Classic Vanilla Sheet Cake with Whipped Buttercream Frosting

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A tender, moist vanilla sheet cake topped with light and fluffy whipped buttercream, perfect for any celebration. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 60 minutes layers all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves 12 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9x13-inch sheet pan.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 cups granulated sugar, 2 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt until evenly combined.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 4 large eggs, 1 cup whole milk, and 2 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined and no dry streaks remain.
  5. Step 5: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared sheet pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  7. Step 7: For the frosting, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  8. Step 8: Gradually add 4 cups powdered sugar and 1/4 cup heavy cream, beating on medium speed until fluffy and spreadable, about 5 minutes.
  9. Step 9: Spread the whipped buttercream evenly over the cooled cake and slice to serve.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Classic Vanilla Sheet Cake with Whipped Buttercream Frosting take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Classic Vanilla Sheet Cake with Whipped Buttercream Frosting?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Vanilla Sheet Cake with Whipped Buttercream Frosting?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Classic Vanilla Sheet Cake with Whipped Buttercream Frosting for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Classic Vanilla Sheet Cake with Whipped Buttercream Frosting?

American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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