Gluten-Free Fresh Strawberry Sheetcake

Name: Strawberry Sheet Cake
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 43 min
Yield: 1, 9x13
Ingredients: 2 c. gluten-free flour blend, spooned and leveled (I use Bob's RedMill 1:1); 1 1/2 c. sugar; 1/2 tsp. baking soda; 2 tsp. baking powder; 1/2 tsp. salt; 1/2 c. unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 c. oil; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1/2 c. milk, room temperature; 1/2 c. strawberry puree, room temperature (ingredients and recipe below); 1 tsp. vanilla; 1/4 tsp. strawberry extract (optional); 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar; 6-8 drops pink food coloring (optional); 1 lb. strawberries, washed, hulled, and sliced; 1/4 c. water; 1/2 c. unsalted butter; 1/4 c. milk; 3 Tbsp. strawberry puree; 4 1/2 c. powdered sugar; 1/4 - 1/2 tsp. strawberry extract (optional)

Desserts

Jul 26

Written By Kali Terry

Picture this: A big, rectangular tray of strawberry cake, each square slice perfectly golden on the edges, soft and tender in the middle. The star of the show? Fresh strawberries and their vibrant sweetness, which take center stage in both the cake and the poured icing. The icing, in particular, is what turns this simple cake into a celebration. It's more than just a frosting — it’s a silky-smooth glaze that sinks into every corner of the cake, creating a beautiful balance of sweet and slightly tangy flavor. 🍓🍓🍓

Jump to Recipe

I’ve always wanted to make a fresh strawberry sheetcake ever since I came up with our Texas Sheet Cake recipe. While that cake is rich, fudgy, and delicious, I wanted to make an alternative that was lighter and less intense for the summer time. We’ve been experimenting with this recipe ever since the Barbie movie came out - the first trial of the cake was actually decked out in Barbie decor! That first version was a bit too sweet though and tasted a bit artificial, but, like I said, we’ve been perfecting it ever since!

Summer is synonymous with fresh strawberries, and there's no better way to enjoy these ruby-red beauties than in a soft, moist gluten-free sheet cake. But we're not stopping there — let's take it up a notch with a luscious, glossy strawberry poured icing that drips decadently over each slice. The combination of the light, airy cake and the fresh strawberry icing will have you hooked after the first bite.

We’ve managed to make a strawberry sheet cake that doesn’t crumble apart from the fresh fruit inside of it. In the original recipe, there was some water, but in this new recipe, we figured out that we can replace this water with some fresh strawberry puree to give the cake some extra moistness and natural strawberry flavor. The icing even has fresh strawberries in it and you can even see the tiny strawberries seeds (don’t worry they’re not hard or crunchy!) The great thing about the cooking process of the strawberry puree is that all of the elements of the fruit gets soft, including the seeds. So, they offer a beautiful, natural touch to the top of the cake while not adding any weird textures.

The Taste: Bursting with Freshness and Natural Sweetness

The cake itself is a celebration of strawberries. It’s made with gluten-free flour, which ensures a light, delicate crumb that doesn’t feel dense or dry (a common worry when gluten-free baked goods are involved). The flavor of the strawberries shines through the cake batter, with pureed strawberries blended into the mix, giving it a gentle fruitiness.

When baked, the cake develops a golden-brown top with edges that are perfectly crisp. The inside, though, is tender, moist, and fluffy — the kind of texture that makes each bite feel indulgent yet light. You know you’ve made something special when the cake is flavorful on its own, even before the poured icing is added.

And then there’s the icing. This isn’t a standard frosting. The poured strawberry icing, made from fresh strawberries, sugar, and a hint of vanilla, creates a shiny, almost syrupy glaze that seeps into the top of the cake. The glaze is sweet but with just enough tang to balance the richness of the cake, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. It’s a bit like biting into a strawberry shortcake, but with a whole new twist. It softens up those golden edges, so you get the delicious flavor of the caramelization, but it’s now perfectly soft and moist!

The Texture: Soft, Moist, and Satisfying

The texture of this cake is one of the most irresistible parts. Gluten-free cakes often have the reputation of being a little too dense or dry, but not this one. Thanks to the combination of the gluten-free flour and the addition of fresh strawberries in both the cake and icing, the cake stays remarkably soft and moist. The crumb is light but substantial enough to hold its shape, and the cake practically melts in your mouth.

The strawberry poured icing adds another layer of texture — it’s smooth, glossy, and just thick enough to stay in place while still sinking a little into the cake. Every slice feels like a little bite of heaven, with the soft cake base melding perfectly with the sticky, fruit-infused icing.

Why It’s Fun to Make

Let’s be real — baking is fun, especially when it’s easy, and this strawberry sheet cake falls into that category. From the start, it’s a simple batter that comes together quickly, and as soon as you fold in the fresh strawberries, you’ll be excited to see the color and texture come together. The pouring of the strawberry icing is almost like adding the final brushstroke to a beautiful painting.

You don’t need a piping bag, fancy tools, or complicated steps. Just whisk, pour, and let the natural beauty of the fresh fruit shine. Plus, the smell of strawberries wafting through the house as the cake bakes? That alone is enough to get anyone in the mood for dessert.

How to Serve: From Casual Gatherings to Special Occasions

Serving this Gluten-Free Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake is as easy as it is delicious. It's perfect for just about any occasion. Whether you're hosting a summer BBQ, attending a picnic, or having a cozy afternoon tea, this cake will steal the show.

Here are a few ideas for serving:

Casual Picnic: Slice the cake into squares and pack them into an airtight container for a fresh, portable treat. Imagine sitting outdoors, surrounded by friends or family, with a cool drink in hand and a square of cake in your other — heaven.
Birthday Celebrations: Who says sheet cakes can't be fun and festive? Add a few fresh mint leaves or a scatter of whole strawberries around the cake’s edges for an Instagram-worthy birthday dessert. You could even top it with a few delicate edible flowers for a whimsical touch.
Tea Time: For a more refined experience, serve the cake with a cup of freshly brewed tea. The strawberry’s natural sweetness pairs beautifully with a hot cup of Earl Grey or chamomile. If you want to go all out, serve alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Afternoon Snacks: This cake is perfect for a midday pick-me-up. Serve it with a glass of iced lemonade, and you’ll have an afternoon treat that’s both satisfying and refreshing.

Let the baking begin!

TIPS AND TRICKS:

- Always preheat your oven.

- All refrigerated ingredients should be room temperature unless stated otherwise.

- The strawberry puree must be completely cooled before adding it into the batter and icing, but make sure it isn’t cold, but at room temperature.

- This cake cuts much easier when chilled.

In a world full of complicated recipes, sometimes the best desserts are the simplest. The fresh strawberry sheet cake with strawberry poured icing offers everything you could want in a dessert: lightness, freshness, ease, and above all, incredible taste. Plus, it’s so versatile and adaptable. Whether you serve it casually or with a touch of elegance, this cake is guaranteed to put a smile on anyone’s face.

So the next time you find yourself with a pint of fresh strawberries and a craving for something sweet, grab your baking supplies, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy one of the most delightful desserts you'll ever make!