Strawberry Birthday Sheet Cake with Sprinkles
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Strawberry Birthday Sheet Cake with Sprinkles
Celebrate in style with our luscious Strawberry Birthday Sheet Cake recipe -- topped with a rainbow of sprinkles! This delightful dessert is the perfect combo of fluffy vanilla cake infused with strawberry preserves, crowned with a creamy strawberry frosting. Whether it's a special birthday or just a craving for something sweet, this cake is sure to bring joy to any occasion. Gluten-free, Vegan + Cupcake Option.
I'm seriously loving some springtime baking at the moment, and buying strawberries in copious amounts, Haha. It was my kid's birthday the other day and just like his mama, he's crazy about strawberries --- He requested a strawberry cake (Last year, I whipped up a Vegan Vanilla Dinosaur Birthday Cake) and since we threw him a little party, we had a lot of mouths to feed. I made this Strawberry Birthday Sheet Cake with Sprinkles, and it was SO YUMMY I had to share it with y'all!
The cake itself is a dream—light, fluffy + incredibly moist. And let's talk about the icing—it's pure perfection, with just the right amount of sweetness in the strawberry cream cheese frosting. I used strawberry preserves in the batter + frosting which gives such a nice rich flavor and color. If you have any birthdays on the horizon and want some inspo be sure to check out Vanilla Birthday Cake with Chocolate Frosting, Birthday Strawberry Shortcake Cake + Vegan Funfetti Cake + Vanilla Buttercream.
And if you're as strawberry-obsessed as I am, you won't want to miss out on my other creations like Vegan Strawberry Oatmeal Cake, Cinnamon Brown Butter Strawberry Crumb Cake, and Strawberry Shortcake Donuts.
Jump to:
- What Is A Sheet Cake?
- Is This Strawberry Sheet Cake Beginner Friendly?
- Why You’ll Love Strawberry Birthday Sheet Cake
- How To Make Strawberry Birthday Sheet Cake with Sprinkles
- Ingredients
- How To Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
- Tips for Making The Best Cake Every Time
- Why Are The Ingredients At Room Temp?
- How To Make Buttermilk
- Perfect Occasions For A Slice Of Strawberry Birthday Sheet Cake
- Cake Flour vs. All-Purpose Flour.
- Why Didn't My Cake Come Out Of The Pan Clean?
- Q + A's For Strawberry Birthday Sheet Cake
- Cake Cravings? These Delectable Creations Will Hit The Spot!
- MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
- Strawberry Birthday Sheet Cake w/ Sprinkles
What Is A Sheet Cake?
A sheet cake is basically a cake baked in a large, shallow pan called a sheet pan or baking sheet. It's usually a single layer, but sometimes you'll see multiple layers. Sheet cakes are great for feeding a crowd and are often used for things like birthdays or potlucks. They're easy to make + serve since you can just cut them into squares or rectangles
Is This Strawberry Sheet Cake Beginner Friendly?
Absolutely! No need to stress about your baking skills—I've got you covered! I'll walk you through how to make this AMAZING strawberry cake that will impress everyone. Whether you're a beginner or a pro in the kitchen, this sheet cake is guaranteed to bring smiles and sweetness to your day! From start to finish it takes just 40 minutes!
Why You’ll Love Strawberry Birthday Sheet Cake
- It’s super fluffy, moist + beautifully textured.
- Bold strawberry + vanilla flavors.
- Delicious + comforting in every bite.
- Melt in your mouth goodness! Perfect for birthdays + springtime gatherings.
- Can be made as a traditional 2-layer cake, sheet cake, or cupcakes. Your choice!
- Not too sweet, but perfectly sweet at the same time.
- That whipped strawberry cream cheese frosting is EVERYTHING.
How To Make Strawberry Birthday Sheet Cake with Sprinkles
Making this strawberry cake recipe is super easy I promise --- Start by mixing up the batter + popping it in the oven. While it bakes, whip up that delicious whipped strawberry cream cheese frosting. Once the cake is cooled you can get to decorating --- I love adding sprinkles for a fun touch!
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need for this strawberry cake recipe:
STRAWBERRY SHEET CAKE:
- Organic all-purpose flour. You can also use cake flour.
- Unsalted butter. Make sure your butter is softened before adding to the cake batter. You can place a hot bowl over the stick of butter to soften it in about 5 minutes.
- Baking powder. For leavening.
- Sea salt. I love the play of salty and sweet here!
- Organic cane sugar. For sweetness!
- Strawberry preserves or jam. This adds such a nice rich strawberry flavor throughout the batter.
- Vanilla extract. Use pure vanilla extract for the best vanilla flavor.
- Large eggs. These act as a binder. You need them to be at room temp.
- Vegetable oil. Adds moisture to the batter.
- Dairy-free "buttermilk: milk. You can use your favorite plant-based milk such as almond milk with some lemon or apple cider vinegar.
- Rainbow sprinkles. This makes the inside so colorful and fun!
OPTIONAL TOPPINGS:
- Rainbow sprinkles. For a fun pop of color.
- Sliced fresh strawberries.
SHOP MY FAVORITE BAKEWARE ITEMS AND ACCESSORIES!
Here, I’ve curated a list of bakeware essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baking treats, especially with this Strawberry Birthday Sheet Cake with Sprinkles recipe. Everything from my fave baking sheets, parchment paper, mixing bowls, and more. SEE THEM HERE!
How To Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
Simply beat the butter and softened cream cheese in the bowl with an electric mixer (or using a hand-mixer) on medium-high speed, until smooth and pale. Add in the in strawberry preserves/jam and continue to mix until combined. Then add in the powdered sugar + milk until completely smooth, whipped, and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes. NOTE: If its too 'runny', add additional powdered sugar (1 tablespoon at a time); if too thick, add additional milk (1 tablespoon at a time).
INGREDIENTS
- Organic powdered sugar. Sifted is best.
- Organic cream cheese. Softened at room temp.
- Unsalted butter. Also softened at room temp.
- Strawberry preserves or jam
- Almond milk. You can also use regular cow's milk.
Tips for Making The Best Cake Every Time
TIP #1: HAVE THE RIGHT TOOLS
To make and decorate this Strawberry Birthday Sheet Cake, you'll need a hand-mixer, spatulas (big + small), piping bags + tips, correct baking pans and parchment paper.
TIP #2: COMBINE BAKING POWDER + ACID
The essential ingredient combos for a light, silky cake texture is baking powder with baking soda and an acid (usually vinegar or buttermilk if the cake calls for it). When acid and baking powder/baking soda reacts, it creates bubbles and helps to create a nice rise for your baked goods, leaving an airy texture.
TIP #3: SIFT!
One of my favorite tricks to a perfect cake has been to ensure that ALL of my dry ingredients are sifted. It's an extra step, but the results are a light, fluffy, and fully combined cake batter.
TIP #4: AVOID OVER-MIXING
When mixing your cake batter, it’s so important to add the dry ingredients and wet ingredients alternately. Then, as soon as everything is combined very well, STOP! Over-mixing creates a more dense cake.
Why Are The Ingredients At Room Temp?
When it comes to ingredients, especially in baking, it’s always best to have cold ingredients at room temperature to ensure that the mixing process is more seamless and even. Please note that microwaving your butter last minute if you forget to leave it out at room temperature isn’t recommended. Microwaving often changes the consistency of the butter which doesn’t create a nice ‘creaminess’ when mixed.
How To Make Buttermilk
In a bowl, whisk together the milk (regular milk or plant-based works fine) and add apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, and set aside for 5-10 minutes until everything "activates" to create the "buttermilk".
Perfect Occasions For A Slice Of Strawberry Birthday Sheet Cake
These events are a great excuse to eat cake!
- Birthdays --- That's a no-brainer. Haha
- Anniversaries
- Barbecues
- Potlucks
- Kids Sleepovers
- Graduations
- Baby Showers
- Dinner Parties
- Actually, any time is a good time for cake, right? Bake away for a little weekday pep-up!
Cake Flour vs. All-Purpose Flour.
When it comes to the main ingredient of this entire strawberry cake recipe—-the flour, I enjoy using Bob’s Red Mill Unbleached White All-Purpose Flour, which is ideal for all kinds of baking, including this one.
However, I do occasionally use Super-Fine Cake Flour which adds a nice airiness and fluffiness to your cakes as well.
Why Didn't My Cake Come Out Of The Pan Clean?
This issue can occur for TWO reasons: the first being that you didn't allow the cake to cool enough before removing it. I always recommend letting it cool for at least 20-30 minutes before removing it and letting it cool completely on a cooling rack. Secondly, the issue could be that the pan wasn't greased well. I like to grease + add cake pan parchment paper to the bottom.
Q + A's For Strawberry Birthday Sheet Cake
Keep leftover cake tightly wrapped using plastic wrap and refrigerated for up to 5 days. To store frozen (frosted or unfrosted), simply tightly wrap and cover cake and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bring to room temperature.
To make this cake entirely dairy-free + vegan, simply omit the unsalted butter and eggs and use vegan butter instead and add 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar to milk instead of lemon juice. Ensure that all ingredients are vegan-friendly, including blueberry or strawberry preserves/jam.
Absolutely! You can always bake this cake the night or day before and let it cool, tightly wrap, and refrigerate until ready to use. The cream cheese frosting can also be made prior and tightly wrapped and stored in the fridge as well. When ready to serve, let cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour, frost, and enjoy!
Store frozen (frosted or unfrosted) by simply tightly wrapping and covering cake and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bring to room temperature.
If you would love to make this cake gluten-free, then substituting all-purpose flour with Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Baking Flour is the easiest option. It’s a special blend of gluten-free flours, starches, and xanthan gum, which makes these donuts just as soft, fluffy, and airy as the original! They also have a great All-purpose GF flour that works great as well.
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. Avoid overbaking to maintain its moistness.
Yes easily, this recipe yields about 30 cupcakes. Simply bake for 18-20 minutes instead, until centers come out clean.
Cake Cravings? These Delectable Creations Will Hit The Spot!
If you loved this Strawberry Birthday Sheet Cake w/ Sprinkles recipe then you have to try these delicious cake recipes next!
- Confetti Chocolate Chip Cake
- Cinnamon Brown Butter Strawberry Crumb Cake
- The Best Vegan Chocolate Cake
- Strawberry Shortcake Birthday Cake
- Apple Cinnamon Olive Oil Cake
- Vegan Banana Cake with Maple Buttercream
- Vegan Carrot Cake + Orange-infused Frosting
- Vegan Banana Oatmeal Sheet Cake
MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
If you tried this Strawberry Birthday Sheet Cake w/ Sprinkles recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!
Strawberry Birthday Sheet Cake w/ Sprinkles
Ingredients
STRAWBERRY SHEET CAKE:
- 3 cups organic all purpose flour (You can also use cake flour)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temp. (That's 2 stick!)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 ½ cups organic cane sugar
- 2 Tbsps strawberry preserves or jam
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs, at room temp.
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup dairy-free "buttermilk: milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (See Notes for regular)
- 1 cup Rainbow sprinkles
STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:
- 4 cups organic powdered sugar, sifted
- 4 oz. organic cream cheese, softened at room temp.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened at room temp.
- 2 Tbsps strawberry preserves or jam
- 1-2 Tbsps Almond milk (You can also use regular cow's milk)
OPTIONAL TOPPINGS:
- Rainbow sprinkles
- Sliced fresh strawberries
Instructions
TO MAKE STRAWBERRY SHEET CAKE:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease and line with parchment paper (with two sides hanging out) an 8-inch square pan (for a thicker cake) or a half sheet pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and sea salt until combined. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat together the sugar and unsalted butter, using a hand-mixer (or electric stand-mixer) on high speed, until fluffy and airy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Reduce the speed to low and add in the eggs (one at a time), oil, and buttermilk, followed by the dry ingredients, mixing everything together until combined, smooth, and lump-free, about 2-3 minutes. DON'T OVERMIX!
- Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading everything evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the center of the cake comes out clean when tested with a toothpick, cake tester, or knife. Also, the tops should bounce back once gently pressed.
- Once done, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 25-30 minutes before carefully lifting it from the pan and unto a cooling rack to cool completely.
TO MAKE THE STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:
- In a large bowl, add in the butter, softened cream cheese and beat using a hand-mixer on high speed, until light, pale, and smooth. Add in the lstrawberry preserves/jam and continue to mix until combined.
- Add in the powdered sugar and milk until completely smooth, whipped, and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes. NOTE: If buttercream is too 'runny', add additional powdered sugar (1 tablespoon at a time); if too thick, add additional milk (1 tablespoon at a time).
ASSEMBLY:
- Using a metal or rubber spatula, top cooled cake with buttercream frosting and evenly spread over the top until fully covered and smooth. Top with rainbow sprinkles, fresh strawberries, or whatever you like and wallah!
- Cut into small or medium-sized squares and enjoy! NOTE: Larger squares makes around 12 servings versus smaller ones.
- Bon Appetit!
Tips & Tricks
- STORAGE: Keep leftover cake tightly wrapped using plastic wrap and refrigerated for up to 5 days. To store frozen (frosted or unfrosted), simply tightly wrap and cover cake and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bring to room temperature.
- STRAWBERRY CUPCAKES: This recipe yields about 30 cupcakes. Simply bake for 18-20 minutes instead, until centers come out clean.
- PLANT-BASED BUTTERMILK: Add 1 cup of Almond milk (or your fave plant-based milk) + lemon juice or apple cider vinegar together, mixing, and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes, until it slightly thickens. For regular buttermilk, you can add together heavy cream or regular cow's milk + lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, mixing together. NOTE: For regular buttermilk, you may need an extra ½ cup to 1 cup depending on how thick it becomes.
- FLOUR: If you don’t have cake flour, you can always just use all-purpose flour instead.
- VEGAN OPTION: To make this cake vegan, simply omit the eggs and substitute the unsalted butter with vegan butter (softened); Apple Cider Vinegar (1 Tbsp) to be mixed in with the plant-based milk instead for 'buttermilk'; add ½ teaspoon baking soda to dry ingredients. Also, omit the cream cheese.
- MAKE AHEAD: You can always bake this cake the night or day before and let it cool, tightly wrap, and refrigerate until ready to use. The buttercream frosting can also be made prior and tightly wrapped and stored in the fridge as well. When ready to serve, let cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour, frost, and enjoy!
Nutrition
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