Classic Vanilla Sheet Cake – Soft, Moist & Perfect for Any Occasion
A Classic Vanilla Sheet Cake is one of the most versatile and beloved desserts. Whether you're baking for a birthday party, wedding, holiday gathering, or casual treat, this cake delivers a light, fluffy texture and rich vanilla flavor that everyone loves.
Unlike store-bought cakes, this homemade vanilla sheet cake is made with simple, high-quality ingredients that ensure a moist and tender crumb. Paired with a smooth vanilla buttercream frosting, this cake is perfect for layering, decorating, or serving as a quick and easy dessert.
In this guide, you’ll find step-by-step instructions, expert baking tips, ingredient substitutions, and variations to create the best vanilla sheet cake recipe that’s guaranteed to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Soft and Moist Texture – Buttery, fluffy, and perfectly balanced.
✔ Rich Vanilla Flavor – A classic taste that pairs well with any topping.
✔ Easy to Make – No complicated techniques, just simple baking.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – Ideal for birthdays, celebrations, and casual treats.
✔ Customizable – Easily adaptable with different flavors and fillings.
Ingredients for Classic Vanilla Sheet Cake
To create a soft, moist vanilla cake, it’s important to use fresh, high-quality ingredients.
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure and stability.
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder – Helps the cake rise and stay fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda – Balances acidity and improves texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances overall flavor.
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and moisture.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature) – Creates a rich, tender crumb.
- 4 large eggs (room temperature) – Provides structure and richness.
- 1 cup whole milk (room temperature) – Ensures a moist and soft cake.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – The key flavoring for a deep, aromatic taste.
For the Vanilla Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature) – Creates a creamy, smooth frosting.
- 4 cups powdered sugar – Provides a light, fluffy texture.
- ¼ cup whole milk – Helps achieve a spreadable consistency.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances the frosting’s flavor.
Pro Tip: Use pure vanilla extract instead of artificial vanilla for the best flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Set aside for later use.
Why It Matters: Mixing dry ingredients separately ensures they distribute evenly, preventing clumps and uneven baking.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Beat for 3-5 minutes, until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color.
Pro Tip: Properly creaming butter and sugar creates air pockets, leading to a soft and tender cake.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk.
- Begin and end with the dry ingredients to ensure proper mixing.
- Mix until just combined – avoid overmixing, as this can make the cake dense.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Make the Vanilla Frosting
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed.
- Increase the speed to medium and beat until smooth.
- Add the milk and vanilla extract, then beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Step 8: Frost the Cake
- Spread the vanilla frosting evenly over the cooled cake using a spatula.
- Decorate with sprinkles, fresh berries, or a dusting of cocoa powder, if desired.
Expert Baking Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients – This helps the batter mix evenly for a smoother cake.
- Measure Flour Correctly – Spoon and level the flour instead of scooping to avoid excess.
- Don’t Overmix – Overmixing can lead to a dense and dry cake.
- Check for Doneness – Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Variations and Customizations
Flavor Variations
- Lemon Vanilla Cake – Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
- Almond Vanilla Cake – Replace 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract with almond extract.
- Chocolate Vanilla Swirl Cake – Swirl in ½ cup melted chocolate into the batter before baking.
Frosting Alternatives
- Chocolate Frosting – Swap vanilla frosting for a rich chocolate buttercream.
- Cream Cheese Frosting – Use a tangy cream cheese frosting for extra richness.
- Whipped Cream Topping – For a lighter option, use whipped cream and fresh fruit.
How to Store and Freeze Vanilla Sheet Cake
- Refrigeration: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the unfrosted cake in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before frosting.
- Make-Ahead: Bake the cake a day in advance, store at room temperature, and frost before serving.
FAQs About Classic Vanilla Sheet Cake
1. Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes! Cake flour will make the cake even softer. Use 2 ¾ cups cake flour instead of all-purpose flour.
2. Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute almond milk or coconut milk for whole milk and use vegan butter for the frosting.
3. How do I prevent my cake from becoming dry?
Avoid overbaking, measure ingredients correctly, and use whole milk for moisture.
4. Can I make cupcakes with this recipe?
Absolutely! Bake in a muffin tin at 350°F for 18-20 minutes.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Vanilla Sheet Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion. With its moist texture, rich vanilla flavor, and creamy buttercream frosting, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Follow these expert tips and variations to customize it to your liking.
Try this recipe and share your results! Let me know how you customized your vanilla sheet cake in the comments.
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