Easy Vanilla Sheet Cake

Hey, cake lovers! So, here’s the scoop: this Easy Vanilla Sheet Cake is your new BFF. It’s like a slice of happiness from the oven, simple enough for a Monday but fancy enough for a celebration. Picture buttery, vanilla goodness that makes your house smell like heaven. This cake just gets it — when you want something sweet, classic, and not too fussy. Dive in, because I promise you’re gonna want to be friends with this cake.
Let me tell you a little story. My husband, bless him, isn’t exactly Mr. Sweet Tooth, but this vanilla sheet cake? Yeah, I caught him sneaking a piece at midnight. This cake has become our family’s go-to for birthdays, lazy Sundays, and even those days when the world seems a tad too much. It’s magic with a cup of coffee or as a guilty pleasure eaten over the sink while pretending it’s just a taste test. Every time I bake this, it’s like the kitchen becomes this mini festival of warmth and smiles. Trust me, get this cake in your life!
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Why You’ll Love This Easy Vanilla Sheet Cake
– It’s ridiculously easy — feels like child’s play but looks like you slaved over it.
– Versatile enough for any topping, icing, or even straight-up sans anything!
– Smells like someone bottled nostalgia and baked it right in.
– Perfect for those “oops, I forgot about dessert” moments.
How to Make It
Okay, imagine you’re chatting with your buddy over coffee while making this cake. First things first, grab a big bowl. Bigger than you think you need ‘cause vanilla dreams might get messy. Chuck in your butter and sugar and mix until you can’t feel your arm anymore — or cheat and use a mixer; no one’s judging. Toss in the eggs one at a time, chatting like you know what you’re doing. Pour in some vanilla like your ancestors whispered ‘more’ to you. Now, that flour? Fold it in gently, like you’re hugging it. Oh, and that oven better be preheated (like, seriously). Pour this lovely batter into a pan, spread it out, and let it bake until it’s golden, fragrant, and love-in-a-pan.
Ingredient Notes
– Butter: Melts into dreams and cake magic. Softened, not melted, or you’ll have a puddle.
– Sugar: It’s the sweet talker in this relationship. Cut it down a bit if you’re not into sugar highs, but hey, live a little!
– Vanilla: Be the extra in vanilla extract. Don’t skimp; this ain’t the time for shy flavors.
Recipe Steps
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) — or try 325°F if your oven’s got a personality.
2. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. You’ll know when.
3. Add eggs, one at a time. Show off your one-handed egg crack, maybe?
4. Pour in vanilla extract like you’re writing love letters.
5. Gently fold in flour. No rush, you’re zen now.
6. Spread batter into baking pan and lovingly smooth the top.
7. Bake until golden, about 25-30 minutes. Try not to peek too often!
What to Serve It With
Tips & Mistakes
Storage Tips
So, you’ve got leftovers (wow, self-control level: pro), just wrap this baby up tight or pop it in an airtight thingy. It’s fine on the counter for a couple of days, but maybe throw it in the fridge if it’s hot. Eating it cold? Oh, it’s like vanilla ice cream — only not. Breakfast approved, no need to dress it up.
Variations and Substitutions
No guilt here for changing the game. Wanna swap sugar for honey? Go wild. Ran out of flour? Gluten-free substitutes got your back, no probs. If you’re feeling frisky, throw in some lemon zest or dunk half of it in melted chocolate like I did once at midnight. The cake police are on break.
Frequently Asked Questions

Easy Vanilla Sheet Cake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup milk whole milk preferred
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract pure
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with flour. Mix just until combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow cake to cool completely in the pan before serving.
Notes
Featured Comments
“Made this last night and it was so flavorful. Loved how the crowd-pleaser came together.”
“This crowd-pleaser recipe was turned out amazing — the rich really stands out. Thanks!”
“This sweet treat recipe was will make again — the creamy really stands out. Thanks!”
“New favorite here — so flavorful. sweet treat was spot on.”
“New favorite here — will make again. rich was spot on.”
“Super easy and will make again! My family asked for seconds. Saving this one.”