Strawberry Texas Sheet Cake Recipe

Introduction

Strawberry Texas Sheet Cake is a delightful twist on the classic chocolate version, bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. This moist, tender cake topped with creamy strawberry icing and fresh slices is perfect for large gatherings and celebrations.

Ingredients

• 15.25 oz. box strawberry cake mix
• 22 oz. can strawberry pie filling (such as Lucky Leaf)
• 4 large eggs
• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1 tbsp. real vanilla extract
• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, washed and sliced

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 11×17 inch cookie sheet.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix and eggs. Stir well with a wooden spoon until fully blended.
3. Step 3: Gently fold the strawberry pie filling into the batter until evenly incorporated.
4. Step 4: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared cookie sheet.
5. Step 5: Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Step 6: Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the icing.
7. Step 7: For the icing, beat the softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, and butter together in a small bowl using an electric mixer until smooth.
8. Step 8: Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition until the icing is smooth and creamy.
9. Step 9: Mash enough strawberries to yield ½ cup of berry pieces without juice. Measure the juice separately.
10. Step 10: In a small saucepan, combine the strawberry juice and mashed berries. Heat over medium heat until it boils, then simmer for about 10 minutes until thick and pureed.
11. Step 11: Remove the mixture from heat and place it in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to cool.
12. Step 12: Once cooled, stir the strawberry mixture into the cream cheese icing until fully combined.
13. Step 13: Spread the strawberry icing evenly over the cooled cake.
14. Step 14: Garnish with fresh strawberry slices if desired, then refrigerate the cake before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best natural sweetness and vibrant flavor in both the icing and garnish.
• To make the cake extra moist, consider brushing the baked cake with a little strawberry syrup before icing.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and butter with plant-based alternatives.
• If you don’t have strawberry pie filling, use fresh strawberry jam or homemade cooked strawberry preserves instead.

Storage

Store the strawberry Texas sheet cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep it sealed to prevent it from drying out. When ready to serve, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to soften the icing slightly. This cake can also be frozen; wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different size pan for this cake?

This recipe is designed for an 11×17 inch cookie sheet for a thin sheet cake. If using a smaller pan, the cake will be thicker and may require longer baking time. Adjust baking time accordingly and check doneness with a toothpick.

What if I don’t have strawberry pie filling?

You can substitute strawberry pie filling with fresh strawberries cooked down with sugar to make a simple berry compote, or use strawberry jam for a similar flavor and texture.

Strawberry Texas Sheet Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 765 reviews

This Strawberry Texas Sheet Cake is a moist, fluffy dessert perfect for any occasion. Made with strawberry cake mix and strawberry pie filling, it is baked in a large sheet pan and topped with a luscious cream cheese and strawberry icing. Garnished with fresh strawberries, this cake offers a sweet and fruity twist on the classic sheet cake, ideal for serving a crowd with 48 generous servings.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 48 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Ingredients

• 1 (15.25 oz) box strawberry cake mix
• 1 (22 oz) can strawberry pie filling
• 4 large eggs

Icing Ingredients

• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon real vanilla extract
• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, washed and sliced

Instructions

1. Prepare Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix and eggs using a wooden spoon until well blended.
2. Add Pie Filling: Gently fold in the strawberry pie filling to the cake batter, mixing carefully to maintain the fruit pieces.
3. Spread Batter: Grease an 11×17 inch cookie sheet and evenly spread the batter across the pan.
4. Bake Cake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Cool Cake: Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack before applying the icing to prevent melting.
6. Prepare Icing: In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, and softened butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
7. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition until smooth and fluffy.
8. Prepare Strawberry Puree: Mash fresh strawberries to yield ½ cup without the juice; reserve the juice for cooking.
9. Cook Strawberry Mixture: Pour the strawberry juice and mashed berries into a small saucepan and heat over medium heat until boiling. Continue cooking for about 10 minutes until thickened into a puree-like consistency.
10. Chill Puree: Remove the mixture from heat and immediately place it in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to cool.
11. Combine Strawberry Puree into Icing: Add the cooled strawberry mixture to the cream cheese icing and stir thoroughly to combine the flavors evenly.
12. Frost Cake: Spread the strawberry cream cheese icing evenly over the cooled cake sheet.
13. Garnish: Decorate the top of the cake with fresh strawberry slices as desired.
14. Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the cake to set the icing and enhance flavors before cutting and serving.

Notes

• Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for easy mixing and smooth icing.
• Use a large cookie sheet (11×17 inches) for proper sheet cake thickness and even baking.
• Cooling the cake completely before icing is critical to prevent the icing from melting.
• The strawberry puree adds natural fruity flavor and moisture to the icing, enhancing the cake’s strawberry taste.
• Refrigerate leftovers covered to keep the cake fresh for up to 3 days.
• Can be served chilled or at room temperature depending on preference.

Keywords: Strawberry sheet cake, Texas sheet cake, strawberry dessert, cream cheese icing, fruit cake, large sheet cake, strawberry cake with icing