This Moist and Buttery Vanilla Sheet Cake is soft, fluffy, and packed with rich vanilla flavor. With a tender crumb and buttery taste, it’s the perfect cake for birthdays, family gatherings, holidays, or everyday baking. Enjoy it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with your favorite frosting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🍰 Soft and fluffy texture
- 🧈 Rich buttery vanilla flavor
- 🍰 Moist for days
- 🍰 Easy to make with pantry ingredients
- 🍰 Perfect for frosting or serving plain
- 🍰 Great for birthdays, parties, and celebrations
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups (355 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon (11 g) baking powder
- ½ teaspoon (2 g) salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, room temperature
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9 × 13-inch baking pan and line the bottom with parchment paper if desired.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together for 3–4 minutes until light, fluffy, and creamy.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Step 5: Combine the Batter
Add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the milk.
Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
Mix only until combined. Do not overmix.
Step 6: Bake
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting or serving.
Optional Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2½ cups (300 g) powdered sugar
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk (optional)
Instructions
- Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla.
- Beat until light and fluffy.
- Add a little milk if a thinner consistency is desired.
- Spread evenly over the cooled cake.
Baking Tips
- Use room-temperature butter, eggs, and milk.
- Measure flour using the spoon-and-level method.
- Avoid overmixing after adding the flour.
- Bake in a light-colored metal pan for even browning.
- Cool the cake completely before frosting.
Flavor Variations
Customize your cake with your favorite flavors:
- Chocolate chips
- Rainbow sprinkles
- Lemon zest
- Almond extract
- Fresh berries
- Coconut flakes
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Cream cheese frosting
- Vanilla buttercream
- Chocolate frosting
- Fresh strawberries
- Mixed berries
- Whipped cream
- Vanilla ice cream
- Powdered sugar
Storage
Room Temperature:
Store covered for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer:
Wrap the unfrosted cake tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 340 |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Sugar | 28 g |
Nutrition values are approximate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes. Bake the cake one day ahead and store it covered at room temperature. Frost just before serving or refrigerate if already frosted.
Can I use buttermilk instead of milk?
Yes. Replace the milk with an equal amount of buttermilk for an even softer, more tender cake.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes. Freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before frosting.
Can I use a different baking pan?
Yes. This recipe can be baked in:
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- A 10-inch square pan
- Cupcake pans (adjust baking time to 18–22 minutes)
What frosting goes best with vanilla sheet cake?
Cream cheese frosting, vanilla buttercream, chocolate buttercream, whipped cream, or a simple vanilla glaze all pair beautifully with this cake.
Final Thoughts
This Moist and Buttery Vanilla Sheet Cake is a classic recipe that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Its soft texture, rich vanilla flavor, and moist crumb make it perfect for any occasion. Whether served plain or topped with your favorite frosting, this homemade vanilla cake is sure to become one of your go-to baking recipes.
