What’s in this Homemade Vanilla Sheet Cake Recipe?
Some simple pantry staples come together to create a moist and delicious vanilla sheet cake that’ll have you coming back for seconds…and thirds! It makes a great birthday cake but works for any occasion.
All-Purpose Flour: Gives the cake structure. Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise in the oven. Kosher Salt: Balances the sweetness of the cake. Unsalted Butter: Makes the cake moist and tender, and gives the frosting structure. Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the cake, while powdered sugar sweetens the frosting without making it gritty. Vegetable Oil: Makes the cake ultra-moist and helps prevent it from drying out too quickly. Eggs: Give the cake structure and richness. Vanilla Extract: Adds rich vanilla flavor to both the cake and the frosting. Milk: Adds moisture to the cake. Heavy Cream: Helps to thin the frosting to a spreadable consistency.
Pro Tip: Set your refrigerated ingredients (milk, eggs, and butter) on the counter and let them come to room temperature before using them.
Sheet Cake Flavors
This vanilla cake recipe is the perfect base to turn into just about any flavor you like. Try some of these sheet cake variations!
Chocolate: Replace ½ cup of all-purpose flour with unsweetened cocoa powder. Strawberry: Add ½ cup of pureed strawberries to the cake batter and garnish with fresh strawberries. Red Velvet: Add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder and 2 tablespoons of red food coloring to the batter. Lemon: Add 2 tablespoons of lemon zest and ¼ cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the batter. Caramel: Add ½ cup of caramel sauce to the batter and drizzle some extra on top.
How to Store
Store vanilla sheet cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This cake is best enjoyed at room temperature.
How to Freeze
Freeze this confetti sheet cake whole or cut into individual slices, tightly wrapped in 2 layers of plastic wrap and 1 layer of aluminum foil, for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Serving Suggestions
This rich vanilla cake recipe pairs perfectly with a glass of milk (or oat milk)! And if you’re using this as a birthday cake, don’t forget scoops of vanilla ice cream or red velvet ice cream, and a few candles. For a lighter cake, try topping it with stabilized whipped cream and fresh fruit instead of buttercream.
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