Old fashioned strawberry sheet cake is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug from the past the moment it comes out of the oven. I still remember the first time I baked this cake in my own kitchen—the smell of sweet strawberries mingling with vanilla instantly transported me back to childhood summers, when desserts were simple, generous, and meant to be shared. This is the kind of cake you bring to family reunions, church potlucks, and backyard gatherings, where someone always asks for the recipe before the last crumb is gone.
I’m Lily Anne Bakehart, recipe developer and editor at DishWhirl, and this cake reflects everything I believe about home cooking. My journey in the kitchen began beside my grandmother, baking simple treats that didn’t require fancy tools—just patience, love, and good ingredients. Over the years, I’ve tested countless strawberry cakes, from layer cakes to frosted loaves, but I always come back to this old fashioned strawberry sheet cake. It’s reliable, comforting, and deeply nostalgic.
What makes this recipe special is its honesty. No shortcuts that sacrifice flavor, no complicated techniques that intimidate beginner bakers. Just real strawberries, pantry staples, and a method that’s been trusted for generations. I’ve tested this version multiple times to make sure the crumb stays tender, the strawberry flavor shines through, and the frosting spreads like a dream.
This old fashioned strawberry sheet cake isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection. It’s about placing a big pan in the center of the table, slicing generous squares, and watching people smile after the first bite. That’s the magic I strive for in every recipe I share.
Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Strawberry Sheet Cake
This old fashioned strawberry sheet cake has earned a permanent place in my baking rotation for so many reasons:
- Pure strawberry flavor thanks to real berries, not artificial extracts
- Soft, moist crumb that stays tender for days
- Easy one-pan baking, perfect for beginner bakers
- Budget-friendly ingredients you probably already have
- Perfect for crowds, potlucks, birthdays, and holidays
- Customizable frosting options to suit your taste
Compared to modern strawberry cakes that rely heavily on gelatin or boxed mixes, this old fashioned strawberry sheet cake tastes fresher and more balanced. It’s sweet without being overwhelming, and the strawberry flavor feels natural—just like grandma used to make.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Old Fashioned Strawberry Sheet Cake
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
- ½ cup strawberry purée
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream or buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Fresh strawberries provide the classic flavor. Frozen strawberries can work (more on that later), but fresh delivers the best texture.
- Sour cream or buttermilk adds richness and keeps the cake moist.
- Butter gives that unmistakable old fashioned flavor—no oil here.
Step-by-Step Instructions
How to Make Old Fashioned Strawberry Sheet Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch sheet pan.
Tip: Line with parchment for easy lifting and clean edges. - Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl: flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Whisk well to prevent lumps.
- Cook the strawberry mixture. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped strawberries and strawberry purée. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring often.
- Pour hot mixture over dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. This method helps bloom the strawberry flavor throughout the batter.
- Add eggs, sour cream, and vanilla. Mix until smooth, being careful not to overmix.
- Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan and tap gently to remove air bubbles.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely before frosting. This ensures the frosting sets beautifully.
Old Fashioned Strawberry Sheet Cake recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12–15 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This old fashioned strawberry sheet cake is moist, tender, and packed with real strawberry flavor. A timeless dessert perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
½ cup strawberry purée
2 large eggs
½ cup sour cream or buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch sheet pan.
Tip: Line with parchment for easy lifting and clean edges.
Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl: flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Whisk well to prevent lumps.
Cook the strawberry mixture. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped strawberries and strawberry purée. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring often.
Pour hot mixture over dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. This method helps bloom the strawberry flavor throughout the batter.
Add eggs, sour cream, and vanilla. Mix until smooth, being careful not to overmix.
Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan and tap gently to remove air bubbles.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool completely before frosting. This ensures the frosting sets beautifully.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
What Makes an Old Fashioned Strawberry Sheet Cake Truly “Old Fashioned”
An old fashioned strawberry sheet cake is defined by its simplicity and use of real ingredients. Traditional versions rely on fresh strawberries cooked into the batter, butter instead of oil, and a single-pan method designed for sharing. Unlike modern bakery-style cakes, it’s unfussy, tender, and meant to be enjoyed casually—often straight from the pan with a fork.
Using Frozen Strawberries in a Strawberry Sheet Cake
You can absolutely use frozen strawberries in an old fashioned strawberry sheet cake when fresh ones aren’t available. Thaw them completely, drain excess liquid, and finely chop before cooking. Frozen berries tend to release more moisture, so reducing the purée slightly helps maintain the right batter consistency.
Do You Need Strawberry Gelatin in Old Fashioned Strawberry Sheet Cake?
Strawberry gelatin is not required for an old fashioned strawberry sheet cake. In fact, many traditional bakers avoid it altogether. Real strawberries provide authentic flavor and color without the artificial sweetness gelatin adds. This recipe focuses on natural strawberry goodness, staying true to its roots.
How to Frost an Old Fashioned Strawberry Sheet Cake
The classic way to frost an old fashioned strawberry sheet cake is with a warm strawberry buttercream poured over the cake while it’s still slightly warm. This creates a thin, glossy layer that soaks slightly into the surface. You can also opt for cream cheese frosting if you prefer a tangy contrast.
Strawberry Buttercream Frosting Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup strawberry purée
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting Instructions
- Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat.
- Stir in powdered sugar and strawberry purée.
- Add vanilla and whisk until smooth.
- Pour or spread over the cooled cake
Helpful Tips from My Kitchen
- Use room-temperature eggs for a smoother batter.
- Chop strawberries finely to prevent sinking.
- Don’t overbake—this cake should stay moist and tender.
- Store covered at room temperature for 24 hours or refrigerate for longer storage.
Follow me on Facebook to see more recipes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this cake be made ahead of time?
Yes, old fashioned strawberry sheet cake actually tastes better the next day as flavors meld.
How long does it last?
Stored properly, it lasts up to 3 days at room temperature or 5 days refrigerated.
Is this recipe beginner-friendly?
Absolutely. This is one of the easiest strawberry cakes you’ll ever make.
Is this recipe beginner-friendly?
Absolutely. This is one of the easiest strawberry cakes you’ll ever make.
Conclusion
Old fashioned strawberry sheet cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a tradition, a memory, and a reminder that simple ingredients can create something truly special. With its tender crumb, real strawberry flavor, and effortless preparation, this cake deserves a place in every home baker’s collection.
I hope you bake this cake, share it with people you love, and maybe even start a tradition of your own. If you try it, leave a comment, save the recipe, and pass it along—because the best recipes are meant to be shared.
If you love strawberry desserts, you’ll also enjoy my Strawberry Glazed Strawberry Cake, which takes fruity flavor to another level with a glossy finish.
Simple ingredients. Big love.
