This soft, layered Trader Joes Sheet Cake Hack is made with store-bought vanilla sheet cakes and fresh berries and ready in 20 minutes. Stacking the pre-frosted squares creates a tall, bakery-style centerpiece without turning on the oven. I always use this trick for last-minute birthday parties.
The Secret To Getting It Right
I tried removing these cakes from their cardboard trays by pulling the edges, and it completely ruined the frosting. I quickly learned you need to freeze the cakes for twenty minutes first.
Freezing firms up the chantilly cream so you can cleanly lift the cake with an offset spatula. Stacking them becomes incredibly simple once the frosting is chilled.
Jump to RecipeTrader Joes Sheet Cake Hack Ingredients
- 2 Trader Joe’s Vanilla Bean Sheet Cakes
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 2 tablespoons rainbow sprinkles (optional)
How To Make Trader Joes Sheet Cake Hack
- Chill the cakes: Place both sheet cakes in the freezer for 20 minutes to firm up the frosting.
- Remove the first layer: Run a butter knife along the edges of the cardboard tray, then use a large spatula to lift one cake onto a serving platter.
- Stack the second layer: Carefully lift the second cake and place it directly on top of the first cake.
- Smooth the edges: Use an offset spatula to blend the frosting from the top layer down the sides to hide the seam.
- Decorate the top: Arrange the fresh sliced strawberries and blueberries over the top of the stacked cake before serving.
Recipe Tips
- Freeze before stacking: This prevents the soft chantilly cream from tearing when you move the cake.
- Hide the seam: Dragging an offset spatula around the middle gap makes it look like one solid, custom cake.
- Add fresh fruit just before serving: Berries can leak juices onto the frosting if they sit in the fridge for too long.
What To Serve With Trader Joes Sheet Cake
Serve this quick cake with scoops of vanilla bean ice cream or a hot cup of black coffee. The rich chantilly cream also pairs well with a dry sparkling wine to balance the sweetness.
How To Store
Keep the stacked cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can also slice individual pieces and freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for one month.
FAQs
Can I use the chocolate sheet cake instead?
Yes, the Trader Joe’s dark chocolate ganache sheet cake works exactly the same way for this stacking method.
Do I need extra frosting?
The cakes come heavily frosted, so you just need to redistribute the existing frosting along the sides to cover the gap.
Can I make this a day ahead?
You can stack and smooth the cake a day in advance, but hold off on adding fresh fruit until right before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 210mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 42g
- Protein: 4g
Try More Recipes:
- Trader Joes Mochi Cake Recipe
- Trader Joes Protein Pancake Mix Recipe
- Trader Joe’s Ube Mochi Pancakes Recipe
Trader Joes Sheet Cake Hack Recipe
12
servings20
minutes20
minutesTrader Joes Sheet Cake Hack creates a soft, towering dessert using pre-made vanilla cakes and fresh berries in just 20 minutes. This quick stacking trick saves time and money for your next birthday party.
Ingredients
2 Trader Joe’s Vanilla Bean Sheet Cakes
1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
1/2 cup fresh blueberries
2 tablespoons rainbow sprinkles (optional)
Directions
- 1. Chill the cakes: Place both sheet cakes in the freezer for 20 minutes to firm up the frosting.
- 2. Remove the first layer: Run a butter knife along the edges of the cardboard tray, then use a large spatula to lift one cake onto a serving platter.
- 3. Stack the second layer: Carefully lift the second cake and place it directly on top of the first cake.
- 4. Smooth the edges: Use an offset spatula to blend the frosting from the top layer down the sides to hide the seam.
- 5. Decorate the top: Arrange the fresh sliced strawberries and blueberries over the top of the stacked cake before serving.
