Vanilla Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting (Moist, Buttery & Crowd-Pleasant)

Thank you for being here — truly. This Vanilla Sheet Cake is one of those recipes that never goes out of style. It’s rich with butter, generously vanilla-scented, and baked into a simple sheet pan so it’s easy to serve and impossible to resist. The real magic, though, comes from that tangy-sweet cream cheese frosting spread thick over the top — soft, creamy, and just sweet enough.

This is the cake I make when I want something dependable and comforting, the kind that feels homemade in the best way. If you love classic baking with foolproof results, don’t forget to subscribe by email so you never miss a recipe from my kitchen to yours

Overview of Recipe Content

What Is Vanilla Sheet Cake?

A vanilla sheet cake is a single-layer butter cake baked in a rectangular pan. It’s known for its moist crumb, easy preparation, and ability to feed a crowd without fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist, tender butter cake
• Rich real vanilla flavor
• Easy to bake and serve
• Perfect balance with cream cheese frosting

What Does It Taste Like?

Soft, buttery, and lightly sweet with a fragrant vanilla aroma, finished with creamy tang from the frosting — classic, nostalgic, and satisfying.

Ingredients

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Vanilla Cake Recipe

• 3 cups (355 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon (11 g) baking powder
• ½ teaspoon (2 g) salt
• 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1½ cups (300 g) granulated white sugar
• 4 large eggs (200 g), room temperature
• 1 tablespoon (10 g) pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk, room temperature (full-fat or 2%)

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3½–4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Tools Needed

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• 9×13-inch sheet pan
• Offset spatula

Substitutions & Additions

• Add lemon zest to frosting for brightness
• Use buttermilk for extra tenderness
• Add sprinkles for celebrations
• Swap vanilla for almond extract (½ teaspoon)

How to Make Vanilla Sheet Cake

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Step 1: Prep the Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch pan.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.

Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar

Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 4: Add Eggs & Vanilla

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla.

Step 5: Combine

Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, beginning and ending with dry. Mix just until combined.

Step 6: Bake

Spread batter evenly in pan. Bake 35–40 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool

Cool completely before frosting.

How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually, then vanilla and salt. Beat until creamy and spreadable.

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
• Let cake cool fully before frosting
• Sift powdered sugar for smooth frosting

Storage Instructions

• Store covered in refrigerator up to 5 days
• Bring to room temperature before serving
• Freeze unfrosted cake up to 2 months

General Information

Sheet cakes became popular for their simplicity and versatility. This vanilla version is a timeless base that works for birthdays, holidays, and everyday treats alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead?

Yes — bake a day ahead and frost before serving.

Can I use this as a layer cake?

Yes — divide into two pans.

Is this cake very sweet?

Balanced and classic, not overly sweet.

Can I halve the recipe?

Yes — use an 8×8-inch pan.

Conclusion

This Vanilla Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is everything a classic cake should be — moist, buttery, and beloved by everyone who tries it. If you enjoyed this recipe, you’ll also love:

• Moist Vanilla Cake
• Chocolate Sheet Cake
• Amish Sugar Cookies
• Simple Birthday Cake
• Vanilla Snack Cake

Interactive Elements

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Nutritional Information (Per Slice – Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	380
Fat	20g
Saturated Fat	12g
Carbs	46g
Sugar	34g
Protein	5g
Fiber	1g

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