Strawberry Graduation Sheet Cake

Celebrate academic achievements with a delightful Strawberry Graduation Sheet Cake. This moist and fluffy cake, infused with the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries and topped with a luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting, is the perfect centerpiece for any graduation celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Strawberry Graduation Sheet Cake combines the freshness of ripe strawberries with the richness of cream cheese frosting, creating a dessert that’s both visually appealing and delicious. Its sheet cake format makes it ideal for serving a crowd, ensuring every guest gets a slice of celebration.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Buttermilk
• Fresh strawberries, pureed

For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Cream cheese, softened
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Fresh strawberries, pureed

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch sheet cake pan.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
   • In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
   • Fold in the pureed fresh strawberries until well combined.
3. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
4. Prepare the Frosting:
   • In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
   • Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
   • Stir in the vanilla extract and pureed strawberries until the frosting is smooth and well combined.
5. Frost the Cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the strawberry cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Decorate with additional fresh strawberries or graduation-themed toppers as desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 16 slices
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Baking Time: 35 minutes
• Cooling Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes

Variations

• Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake: Replace the cream cheese frosting with whipped cream and layer sliced fresh strawberries between the cake and topping.
• Chocolate Strawberry Sheet Cake: Add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolate twist.
• Lemon Strawberry Sheet Cake: Incorporate 1 tablespoon of lemon zest into the batter and a teaspoon of lemon juice into the frosting for a citrusy flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap the unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.
• Reheating: This cake is best served chilled or at room temperature. If desired, allow refrigerated slices to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.

FAQs

What type of strawberries should I use?

Fresh, ripe strawberries are ideal for this recipe to achieve the best flavor and texture.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, thawed frozen strawberries can be used, but ensure they are well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the batter and frosting.

How do I puree strawberries?

Wash and hull the strawberries, then blend them in a food processor or blender until smooth.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance. Store it covered at room temperature and frost it on the day of serving.

How can I prevent the frosting from being too runny?

Ensure the cream cheese and butter are softened but not melted, and gradually add the powdered sugar to achieve the desired consistency.

Can I use a different frosting?

Certainly. A vanilla buttercream or whipped cream frosting can be used as alternatives to the strawberry cream cheese frosting.

How do I decorate the cake for graduation?

Top the cake with graduation-themed decorations such as edible caps, diplomas, or the graduate’s name written in icing.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?

Use dairy-free alternatives for butter, cream cheese, and buttermilk to make the cake dairy-free.

Can I add food coloring to enhance the pink hue?

Yes, a few drops of red or pink food coloring can be added to the batter and frosting for a more vibrant color.

Conclusion

The Strawberry Graduation Sheet Cake is a delightful and festive dessert that combines the natural sweetness of strawberries with a rich cream cheese frosting. Its moist texture and vibrant flavor make it a crowd-pleaser, perfect for celebrating the achievements of graduates. Whether you’re hosting a large party or an intimate gathering, this cake is sure to impress and satisfy all your guests.

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