Thank you so much for being here — truly. This Vanilla Sheet Cake Recipe is one of those back-pocket bakes every home baker should have. It’s simple, generous, and made to feed a crowd without stress. No fancy layers, no complicated steps — just a soft, fluffy crumb and rich vanilla flavor that never goes out of style.
This is the cake I make when I need something reliable for birthdays, potlucks, holidays, or just because the week deserves a little sweetness. If you love classic, no-fail baking like this, don’t forget to subscribe by email so you never miss a recipe from my kitchen to yours
Overview of Recipe Content
What Is a Vanilla Sheet Cake?
A vanilla sheet cake is a single-layer cake baked in a large rectangular pan. It’s known for its tender crumb, easy preparation, and ability to serve many people with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft, fluffy, and buttery
- Perfect for parties and gatherings
- Easy to slice and serve
- Customizable with any frosting
What Does It Taste Like?
Rich vanilla aroma, lightly sweet, and buttery — moist without being heavy, with that classic bakery-style texture.
Ingredients
For the Vanilla Sheet Cake
- 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1½ cups (360 ml) milk, room temperature
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
Optional Frosting Ideas
- Vanilla buttercream
- Chocolate frosting
- Whipped cream and berries
- Simple powdered sugar glaze
Tools Needed
Substitutions & Additions
- Use buttermilk for extra tenderness
- Add lemon zest for brightness
- Sprinkle rainbow sprinkles on top
- Add almond extract (½ teaspoon)
How to Make Vanilla Sheet Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch pan.
Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugar
Beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
Step 3: Add Eggs
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 5: Combine
Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the batter, starting and ending with dry. Mix just until combined.
Step 6: Add Vanilla
Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 7: Bake
Pour batter into pan and smooth top. Bake 35–40 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool
Let cool completely before frosting or serving.
What to Serve with Vanilla Sheet Cake
- Fresh berries
- Coffee or tea
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fruit compote
Tips for Making It Perfect
- Use room-temperature ingredients
- Don’t overmix the batter
- Measure flour correctly
- Let cake cool fully before frosting
Storage Instructions
- Store covered at room temperature 2 days
- Refrigerate up to 5 days
- Freeze unfrosted cake up to 2 months
- Thaw at room temperature
General Information
Sheet cakes became popular because they’re economical, easy to transport, and perfect for feeding groups. This vanilla version is endlessly adaptable and a true baking staple.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes — bake a day ahead and frost before serving.
Can I use this recipe for cupcakes?
Absolutely — bake 18–22 minutes.
Is this cake very sweet?
It’s balanced and classic, not overly sweet.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes — use a larger sheet pan.
Conclusion
This Classic Vanilla Sheet Cake Recipe is everything a good cake should be: soft, buttery, dependable, and loved by everyone who tastes it. If you enjoy timeless recipes like this, you’ll also love:
- Moist Vanilla Cake
https://poulef.com/moist-vanilla-cake/ - Easy Chocolate Sheet Cake
https://poulef.com/chocolate-sheet-cake/ - Vanilla Snack Cake
https://poulef.com/vanilla-snack-cake/ - Amish Sugar Cookies
https://poulef.com/amish-sugar-cookies/ - Simple Birthday Cake
https://poulef.com/birthday-cake/
Interactive Elements
Did this cake bring back memories? Leave a review
Share your sheet cake on Pinterest and tag me https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/
Nutritional Information (Per Slice – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Carbs | 45g |
| Sugar | 30g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fiber | 1g |
Classic Vanilla Sheet Cake Recipe (Soft, Buttery & Crowd-Pleasing)
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Vanilla Sheet Cake is soft, buttery, and perfectly fluffy. A timeless, crowd-pleasing cake made with simple ingredients and rich vanilla flavor.
Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 large eggs
1½ cups milk
3 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare pan.
2. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time.
4. Whisk dry ingredients separately.
5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to batter.
6. Stir in vanilla.
7. Bake 35–40 minutes.
8. Cool completely before frosting.
Notes
Use room temperature ingredients.
Do not overmix.
Great base for any frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Table of Contents
Gianna Poulef
I’m Gianna Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!.
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