Strawberry shortcake is a classic dessert that evokes images of summer gatherings and garden parties. This elegant version, made in a sheet pan, is perfect for serving a crowd and features a moist white cake layered with fresh strawberries and a luscious whipped cream cheese topping. It’s a delightful combination of flavors and textures that is sure to impress.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through each step of creating this delicious Sheet Pan Strawberry Shortcake. From baking the perfect white sheet cake to preparing the fresh strawberries and the whipped cream cheese topping, you’ll find all the tips and tricks needed to ensure your dessert turns out perfectly every time. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding, promising a beautiful and tasty treat.
Ingredients Breakdown
To achieve the perfect Sheet Pan Strawberry Shortcake, it’s essential to use high-quality ingredients and understand their roles in the recipe.
Main Ingredients:
- Cake:
- 2 ¾ cups (275 g) cake flour: Provides a fine, tender crumb.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) salted butter, room temperature: Adds richness and moisture.
- 2 ½ cups (500 g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor.
- 5 large egg whites, room temperature: Contributes to a light, airy texture.
- 1 cup (225 g) milk, room temperature: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter.
- Strawberries:
- 2 pounds fresh strawberries, washed, hulled, sliced: Provides a fresh, juicy topping.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness of the strawberries.
- Whipped Topping:
- 2 ounces cream cheese, room temperature: Adds a creamy texture and slight tang.
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the whipped topping.
- 2 cups (476 g) heavy cream: Whips up into a light, airy topping.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds flavor.
- 1 pinch kosher salt: Balances the sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Cake
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch sheet pan (jelly roll pan) with parchment paper, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides. Spray the parchment with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 ¾ cups of cake flour and 2 teaspoons of baking powder. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together 1 cup of room temperature salted butter, 2 ½ cups of granulated sugar, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Stop to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add Egg Whites: With the mixer on the lowest speed, add 5 large egg whites, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stop to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Incorporate Flour and Milk: With the mixer still on low, add ⅓ of the flour mixture into the creamed mixture, then half the milk, another third of the flour mixture, the remaining milk, and then the remaining flour mixture. Mix just until combined, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 28-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool to room temperature on a wire rack.
- Chill the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, transfer it to the freezer to chill for 10-15 minutes, or until firm. You can also place it in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours or overnight (covered). Chilling the cake makes it easier to handle and move.
Preparing the Strawberries
- Mix Strawberries with Sugar: In a medium bowl, mix 2 pounds of sliced fresh strawberries with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Store in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the cake.
Making the Whipped Topping
- Chill the Mixing Bowl: Before starting, place the bowl and whisk attachment from your stand mixer into the freezer to chill for about 15 minutes. This helps the cream whip up faster and with more volume.
- Combine Cream Cheese and Sugar: Once chilled, add 2 ounces of room temperature cream cheese and ½ cup of granulated sugar to the bowl. Mix on medium-high speed until fully combined and no lumps remain.
- Whip the Cream: With the mixer off, pour in 2 cups of heavy cream. Resume mixing on medium speed until soft peaks form (peaks that droop slightly). Stop the mixer and scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to incorporate all of the cream cheese.
- Finish the Whipped Cream: Resume mixing on medium speed until stiff peaks form. Stiff peaks refer to the whipped cream peaks that stand straight up and hold their shape firmly. Finally, add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, being careful not to overmix.
Assembling the Cake
- Remove and Slice the Cake: Remove the chilled cake from the freezer or refrigerator. Pick up the edges of the parchment and carefully remove the cake from the pan, placing it onto a counter. Slice the cake in half down the middle, creating two rectangles.
- Layer with Strawberries and Cream: Place one of the cake halves onto a serving plate. Spread half of the sliced strawberries over the cake layer, then top with ⅓ of the whipped cream cheese topping.
- Add the Second Layer: Place the other cake half over the whipped topping. Spread the remaining whipped topping over the top of the cake and finish with the remaining sliced strawberries.
- Serve: Serve the cake immediately or store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
Sheet Pan Strawberry Shortcake is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in various settings. Here are a few serving suggestions to make your dessert experience even more delightful:
- Classic Presentation: Serve slices of the cake on decorative plates, allowing the layers of cake, strawberries, and whipped topping to shine.
- Garnish with Mint: Add a sprig of fresh mint on top for a burst of color and a touch of elegance.
- Add a Drizzle: Drizzle chocolate or strawberry sauce over the top for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serve with Ice Cream: Pair each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of textures and temperatures.
- Holiday Touch: Decorate the cake with festive sprinkles or edible flowers for special occasions and holidays.
Tips for Perfect Sheet Pan Strawberry Shortcake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before you begin. This helps them blend more smoothly and results in a better texture.
- Proper Mixing: Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy to incorporate air and create a light, tender cake.
- Chill Thoroughly: Chilling the cake before assembling makes it easier to handle and prevents it from crumbling.
- Even Spreading: Spread the whipped topping and strawberries evenly to ensure each bite has a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Fresh Strawberries: Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
Customizing Your Sheet Pan Strawberry Shortcake
One of the joys of making homemade desserts is the ability to customize them to your taste. Here are a few ideas for variations and additions:
- Different Berries: Use a mix of berries such as blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a colorful and flavorful twist.
- Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, over the whipped topping for added crunch and flavor.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Citrus Zest: Add a tablespoon of lemon or orange zest to the whipped topping for a fresh, zesty kick.
- Healthy Twist: Use a light cream cheese and sugar substitute for a slightly healthier version.
Nutritional Information
For those mindful of their dietary intake, here’s a basic nutritional breakdown per serving (approximately 1 piece):
- Calories: 646kcal
Keep in mind that the nutritional values may vary based on the exact quantities and brands of ingredients used.
Conclusion
Sheet Pan Strawberry Shortcake is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that combines the moistness of a white cake with the freshness of strawberries and the creaminess of a whipped topping. Perfect for any occasion, this dessert is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
By following the detailed steps and tips provided in this guide, you can create a Sheet Pan Strawberry Shortcake that is perfect every time. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a holiday feast, or simply as a treat for yourself, this dessert is sure to impress and satisfy.
So, the next time you’re in the mood for something sweet and refreshing, give this