Indulge in the delightful flavors of summer with our irresistible Strawberries Cream Sheet Cake! This luscious dessert is not only a feast for the eyes but also a treat for the taste buds, combining the sweetness of fresh strawberries with a light and fluffy vanilla cake. Perfect for gatherings, picnics, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be on your way to creating a show-stopping dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds. Ready to elevate your baking game? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Use an electric mixer to blend ingredients on medium speed for approximately 2-3 minutes until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
- Gently fold in half of the chopped fresh strawberries into the cake batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
- Pour the prepared cake batter into the greased baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a uniform surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and slightly springy to the touch.
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack for approximately 30-40 minutes. Cooling is crucial for proper frosting and setting.
- While the cake cools, prepare the whipped cream topping by combining whipped cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Whip until soft peaks form and the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the whipped cream evenly across the top of the cake using a spatula.
- Garnish the top of the cake with the remaining fresh chopped strawberries, arranging them decoratively.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the whipped cream to set and flavors to meld together.
- Slice into 12 equal portions and serve chilled. Optional: Dust with additional powdered sugar before serving for extra sweetness.
Tips
- Choose Ripe Strawberries: For the best flavor, select fresh, ripe strawberries that are bright red and fragrant. They will add a burst of sweetness to your cake.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the cake ingredients, mix just until smooth. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so be gentle when folding in the strawberries.
- Cooling is Key: Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the whipped cream topping. This ensures that the cream doesn’t melt and creates a beautiful finish.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerating the cake for at least an hour after frosting helps the flavors meld and makes for easier slicing.
- Add a Zing: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or zest to the whipped cream for a refreshing citrus twist.
- Presentation Matters: When garnishing with strawberries, try to arrange them in a visually appealing pattern. A little creativity goes a long way in making your dessert look as good as it tastes!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 55mg
