18 Easy Sheet Cake Recipes Perfect for Any 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 baking, few things are more convenient or impressive than a sheet cake. These flat wonders can be whipped up quickly and easily, making them perfect for everything from casual gatherings to special occasions. And with so many delicious flavor combinations to choose from, the possibilities are truly endless.

In this article, we’ll explore 18 easy sheet cake recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. From classic vanilla and chocolate to fruity flavors like strawberry and lemon, there’s something for everyone on this list. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these simple yet impressive recipes are sure to become new favorites.

Classic Vanilla Sheet Cake with Buttercream Frosting

A timeless favorite, this moist vanilla sheet cake is perfectly paired with a rich buttercream frosting. Perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients:

– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating until just combined.
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 frosting.

Buttercream Frosting:

– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Beat butter and powdered sugar together until smooth. Add vanilla extract and mix well.

Chocolate Fudge Sheet Cake with Ganache Topping

This indulgent dessert is perfect for satisfying any chocolate craving. A moist and fudgy sheet cake, topped with a rich ganache made from heavy cream and dark chocolate, will be the star of your next gathering.

Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup whole milk
– Ganache topping (recipe below)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan and line with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Add sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
3. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
4. Let cake cool completely before spreading ganache topping.

Ganache Topping:

– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 ounces dark chocolate chips

Combine cream and melted chocolate in a small bowl; mix until smooth. Spread over cooled cake. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set before serving.

Lemon Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze

Brighten up your day with this refreshing lemon sheet cake topped with a tangy cream cheese glaze.

Ingredients:

For the cake:
– 1 1/2 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 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

For the glaze:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together butter, eggs, lemon juice, and zest.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
7. Allow cake to cool completely before glazing.

Glaze:

1. Beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until combined.
3. Add lemon juice and mix until well combined.
4. Spread glaze over cooled cake and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.

Red Velvet Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

A classic Southern dessert, this moist and flavorful red velvet cake is 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 whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons red food coloring
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the frosting:

– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon 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 in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, red food coloring, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared dish and smooth top.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Allow cake to cool completely before frosting.

Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes

Carrot Sheet Cake with Walnut and Cream Cheese Frosting

Carrot Sheet Cake with Walnut and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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

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 cups grated carrots
– 1 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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 a 9×13-inch baking dish and line with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add softened butter, eggs, grated carrots, chopped walnuts, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow cake to cool completely before spreading cream cheese frosting over the top.

Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes

Strawberry Sheet Cake with Fresh Strawberry Glaze

Brighten up your day with this delightful dessert featuring a moist strawberry sheet cake smothered in a tangy and sweet fresh strawberry glaze. Perfect for springtime celebrations or as a simple yet impressive treat for any occasion.

Ingredients:

For the cake:

– 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

For the glaze:

– 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and pureed
– 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons whole milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add softened butter, eggs, and milk; whisk until smooth.
4. Fold in sliced strawberries.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Allow cake to cool completely.
8. In a bowl, mix together pureed strawberries, powdered sugar, and milk to create the glaze.
9. Spread glaze over cooled cake.
10. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes

Pineapple Upside-Down Sheet Cake

Transform your next gathering with this sweet and tangy pineapple upside-down sheet cake, featuring caramelized pineapple rings and a moist, buttery batter.

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 cup pineapple rings, drained and chopped
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 13×9-inch baking sheet.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients; stir until just combined.
5. Pour in chopped pineapple and brown sugar; fold until evenly distributed.
6. Pour batter into prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes

Banana Sheet Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting

This classic combination of ripe bananas and rich peanut butter is elevated to a whole new level in this moist and flavorful sheet cake. The addition of creamy peanut butter frosting takes it to the next level, making it perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

For the cake:

– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs

For the frosting:

– 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, sugar, and softened butter. Beat until smooth.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Allow cake to cool completely before spreading with peanut butter frosting.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Coconut Sheet Cake with Coconut Cream Frosting

Experience the tropical flavors of coconut in this moist and delicious cake, perfectly paired with a creamy frosting.

Ingredients:

For the cake:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the frosting:

– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups heavy whipping cream

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 large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, coconut, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and melted butter. Pour into the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Allow cake to cool completely before frosting.

Frosting:

1. Beat cream cheese and coconut until smooth. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, beating until combined.
2. Add softened butter and whipping cream. Beat until fluffy and creamy.

Funfetti Sheet Cake with Vanilla Buttercream

Brighten up any occasion with this delightful Funfetti Sheet Cake, topped with a rich and creamy Vanilla Buttercream.

Ingredients:

For the cake:
– 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
– 3 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup Funfetti sprinkles

For the buttercream:
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– 2 tablespoons whole milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.
5. Fold in Funfetti sprinkles.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Allow cake to cool completely before spreading Vanilla Buttercream on top.

Vanilla Buttercream:

1. Beat softened butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth and creamy.
3. Add vanilla extract and milk; beat until combined.

Pumpkin Spice Sheet Cake with Maple Glaze

Elevate your fall baking game with this moist and flavorful pumpkin spice sheet cake, topped with a rich maple glaze.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– Maple glaze (recipe below)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12×18-inch baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, pumpkin puree, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
3. Add melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract; stir until smooth.
4. Pour batter onto prepared baking sheet and spread evenly.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Maple Glaze:

– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened

Mix together syrup and butter until smooth. Drizzle over warm cake. Serve and enjoy!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Sheet Cake

Elevate your dessert game with this indulgent sheet cake, packed with the perfect blend of chocolatey goodness and creamy peanut butter.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup milk
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
– Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan and line with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and mix until just combined.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
5. Gradually pour in milk, then fold in chocolate chips and peanut butter until well combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Raspberry Almond Sheet Cake

This classic sheet cake gets a fruity twist with the addition of fresh raspberries and toasted almonds, making it perfect for brunch or a special occasion.

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
– 1 cup fresh raspberries
– 1/2 cup sliced almonds
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, eggs, and milk.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Gently fold in raspberries and almonds.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Blueberry Lemon Sheet Cake with Lemon Glaze

Brighten up your day with this refreshing and moist sheet cake, infused with the sweetness of blueberries and the tanginess of lemon. A drizzle of citrusy glaze takes it to the next level!

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
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– Lemon glaze (see below)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, lemon juice, and butter until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; stir until just combined.
5. Gently fold in blueberries.
6. Pour batter into prepared dish and smooth top.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Lemon Glaze:

– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Whisk together until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake.

Tiramisu Sheet Cake with Mascarpone Frosting

Elevate your dessert game with this creamy and dreamy tiramisu-inspired sheet cake, topped with a rich mascarpone frosting.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons heavy cream

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.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let the cake cool completely before frosting with mascarpone mixture (whisk together mascarpone cheese, granulated sugar, and heavy cream).
7. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Servings: 8-10

German Chocolate Sheet Cake with Coconut Pecan Frosting

Moist and rich, this German chocolate cake is a classic favorite, paired with a creamy coconut pecan frosting that adds a delightful twist.

Ingredients:

For the cake:
– 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, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans
– 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). 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. 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 frosting.

Frosting:

1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, beating until combined.
3. Stir in coconut and pecans.
4. Add heavy cream; beat until smooth.
5. Spread over cooled cake.

Oreo Sheet Cake with Cookies and Cream Frosting

A rich and decadent dessert that combines the classic flavors of Oreo cookies with a moist and creamy cake.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 12-15 Oreo cookies, crushed

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, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
4. Add crushed Oreos to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Allow cake to cool completely before frosting with Cookies and Cream Frosting (recipe below).

Cookies and Cream Frosting:

– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
– Crushed Oreos for garnish

Salted Caramel Sheet Cake with Caramel Drizzle

Moist and flavorful sheet cake infused with the perfect balance of salt and caramel, topped with a rich and velvety caramel drizzle.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
– 1 cup whole milk
– Caramel drizzle (recipe below)

Cake 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, and sea salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and whisk until smooth.
5. Pour in milk and whisk until combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

Caramel Drizzle:

1. Combine 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter in a small saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until caramel is dark golden brown.
3. Remove from heat and stir in flaky sea salt.
4. Drizzle warm caramel over cooled cake.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Summary

Discover 18 easy and delicious sheet cake recipes perfect for any occasion! From classic vanilla with buttercream frosting to decadent chocolate fudge with ganache topping, there’s something for everyone. Try the refreshing lemon sheet cake with cream cheese glaze or the tropical pineapple upside-down sheet cake. For a sweet treat, indulge in the banana sheet cake with peanut butter frosting or the funfetti sheet cake with vanilla buttercream. These recipes are sure to impress at your next gathering, whether it’s a birthday party or just a cozy night in.

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