Indulge your senses with a delightful twist on a classic dessert! Our Vanilla Sheet Cake with Grilled Strawberries is not just a treat; it's an experience that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Imagine a moist, fluffy cake layered with the irresistible sweetness of fresh strawberries kissed by the grill's warmth. This recipe is perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or simply as a sweet escape on a sunny afternoon. Ready to impress your family and friends? Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that guarantees to steal the show!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups fresh strawberries
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking sheet with butter or cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage.
- In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking sheet, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the strawberries. Wash and hull the strawberries, then slice them in half.
- Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Brush strawberries lightly with olive oil.
- Grill strawberries for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until light grill marks appear and they become slightly softened.
- Remove cake from oven and let cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.
- Arrange the grilled strawberries on top of the cooled cake, either in a decorative pattern or scattered evenly.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream if desired.
- Slice into 12 equal portions and serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips
- Prep Your Ingredients: Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you start baking. This helps create a smoother batter and a more even texture in your cake.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so be gentle!
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cake a few minutes before the recommended baking time. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean when the cake is done.
- Perfectly Grilled Strawberries: For the best flavor, choose ripe strawberries. Grilling them enhances their natural sweetness and adds a lovely smoky flavor. Just be careful not to over-grill them!
- Presentation Matters: When arranging the grilled strawberries on top of the cake, feel free to get creative! A decorative pattern or a casual scatter can elevate the cake's visual appeal.
- Serve with Flair: For an extra touch, consider dusting the cake with powdered sugar or serving it with a dollop of whipped cream. It adds a beautiful finish and an extra layer of flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 120mg
