Classic Vanilla Sheet Cake with Fluffy Vanilla Frosting
There’s something magical about the simplicity of a vanilla sheet cake. It’s the cake you grew up with at birthdays, saw at school parties, and now, it’s the one you’ll want to make for any occasion that calls for a soft, moist, crowd-pleasing dessert. This Classic Vanilla Sheet Cake hits all the right notes—tender crumb, rich buttery flavor, and topped with a cloud-like vanilla frosting.
Why I Love This Recipe
This cake is pure nostalgia on a fork. It’s straightforward, dependable, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re decorating it for a holiday, adding sprinkles for a birthday bash, or just slicing it plain with a cup of coffee—it’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to over and over.
What makes this one stand out? The rich balance of butter and vanilla, paired with a soft texture and a thick layer of creamy frosting. It’s a sheet cake that feels just as special as a tiered one, but with way less effort.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Vanilla Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Swaps & Notes
- Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with plant-based butter and use almond or oat milk.
- Flavor Variations: Add lemon zest for a citrusy twist or fold in sprinkles for a funfetti version.
- Frosting Options: Swap the vanilla extract for almond extract for a slightly nutty undertone.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Whisk dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes.
- Add eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Start and end with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the pan, smooth the top, and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Frost: Beat butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar. Pour in milk and vanilla, beat until light and fluffy.
- Frost and serve: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing and optimal texture.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake tender.
- Chill the frosted cake for 15 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This vanilla sheet cake pairs beautifully with:
- A scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream
- A drizzle of fruit compote or chocolate syrup
- A chilled drink like This Blueberry Lemonade or Classic Margarita
Storage & Leftovers
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate: Keeps fresh for up to a week.
- Freeze: Wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you loved this vanilla sheet cake, you might enjoy:
- These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites – a snackable sweet that’s hard to resist.
- This Easy Ice Cream Sandwich Cake – no bake and perfect for warm weather.
- The Easter Cookies Everyone Will Be Talking About – colorful and crowd-approved.
- These Cake Mix Cookies – quick, easy, and perfect for bakers in a hurry.
- This Big Family Banana Pudding – the ultimate Southern dessert for gatherings.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Vanilla Sheet Cake is everything a reliable dessert should be: simple, satisfying, and suitable for just about any occasion. It’s a staple you’ll want to keep in your baking rotation.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment, share your frosting flair, or let us know your favorite way to personalize this classic.
Don’t forget to follow for more family-friendly, flavor-packed recipes from your kitchen companion, Jason Griffith at ChefManiac.com.
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