A Sweet Southern Classic You’ll Crave Again and Again
If you’re looking for a dessert that tastes like pure Southern charm, this Southern Strawberry Sheet Cake with Frosting is exactly what your kitchen needs. It’s a moist, tender cake infused with real strawberries and topped with a luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re baking for a potluck, holiday gathering, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this cake delivers crowd-pleasing flavor with every bite.
Gather your ingredients and let’s bake something amazing together!
Tools Needed, Serving Size, and Time Requirements
Tools You’ll Need:
- 9×13-inch sheet cake pan
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Whisk
- Cooling rack
Serves:
12 people
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Baking Time:
35 minutes
Total Time:
55 minutes
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix
- 1 (3 oz) box strawberry gelatin
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup mashed sweetened strawberries (fresh or frozen and thawed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup finely chopped or mashed strawberries (drained)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch sheet cake pan to prevent sticking. You can also use non-stick baking spray for convenience.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix and strawberry gelatin. The gelatin not only boosts the strawberry flavor but also gives the cake its signature pink hue.
Add in the eggs, vegetable oil, water, buttermilk, mashed strawberries, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to mix everything until smooth, about 2 minutes. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared sheet pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once done, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. This is important because frosting a warm cake can lead to a melty mess.
Step 4: Make the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until light and fluffy.
Add the chopped or mashed strawberries, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Blend well.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until the frosting is creamy and spreadable. The strawberries should be well-drained to prevent the frosting from becoming runny.
Step 5: Frost the Cake
Spread the frosting evenly over the completely cooled cake. For best results and clean edges, refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Recommendations for Recipe Success
- Use ripe, sweet strawberries for the best natural flavor. If using frozen, thaw and drain well.
- Don’t skip the gelatin – it intensifies both the flavor and color of the cake.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent the icing from sliding off.
- Refrigerate the frosted cake for cleaner cuts and firmer texture.
- Use full-fat cream cheese and butter for the richest, creamiest frosting.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: This cake is best served chilled or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a glass of cold milk or hot coffee.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different cake mix flavor? Yes, but white cake mix is ideal because it lets the strawberry flavor shine through. Yellow or vanilla mix can also work in a pinch.
2. Do I have to use gelatin? While you can technically omit it, the strawberry gelatin really enhances both flavor and color. It’s highly recommended for the best result.
3. Can I make this cake ahead of time? Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day ahead and frost it the next day. Just keep the unfrosted cake covered at room temperature.
4. What kind of strawberries should I use? Fresh strawberries are best when in season, but frozen (thawed and well-drained) work well too. Make sure they’re sweetened for the best flavor.
5. How do I keep the frosting from becoming too runny? Drain your strawberries thoroughly and avoid adding extra liquid. If the frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar a little at a time.
Conclusion
This Southern Strawberry Sheet Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of Southern tradition and fresh flavor. Perfect for any gathering, it’s easy to make, loaded with juicy strawberries, and topped with a dreamy frosting that will have everyone asking for seconds. Now that you have the step-by-step guide, it’s time to bake this sweet Southern treasure in your kitchen.
Enjoy every slice!