Old-Fashioned Sheet Cake
The humble rectangular pan is transformed into a hero when baking Granny’s Old-Fashioned Sheet Cake. This large flat cake is rich and moist, iced with a silky buttercream frosting. It’s great for when you need to serve a delicious dessert to lot of people.
And for aspiring pastry artists, there is plenty of surface area on a sheet cake for decoration and a personal message. Edible iced flowers are a popular addition but the sky is the limit. (Pro tip: a Mr. T cake is a surefire favorite.) This sheet cake's adaptability and tastiness make it perfect for birthday parties, graduation celebrations, or any other type of festivity!
Ingredients
Cake
3 cups (354 grams) cake flour 1 1⁄2 cups (300 grams) granulated sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda 3⁄4 teaspoon salt 1 cup (230 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature 1 cup (240 grams) whole milk, room temperature 3 large eggs, room temperature 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 3 cup (80 grams) sour cream, room temperature
Buttercream Frosting1 cup (230 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature 4 1⁄2 cups (540 grams) powdered sugar 1⁄3 cup (75 grams) heavy cream 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1⁄8 teaspoon salt
Method
- 1. Preheat oven to 350 F (175 C). Grease a 9x13 baking pan and set aside.
- 2. In a large bowl, add room temperature butter and granulated sugar. Beat until creamed. Add vanilla and eggs, one at a time, and mix until smooth.
- 3. In a separate bowl, sift together dry ingredients: cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Add half of the dry ingredients to butter mixture. Mix until just combined. Add half of milk, again mixing until just combined. Repeat once more to add remaining dry ingredients and milk.
- 4. Pour batter into prepared baking pan and spread into an even layer. Bake for 32-38 minutes or until the cake is baked through in the center and a toothpick comes out clean.
- 5. Remove cake from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire cooling rack.
Buttercream Frosting
- 1. In a large bowl, add room temperature butter and beat until creamy. Add powdered sugar and slowly mix until ingredients are fully combined. Then, whip at high speed for 2-3 minutes until fluffy.
- 2. Add heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Whip for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until light and fluffy. Add additional heavy cream as needed to reach desired consistency.
- 3. Spread frosting in an even layer onto cooled cake. Don't frost the cake until it is completely cooled or the frosting will melt.
- 4. Cover leftover cake tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Sheet Cakes: A Versatile Dessert for Every Occasion
Sheet cakes are a staple dessert in American baking, beloved for their simplicity, practicality, and ability to feed a crowd with ease. As the name suggests, they are baked in large, flat rectangular pans called sheet pans, allowing for quick and even baking. Their large surface area makes them ideal for decorating, portioning, and serving at various gatherings. Whether for birthdays, weddings, office parties, or casual get-togethers, sheet cakes offer a convenient and delicious solution.
A Brief History of Sheet Cakes
The origins of the sheet cake are somewhat murky, but its roots can be traced back to early American baking traditions. Historically, simple one-layer cakes have been a mainstay in home kitchens due to their ease of preparation and minimal ingredients. By the mid-20th century, as home ovens became more common and accessible, the popularity of sheet cakes soared. Boxed cake mixes from brands like Betty Crocker and Duncan Hines further fueled the trend, making it easier than ever for home bakers to whip up a sheet cake with minimal effort.
One of the most well-known varieties is the Texas sheet cake, a rich chocolate cake with a poured chocolate icing often studded with pecans. While its exact origins remain debated, the cake has been a Southern favorite for decades, praised for its moist texture and indulgent flavor. Despite its name, there is no definitive connection between the Texas sheet cake and the state of Texas—other than its big, bold flavors and ability to serve a crowd.
Why Sheet Cakes Are So Popular
- Easy to Make: No need for stacking layers or complex assembly—just pour, bake, and frost.
- Great for Large Gatherings: A single sheet cake can yield dozens of servings, making it perfect for parties and events.
- Versatile Flavors & Frostings: From vanilla and chocolate to red velvet and lemon, sheet cakes can be customized to suit any taste.
- Simple Yet Elegant Decorations: A smooth layer of frosting, piping, sprinkles, or edible images can transform a plain sheet cake into a masterpiece.
- Convenient for Transport: Unlike tiered cakes, sheet cakes are flat and stable, making them easier to carry and store.
Tips for Baking the Perfect Sheet Cake
- Choose the Right Pan Size:
- Quarter sheet (9x13 inches) – Serves 12-20
- Half sheet (13x18 inches) – Serves 24-40
- Full sheet (18x24 inches) – Serves 48-80
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining the pan with parchment paper prevents sticking and makes for easy removal.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense or tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Bake Evenly: If needed, rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure an even rise.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Frosting a warm cake can cause it to melt and become runny.
- Experiment with Toppings: Try buttercream, cream cheese frosting, ganache, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar for different flavor profiles.
Creative Sheet Cake Ideas
- Layered Sheet Cakes: Cut a sheet cake in half and stack with a layer of frosting or fruit filling for extra dimension.
- Sheet Cake Cupcakes: Cut a sheet cake into squares and decorate each one like an individual cupcake.
- Theme Cakes: Decorate with edible images, fondant designs, or colored frosting to match the event theme.
- Ice Cream Sheet Cake: Layer softened ice cream over a sheet cake base and freeze for a fun summer treat.
- Savory Sheet Cakes: For a twist, try cornbread or biscuit-based sheet cakes topped with savory spreads.
The Comforting Appeal of Sheet Cakes
No matter your skill level, sheet cakes are one of the simplest and most adaptable desserts to bake. Their ease, versatility, and crowd-friendly nature make them a go-to choice for celebrations and everyday treats. With countless ways to customize flavors, frostings, and decorations, there's always a fresh spin to put on this classic favorite. Whether for a party or just a sweet indulgence, a well-made sheet cake is sure to delight and satisfy.
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