The Sheet Pan Strawberry Shortcake Recipe is a delightful treat that brings the essence of summer into your kitchen. This easy-to-follow recipe transforms classic strawberry shortcake into a large, shareable dessert perfect for gatherings, picnics, or any occasion that requires a sweet touch. With layers of fluffy shortcake, whipped cream, and fresh strawberries, this version is not only delicious but also visually stunning.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easily Scalable: Perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal effort.
- Quick Preparation: Ready to serve in about 45 minutes from start to finish.
- Versatile Toppings: Customize with your favorite berries or add herbs for a unique twist.
- Less Mess: Bake everything on one sheet pan for easy cleanup.
- Classic Flavor: Enjoy the timeless taste of strawberry shortcake in every bite.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your Sheet Pan Strawberry Shortcake, gather your essential tools to make the process smoother. Having the right equipment will ensure your baking experience is enjoyable and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Non-stick 13×18 sheet pan
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Food processor (optional)
- Spatula or spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Non-stick sheet pan: Prevents sticking and allows for easy removal of the shortcake.
- Electric mixer: Whips cream quickly to achieve soft peaks without over-beating.
- Food processor: Simplifies mixing dry ingredients and butter for a uniform texture.
Ingredients
For the Shortcake
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup sugar (granulated)
- 5 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon table salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (cold, 2 sticks)
- 2 eggs (lightly beaten)
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Whipped Cream
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
For the Strawberry Topping
- 2 pounds strawberries (washed and sliced)
- 1/4 cup sugar (granulated, more or less depending on berry sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- Chamomile flowers (optional)

How to Make Sheet Pan Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400℉ and set aside a non-stick 13×18 sheet pan to prepare for baking.
Step 2: Make the Shortcake Dough
If using a food processor:
* Add flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt; pulse briefly to combine.
* Add cold butter and pulse until combined; mixture should resemble coarse sand.
In a mixing bowl:
* Stir in eggs, heavy whipping cream, and vanilla extract until just combined.
Step 3: Spread Dough on Sheet Pan
Transfer the shortcake dough onto your prepared sheet pan. Use slightly damp hands to spread it evenly across the pan. Smooth out the surface with a spatula or spoon.
Step 4: Bake the Shortcake
Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely.
Step 5: Prepare Whipped Cream
In a large bowl:
* Use an electric mixer to beat heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar together until soft peaks form. Be cautious not to overbeat.
Step 6: Make Strawberry Topping
Slice strawberries into thin pieces and mix them with sugar and lemon juice in a separate bowl. Allow them to sit so they can release their juices.
Step 7: Assemble Your Dessert
Once the shortcake has cooled:
* Top it generously with whipped cream.
* Add sliced strawberries on top immediately before serving for optimal freshness. Enjoy!
How to Serve Sheet Pan Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
Serving your Sheet Pan Strawberry Shortcake Recipe can enhance its appeal and make it an unforgettable dessert. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will impress your guests.
Individual Servings
- Serve each piece of shortcake on a small plate for a personal touch.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream on top to elevate the flavor.
Family Style
- Cut the sheet cake into squares and place it in the center of the table.
- Allow guests to serve themselves, creating a fun and communal experience.
Garnished Plating
- Plate with fresh mint leaves alongside the shortcake for a pop of color.
- Drizzle some strawberry syrup or balsamic glaze over the top for extra sweetness.
Ice Cream Pairing
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an indulgent treat.
- Consider using strawberry or lemon sorbet for a refreshing twist.
How to Perfect Sheet Pan Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
Perfecting your Sheet Pan Strawberry Shortcake Recipe can be simple with these tips. Follow them to ensure your dessert is delicious every time.
- Use cold ingredients: Ensure your butter and heavy cream are cold for the best texture in your shortcake.
- Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Choose ripe strawberries: Sweet, ripe strawberries will enhance the overall flavor of your dessert.
- Let it cool completely: Cooling allows the flavors to meld together before serving, resulting in a more enjoyable taste.
- Experiment with flavors: Try adding lemon zest or almond extract for a unique twist on traditional shortcake.
- Store properly: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Sheet Pan Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
Complementing your Sheet Pan Strawberry Shortcake Recipe with side dishes can create a balanced meal. Here are some options that pair wonderfully with this delightful dessert.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
- Lemonade: This refreshing drink helps cleanse the palate after enjoying rich shortcake.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fruit offers a healthy counterpoint.
- Chocolate Mousse: Decadent chocolate mousse provides a rich contrast to fruity shortcake.
- Cheese Platter: A variety of cheeses adds savory notes that complement sweet desserts well.
- Minted Peas: Lightly seasoned minted peas bring freshness and color to your table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a Sheet Pan Strawberry Shortcake Recipe can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls that can affect your results. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
- Using cold ingredients: Cold butter is essential, but make sure your eggs and cream are at room temperature. This helps create a better texture in the shortcake.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can develop gluten and lead to a tough shortcake. Only mix until just combined for the best results.
- Not letting the shortcake cool: Serving the shortcake while it’s still warm can cause the whipped cream to melt. Always let it cool completely for optimal layering.
- Ignoring strawberry sweetness: Not adjusting sugar based on your strawberries’ sweetness can lead to bland toppings. Taste and adjust accordingly for perfect flavor balance.
- Skimping on whipped cream: A generous layer of whipped cream makes this dessert special. Don’t hold back when topping your shortcake!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- item Store assembled shortcake in an airtight container.
- item It will stay fresh for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
- item If possible, keep whipped cream separate until ready to serve.
Freezing Sheet Pan Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
- item Wrap unassembled shortcake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
- item You can freeze it for up to 3 months.
- item Whipped cream and strawberries should not be frozen; add them fresh upon serving.
Reheating Sheet Pan Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350℉, cover with foil, and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Warm individual pieces for about 15-20 seconds on low power.
- Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over low heat; cover and warm for about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Sheet Pan Strawberry Shortcake Recipe that might help you with your baking journey.
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
You can use frozen strawberries, but they will release more juice. Thaw them first and drain excess liquid before mixing with sugar and lemon juice.
How do I make this dessert gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of the Sheet Pan Strawberry Shortcake Recipe, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure other ingredients are also certified gluten-free.
Can I add other fruits?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other fruits like blueberries or raspberries alongside strawberries for added flavor and color.
How long does this dessert last?
The assembled shortcake is best enjoyed within 2 days when stored properly. The unassembled components can be frozen separately for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
This Sheet Pan Strawberry Shortcake Recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding different fruits or adjusting sweetness levels according to your preference. Whether it’s a family gathering or a simple treat at home, this dessert is sure to impress! Give it a try and enjoy a delightful slice of summer!

Sheet Pan Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
Indulge in the ultimate summer delight with this Sheet Pan Strawberry Shortcake Recipe. This easy and visually stunning dessert transforms the classic strawberry shortcake into a large, shareable treat, perfect for gatherings or picnics. With fluffy layers of shortcake, fresh strawberries, and luscious whipped cream, it’s a delicious centerpiece that brings the essence of summer right to your kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this recipe allows for versatile toppings and minimal cleanup, making it a must-try for any occasion.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 1x
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 5 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon table salt
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 2 eggs (lightly beaten)
- 4 cups heavy whipping cream (divided)
- 2 pounds strawberries (washed and sliced)
- Lemon juice and powdered sugar for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and prepare a non-stick 13×18 sheet pan.
- In a mixing bowl or food processor, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
- Stir in eggs, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until just combined. Spread evenly on the sheet pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown; let cool completely.
- Beat remaining heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
- Mix sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice; let sit to release juices.
- Once cooled, top shortcake with whipped cream and strawberries before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Use cold ingredients for the best texture. Customize with other fruits or flavors such as lemon zest. Store leftovers in an airtight container; best enjoyed within two days.