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Homemade Vanilla Sheet Cake photo

Vanilla Sheet Cake

This Vanilla Sheet Cake is a crowd-pleaser! Moist, fluffy, and topped with creamy buttercream frosting, it’s perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cake, Easy, Vanilla
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (350 grams)
  • 3 teaspoons Baking Powder (12 grams)
  • ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter (room temperature, 170 grams)
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar (350 grams)
  • ½ cup Vegetable Oil (50 grams)
  • 4 Large Eggs (200 grams) (room temperature)
  • 1 tablespoon Pure Vanilla Extract (12 grams)
  • 1 cup Milk (227 grams, room temperature)

For the Frosting:

  • 5 cups Powdered Sugar (600 grams)
  • 1 ½ cups Unsalted Butter (slightly melted, 340 grams)
  • 3-4 tablespoons Heavy Cream (43-57 grams)
  • 2 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract

Instructions

Instructions

  • Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cake bakes evenly and rises beautifully.
  • Step 2: Grease a 9x13 inch baking sheet with butter or non-stick spray, and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
  • Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt until combined.
  • Step 4: In a separate bowl, beat the room temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Step 5: Beat in the vegetable oil until well incorporated. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the pure vanilla extract.
  • Step 6: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix!
  • Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Step 8: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  • Step 9: In a large bowl, beat the slightly melted unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low until combined. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, then beat on high for 2-3 minutes until fluffy.
  • Step 10: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. You can use a spatula to create swirls or keep it smooth.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk
  • Baking Sheet
  • Spatula
  • Cooling Rack

Notes

  • Store cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week, bringing to room temperature before serving.
  • Freeze slices tightly wrapped for up to 3 months.