscious toppings.

Step 3: Make the Whipped Cream

While the cake cools, whip together the mascarpone and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Slowly pour in the cold heavy cream while continuing to beat the mixture until soft peaks form — this results in a velvety, rich topping that perfectly balances the cake’s sweetness. This mascarpone whipped cream is what takes the classic concept of strawberry shortcake beyond the usual.

Step 4: Prepare the Strawberry Topping

In a separate bowl, toss together the fresh sliced strawberries with the remaining ½ cup of strawberry jam and a teaspoon of lemon juice. This combination adds brightness and a gentle tartness that pairs beautifully with the rich cream and cake layers.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

Spread the whipped cream evenly over the cooled cake, creating a creamy canvas. Then, spoon the strawberry mixture generously on top for a fresh and fruity burst in every bite. Slice it up, serve, and get ready for all the compliments coming your way!

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake Recipe

A rectangular metal pan holds a golden brown baked cake as the base layer, topped with dollops of white whipped cream spread unevenly across it. On top of the cream are many bright red whole and halved strawberries, some with green stems, and a light red syrup drizzled over the strawberries and cream. The pan sits on a rustic wooden table with pink flowers in the background, and to the side is a white bowl with strawberry remnants and syrup. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For extra eye appeal and flavor, garnish with fresh mint leaves or additional strawberries right before serving. A light dusting of powdered sugar over the top also adds a delicate, pretty touch that feels special yet casual.

Side Dishes

This strawberry shortcake sheet cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of additional whipped cream. If you want to make the dessert part of a bigger meal, consider serving with a simple green salad and sparkling lemonade for a perfect spring or summer gathering menu.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering individual slices in clear dessert glasses, alternating cake, whipped cream, and strawberries for mini parfaits. You can also turn the cake into fun bite-sized squares served on a platter at parties, making it easy for everyone to grab a sweet treat without fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover strawberry shortcake sheet cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the whipped cream fresh and prevent the strawberries from drying out or getting mushy. It will stay delicious for up to 2 days, though it’s so tempting you might finish it sooner!

Freezing

This cake is best enjoyed fresh because of the whipped cream and berries, but if necessary, you can freeze the plain baked cake (without whipped cream or topping) wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before adding whipped cream and strawberries for assembly and serving.

Reheating

If you want to warm leftovers slightly, remove the topping and microwave individual slices in short bursts at low power until just warm. Then add fresh whipped cream and strawberries to bring it back to life without losing the cake’s delicate texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries only, without the jam?

While the fresh strawberries are essential for brightness and texture, the jam adds a wonderful sweetness and moisture that’s key to the flavor profile of this recipe. If you prefer, you can reduce the jam slightly but replacing it entirely may change the cake’s texture and sweetness balance.

What if I don’t have mascarpone cheese? Can I substitute something else?

Absolutely! Cream cheese works beautifully as an alternative, providing a similar creamy richness for the whipped topping. Just ensure it’s softened to room temperature before whipping for best results.

Is it necessary to grate the cold butter?

Grating or cutting the cold butter into small pieces helps to distribute it evenly throughout the flour and keeps the cake tender and flaky. If you can’t grate it, cutting into small cubes and quickly rubbing into the flour with your fingertips works just as well.

Can this recipe be made vegan or dairy-free?

Yes, with some ingredient swaps such as using coconut oil instead of butter, plant-based cream and mascarpone alternatives, and flax eggs or commercial egg replacers, you can create a dairy-free or vegan version. Keep in mind it may subtly alter the texture and flavor.

Why does the recipe call for both oil and butter?

The combination of butter and oil gives the cake richness and flavor from the butter, along with the moist, tender crumb that oil provides. This balance ensures the cake is not too heavy nor dry.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake Recipe is a joyful celebration of fresh fruit and creamy sweetness wrapped up in a simple, elegant dessert that’s both easy to make and impossible to resist. Whether it’s a warm afternoon treat or the highlight of your next party, this cake is sure to bring smiles and requests for seconds. Give it a try, and let those bright, summery flavors fill your kitchen with happiness!

Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need