Description
Soft vanilla sheet cake brings classic birthday nostalgia with a tender crumb and fluffy vanilla buttercream that spreads like a dream. One simple batter bakes in a single pan for effortless crowd serving.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
Binding Ingredients:
- ½ cup butter
Supporting Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Warm your oven to precisely 350°F and position the rack in the center of the cooking space.
- Combine 2 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, and 1 tablespoon baking powder in a large mixing bowl, whisking until the dry ingredients are completely integrated.
- Drop ½ cup softened butter into the dry mixture, breaking it down with a fork or pastry cutter until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Crack 2 eggs into the bowl and pour in 1 cup milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir everything together with a wooden spoon until your batter becomes completely smooth and free of lumps.
- Coat a baking dish generously with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking, then transfer your prepared batter into the dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Slide the baking dish into the preheated 350°F oven and bake for 32-35 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge completely clean.
- Remove the dish from the oven and allow your freshly baked creation to rest and cool for 15-20 minutes before cutting and serving.
Notes
- Softening butter at room temperature helps create a smoother, more evenly mixed batter for better cake texture.
- Use a light-colored baking dish to prevent over-browning and ensure even baking throughout the cake.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for better structure.
- To add extra flavor, consider folding in fresh berries, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of cinnamon before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Cakes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 to 6
- Calories: 355 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg