Hand-Mixed Vanilla Sheet Cake with Melted Butter and Oil
A moist, fluffy vanilla sheet cake made with melted butter and oil to retain moisture, perfect for quick celebrations or everyday treats. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 45 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 330 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.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar until well combined.
- Step 2: Add 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter and 1/4 cup vegetable oil to the dry ingredients along with 3 large eggs, 1 cup whole milk, and 2 tsp vanilla extract. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until the batter is smooth and no dry flour remains.
- Step 3: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Step 4: Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake springs back lightly when touched. Let cool completely before frosting or serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Hand-Mixed Vanilla Sheet Cake with Melted Butter and Oil take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 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 Hand-Mixed Vanilla Sheet Cake with Melted Butter and Oil?
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 Hand-Mixed Vanilla Sheet Cake with Melted Butter and Oil?
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 Hand-Mixed Vanilla Sheet Cake with Melted Butter and Oil 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 Hand-Mixed Vanilla Sheet Cake with Melted Butter and Oil?
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.
