Vanilla Sheet Cake

If you’re searching for a dessert that’s as light as air and bursting with flavor, look no further than this delightful Vanilla Sheet Cake! This dessert is creamy, buttery, and oh-so-satisfying, with just the right amount of sweetness to lift your spirits. Picture this: a warm slice of cake, the aroma of vanilla wafting through your kitchen, and a perfect buttery frosting that beckons you to take just one more bite. What’s even more fun? Vanilla Sheet Cake is a family-friendly recipe that can be whipped up in no time, making it an ideal treat for any occasion, from birthday celebrations to casual weeknight desserts.

Did you know that sheet cakes were popularized in the mid-20th century for their simplicity and ease of serving? This cake is not just delicious; it also brings everyone together—after all, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach!” So, grab your apron and get ready for a baking adventure that’s sure to impress. If you love this dish, you might also want to check out our equally tempting Chocolate Sheet Cake—both are simple to make and provide that gratifying homemade goodness!

What is Vanilla Sheet Cake?

So, what exactly is a Vanilla Sheet Cake? Think of it as the unassuming sibling of more extravagant cakes, but with a charm of its own. This cake is moist, fluffy, and baked in a flat sheet pan, making it easy to cut into squares or rectangles. It can be frosted generously or enjoyed simply with a dusting of powdered sugar for that classic touch. But why the name “sheet cake”? Well, it’s named for the pan it’s baked in—flattened for wide, even cooking! Who knew a simple pan could create such a delightful treat?

Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, you’ll appreciate how this cake serves as a canvas for creativity; some may even say it’s the ultimate blank slate for frosting and toppings. So, why not consider trying your hand at this delicious Vanilla Sheet Cake? It’s a staple that will bring joy to your dessert table!

Why You’ll Love This Vanilla Sheet Cake

There are countless reasons to fall in love with Vanilla Sheet Cake! Firstly, it’s deliciously simple, relying on just a handful of everyday ingredients that come together to create a mouthwatering dessert. The cake itself is rich in vanilla flavor, ensuring that each bite transports you to dessert heaven with its soft, fluffy texture.

Secondly, making this cake at home is truly cost-effective! No need to break the bank on extravagant desserts when you can whip up this beauty with pantry staples. Plus, your kitchen will smell heavenly without the extra expense of take-out desserts!

Finally, one of the highlights of this Vanilla Sheet Cake is its versatility. Want to jazz it up? Add sprinkles for a birthday bash or berries for a refreshing twist. It’s also a delightful alternative to other popular cake recipes you might find on our blog, like the classic chocolate cake. So why not dig into your mixing bowl and bring this Vanilla Sheet Cake to life?

How to Make Vanilla Sheet Cake

Quick Overview

Baking a Vanilla Sheet Cake is an absolute breeze! With a straightforward recipe requiring minimal effort, you can satisfy your sweet cravings in about 30 minutes of prep time and a brief bake. The cake’s simple ingredients—flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and, of course, vanilla—come together quickly. You’ll appreciate its inviting aroma as it bakes, wafting through your home and enticing everyone to gather for a slice.

Key Ingredients for Vanilla Sheet Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
• 1 cup milk
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch sheet pan.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan and smooth the top. Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Frost: Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting with your favorite vanilla buttercream or any topping of your choice.

What to Serve Vanilla Sheet Cake With

This Vanilla Sheet Cake pairs beautifully with a variety of complementary dishes! Consider serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. Fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries add a touch of tartness, enhancing the cake’s sweetness beautifully. For drinks, iced tea or a refreshing lemonade balances out the rich flavors perfectly.

Top Tips for Perfecting Vanilla Sheet Cake

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs and butter are at room temperature for a richer flavor and better mixing.
2. Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overbeat the batter once you add the flour. Mixing just until combined will keep the cake tender.
3. Customize It: Feel free to experiment with different extracts, like almond or coconut, for added flavor.
4. Frosting: Make your frosting ahead of time to save on prep, and consider chilling your cake to make slicing easier.

Storing and Reheating Tips

To store any leftover Vanilla Sheet Cake, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or until warmed through. This method revives the cake’s moisture, making every bite taste freshly made!

With its delightful flavor and simple charm, Vanilla Sheet Cake deserves a spot in your baking repertoire. This easy recipe is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a great way to create memories with family and friends. So, gather your ingredients and embrace the joy of baking today—you won’t be disappointed!

Vanilla Sheet Cake

A deliciously simple Vanilla Sheet Cake that is moist, fluffy, and perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 245

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened (1 stick) At room temperature
• 1 cup milk At room temperature
• 3 large eggs At room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch sheet pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Incorporate the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined.

Baking

1. Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cooling and Frosting

1. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting with your favorite vanilla buttercream or any topping of your choice.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.