18 Decadent Sheet Cake Recipes 9×13 for Every Occasion

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Written By Lorraine Koller

DIY expert, architect, 20+ years in crafting, home improvement, and interior design.

When it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth, there’s no better way to do so than with a rich and indulgent sheet cake. These 9×13 wonders are perfect for any celebration or get-together, whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or just a Tuesday. And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to make! In this article, we’ll be sharing 18 decadent sheet cake recipes that are sure to impress your friends and family. From classic vanilla with buttercream frosting to chocolate fudge with ganache drizzle, we’ve got you covered.

Get ready to satisfy your cravings and impress your loved ones with these show-stopping sheet cakes. Whether you’re a fan of fruity flavors or rich chocolates, there’s something on this list for everyone. So go ahead, grab a fork, and get ready to indulge in the sweet life!

Classic Vanilla Sheet Cake with Buttercream Frosting

A timeless favorite, this moist and flavorful vanilla sheet cake is elevated by a rich and creamy buttercream frosting.

Ingredients:

For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For the frosting:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and line with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add softened butter and mix until just combined.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
4. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Allow cake to cool completely before spreading with buttercream frosting.

Frosting Instructions:

1. Beat softened butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth and creamy.
3. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
4. Spread or pipe onto cooled cake.

Chocolate Fudge Sheet Cake with Ganache Drizzle

Treat your taste buds to a decadent dessert featuring a moist chocolate cake, gooey ganache drizzle, and a satisfying crunch from chopped nuts.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
– Ganache drizzle ingredients: 1 cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and line with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared dish and sprinkle with chopped nuts (if using).
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Allow cake to cool completely before drizzling with ganache.

Ganache Drizzle:

1. In a small saucepan, combine heavy cream, butter, and chocolate chips. Heat over low heat, whisking constantly, until smooth and melted.
2. Pour ganache over cooled cake and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.

Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Brighten up your day with this refreshing and moist lemon blueberry sheet cake, topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients:

For the cake:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

For the frosting:

– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and mix until crumbly. Beat in eggs, lemon juice, and milk.
4. Gently fold in blueberries.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cool completely before spreading with cream cheese frosting (see below).

Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
3. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until combined.

Red Velvet Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This moist and flavorful red velvet cake is a classic Southern treat, perfectly paired with a tangy cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients:

For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons red food coloring
– 1 cup buttermilk

For the frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 15×10-inch baking sheet.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Add red food coloring and buttermilk; mix until combined. Gradually add dry ingredients; mix until smooth.
5. Pour batter into prepared sheet cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Allow cake to cool completely before frosting with cream cheese mixture (beat softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar; mix until combined).

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Carrot Cake Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This moist and flavorful carrot cake is topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup grated carrots
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Cream cheese frosting ingredients below

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking sheet.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine sugar, eggs, carrots, walnuts (if using), and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cream Cheese Frosting:

– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups powdered sugar

Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add vanilla extract and powdered sugar; beat until combined.

Funfetti Sheet Cake with Vanilla Buttercream

A classic dessert that’s perfect for parties and celebrations, this funfetti sheet cake is a crowd-pleaser. Moist and fluffy on the inside, and colorful and festive on the outside.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1 cup funfetti sprinkles

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan and line with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until smooth.
5. Fold in funfetti sprinkles.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Let cool completely before spreading with vanilla buttercream.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake with Whipped Cream

Satisfy your sweet tooth with this classic dessert, featuring a moist sheet cake filled with fresh strawberries and topped with whipped cream.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup whole milk
– 2 cups sliced strawberries
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and mix until combined.
4. Beat in eggs and milk until smooth.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow cake to cool completely before slicing and topping with sliced strawberries.
7. In a separate bowl, whip heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Sweeten with confectioners’ sugar if desired.
8. Top cake with whipped cream and serve.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Peanut Butter Chocolate Sheet Cake with Reese’s Topping

This decadent sheet cake combines the richness of peanut butter and chocolate, topped with a crunchy Reese’s layer. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or serving at your next gathering.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped (about 12-15 cups)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, peanut butter, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
7. Allow cake to cool completely before topping with chopped Reese’s cups.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Coconut Pineapple Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This tropical-inspired sheet cake is perfect for a summer gathering or potluck. Moist coconut and pineapple flavors are balanced by the tanginess of cream cheese frosting, making this dessert a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup whole milk
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup shredded coconut
– 1 cup crushed pineapple
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– Cream cheese frosting (recipe below)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
3. Add milk, vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and crushed pineapple. Mix until combined.
4. Gradually add flour and mix until smooth.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cream Cheese Frosting:

– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar

Beat until smooth and creamy. Spread over cooled cake.

Banana Pudding Sheet Cake with Vanilla Wafers

Banana Pudding Sheet Cake with Vanilla Wafers Recipe

Summary: This moist banana cake is infused with the creamy flavor of banana pudding and topped with crunchy vanilla wafers. Perfect for a dessert or snack.

Ingredients:

– 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
8. Top with crushed vanilla wafers and serve.

Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes

German Chocolate Sheet Cake with Coconut Pecan Frosting

A rich and decadent dessert that combines the flavors of German chocolate, coconut, and pecans.

Ingredients:

For the cake:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the frosting:

– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
– 1/2 cup shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Add dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
4. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Let cool completely before frosting.

Frosting:

1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until combined.
3. Stir in shredded coconut and chopped pecans.
4. Spread over cooled cake.

Tiramisu Sheet Cake with Coffee Soaked Layers

Elevate your dessert game with this creative twist on the classic Italian treat. This moist and creamy cake is layered with rich coffee-soaked goodness, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs, at room temperature
– 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup strong brewed coffee
– 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
– Cocoa powder, for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, whisk eggs until frothy. Add softened butter and whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, whisking until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared dish and smooth top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Allow cake to cool completely before layering with coffee-soaked ladyfingers (recipe not included).
8. Top with mascarpone cheese mixture, heavy cream, and confectioners’ sugar.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Pumpkin Spice Sheet Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

This moist and flavorful sheet cake is perfect for fall gatherings, combining the warmth of pumpkin spice with the tanginess of cinnamon cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients:

For the cake:

– 1 cup (200g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (120ml) canned pumpkin puree
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs

For the frosting:

– 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup (100g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup (100g) powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 15×10-inch baking sheet.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, eggs, and whisk until smooth.
4. Pour batter onto prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Allow cake to cool completely.
6. For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
7. Spread frosting over cooled cake.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Oreo Cookies and Cream Sheet Cake with Whipped Topping

This decadent dessert is a perfect combination of crunchy cookies, creamy cake, and fluffy whipped topping.

Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup Oreo cookie crumbs
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and line with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and Oreo cookie crumbs. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Gradually mix in flour mixture, then vanilla extract.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Allow cake to cool completely before spreading whipped topping (see below).

Whipped Topping:

1. Beat heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

S’mores Sheet Cake with Marshmallow Frosting

Bring the campfire classic to your next gathering with this indulgent dessert. Moist chocolate cake, gooey marshmallows, and crunchy graham cracker crumbs come together in a delightful sheet cake.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
– Marshmallow Frosting (recipe below)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; stir until just combined.
5. Fold in graham cracker crumbs.
6. Pour batter into prepared dish; smooth top.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Let cool completely before frosting with Marshmallow Frosting.

Marshmallow Frosting:

– 1 cup marshmallow creme
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Combine creme and powdered sugar; beat until smooth. Add butter; beat until combined.

Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake with Caramel Drizzle

This sweet treat combines the warmth of cinnamon and the crunch of chopped apples with a gooey caramel drizzle, perfect for a cozy afternoon or special occasion.

Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup chopped apple (Granny Smith or your favorite variety)
– Caramel drizzle: 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 2 cups granulated sugar

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and cinnamon.
3. Add softened butter, eggs, baking powder, and salt; mix until smooth.
4. Fold in chopped apple.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Allow cake to cool completely before slicing and serving with caramel drizzle.

Caramel Drizzle:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, butter, and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture reaches 350°F (175°C) or a deep amber color.
2. Remove from heat; let cool slightly before drizzling over cooled cake.

Cherry Almond Sheet Cake with Almond Glaze

A classic combination of cherry sweetness and almond flavor, this sheet cake is perfect for a crowd or a special occasion.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (120ml) unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon almond extract
– 1 cup (120g) pitted cherries, chopped
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 10×15-inch baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, eggs, almond extract, and chopped cherries; whisk until smooth.
4. Pour batter into prepared baking sheet and smooth top.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Allow cake to cool completely before drizzling with Almond Glaze (see below).

Almond Glaze:

– 1 cup (200g) powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons almond extract
– 2 tablespoons milk

Whisk together powdered sugar, almond extract, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake.

Black Forest Sheet Cake with Cherry Topping

A classic German dessert, this Black Forest sheet cake is a rich and decadent treat featuring a moist chocolate cake topped with whipped cream, cherries, and chocolate shavings.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
– 1 cup cherry preserves
– 1 cup pitted cherries
– 1/4 cup shaved dark chocolate

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow cake to cool completely.
7. Top with whipped cream, cherry preserves, and pitted cherries.
8. Sprinkle shaved dark chocolate on top.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Summary

Get ready to indulge in the ultimate sheet cake extravaganza! This article features 18 decadent recipe ideas for every occasion. From classic vanilla and chocolate fudge to fruity strawberry shortcake and pumpkin spice, there’s something for everyone. Each recipe is designed to fit a standard 9×13 inch pan and can be easily customized with your favorite frostings and toppings. Whether you’re looking for a birthday treat, a holiday dessert, or just a sweet pick-me-up, these sheet cakes are sure to satisfy your cravings.

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