Classic Vanilla Sheet Cake

Classic Vanilla Sheet Cake is a timeless dessert known for its soft, tender crumb and rich vanilla flavor. Topped with a luscious layer of vanilla buttercream, this sheet cake is ideal for birthdays, potlucks, and any occasion where a crowd-pleasing dessert is needed. It’s simple, elegant, and endlessly adaptable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vanilla sheet cake is everything a classic cake should be—moist, flavorful, and easy to make. The recipe uses basic ingredients and a single baking pan, making it convenient without sacrificing taste or presentation. The smooth vanilla frosting adds the perfect sweet touch, and the cake itself pairs well with any number of toppings or fillings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cake:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Whole milk
• Vanilla extract

For the frosting:

• Unsalted butter
• Powdered sugar
• Heavy cream or milk
• Vanilla extract
• Salt (a pinch, to balance sweetness)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface.
7. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
9. For the frosting, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and spreadable.
10. Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 12 to 16 slices
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Bake time: 30–35 minutes
• Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Add sprinkles: Mix sprinkles into the batter for a funfetti version.
• Berry topping: Add a layer of fresh strawberries or raspberries on top of the frosting.
• Citrus twist: Replace half the vanilla extract with lemon or orange zest for a bright, citrus flavor.
• Chocolate version: Swap out half the flour with cocoa powder for a light chocolate cake.

Storage/reheating

Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring refrigerated slices to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture. To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole cake (without frosting) in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before frosting or serving.

FAQs

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can bake and frost the cake up to one day ahead and store it in the refrigerator.

Can I use a different pan size?

Yes, you can bake this cake in two 8-inch round pans for a layered version; adjust the baking time as needed.

Is the frosting overly sweet?

It’s a classic American buttercream, but you can adjust the sugar to suit your taste.

Can I use oil instead of butter?

Butter gives the cake its rich flavor, but you can substitute with neutral oil for a lighter texture.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based milk and a dairy-free butter alternative.

Can I add food coloring?

Absolutely—color the batter or the frosting for themed occasions or holidays.

How do I keep the cake moist?

Avoid overbaking and store it covered to maintain its soft texture.

What if I don’t have heavy cream for the frosting?

You can use milk, though the frosting may be slightly less rich.

Can I use vanilla bean instead of extract?

Yes, vanilla bean paste or scraped vanilla beans provide an even deeper vanilla flavor.

Can this be turned into cupcakes?

Yes, this recipe yields approximately 18 cupcakes. Bake at 350°F for 18–20 minutes.

Conclusion

Classic Vanilla Sheet Cake is a reliable, crowd-pleasing dessert that never goes out of style. With its soft crumb, rich vanilla flavor, and smooth frosting, it’s perfect for any celebration or simple family treat. Easy to bake, decorate, and serve, this cake earns its place as a beloved favorite in every home baker’s collection.

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