This Roasted Strawberry Sheet Cake is a delightful twist on the classic dessert, featuring juicy, caramelized strawberries nestled in a tender, buttery cake. The roasting process intensifies the strawberries’ natural sweetness, giving the cake a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect for summer gatherings or a cozy afternoon treat, this sheet cake is simple to make and sure to impress with its vibrant color and irresistible taste. Top it off with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special touch.
Ingredients
For the Roasted Strawberries:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
Instructions
- Roast the Strawberries:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the halved strawberries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Sprinkle with sugar and vanilla extract.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through until the strawberries are soft and caramelized. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if not still hot from roasting. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Gently place the roasted strawberries over the top of the batter, distributing them evenly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
- Serve:
- Enjoy the cake warm or at room temperature, topped with whipped cream or ice cream if desired.
This Roasted Strawberry Sheet Cake captures the essence of summer with its sweet, roasted fruit and moist, flavorful cake base. Enjoy!
