White Sheet Cake
There’s something utterly delightful about a classic white sheet cake. This dessert is light, fluffy, and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday party, a family gathering, or simply a treat for yourself. It’s easy to make and can be customized with various frostings and toppings, which makes it a versatile choice for any dessert table. In this article, we’ll walk you through a simple yet reliable recipe for a white sheet cake that’s bound to impress.
Why This Recipe Is Reliable
This white sheet cake recipe has stood the test of time because it combines straightforward ingredients with easy-to-follow steps. The result is a cake that is moist, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. The balance of butter and sugar provides a rich flavor, while the eggs and sour cream contribute to its tender crumb. Plus, the addition of almond extract and vanilla creates a depth of flavor that keeps people coming back for more. You can trust this recipe to deliver a delightful cake every time.
Ingredient List
To make this delicious white sheet cake, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
Equipment & Tools
Before you start baking, gather these essential tools:
- Mixing bowls: For combining your ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements lead to a perfect cake.
- Whisk or electric mixer: To beat the ingredients together smoothly.
- Spatula: For scraping down the sides of the bowl and folding ingredients.
- 9×13 inch baking pan: The perfect size for a sheet cake.
- Cooling rack: To cool the cake evenly after baking.
White Sheet Cake — Do This Next
Now that you have everything ready, let’s dive into the steps to create your delicious white sheet cake.
Step 1: Preheat your oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is hot enough to bake the cake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare your baking pan
Grease your 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal.
Step 3: Combine dry ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. This helps to aerate the flour and distribute the baking soda evenly.
Step 4: Cream butter and sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
Step 5: Add eggs and extracts
Add the beaten eggs, almond extract, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined.
Step 6: Mix in sour cream
Add the sour cream to the bowl and mix until fully incorporated. The sour cream adds moisture and richness to the cake.
Step 7: Combine wet and dry ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the water. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.
Step 8: Pour into the pan
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly.
Step 9: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 10: Cool
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Holiday & Seasonal Touches
This white sheet cake can be beautifully adapted to suit different holidays and seasons:
- For Christmas: Add peppermint extract to the batter and top with crushed candy canes.
- For Spring: Incorporate fresh berries into the frosting or as a topping.
- For Halloween: Use orange and black sprinkles for decoration.
- For Birthdays: Decorate with colorful frosting and fun sprinkles to match the party theme.
Avoid These Mistakes
To ensure your white sheet cake turns out perfectly, keep these common mistakes in mind:
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science, and precise measurements are crucial.
- Overmixing the batter: This can make the cake dense instead of light and fluffy.
- Skipping the cooling step: Frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt and slide off.
- Not testing for doneness: Always check the cake with a toothpick to ensure it’s baked through.
Leftovers & Meal Prep
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare with this delicious cake), here’s how to store and enjoy them:
Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze individual slices for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the slices at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave.
Troubleshooting Q&A
Why is my white sheet cake dry?
Dry cake can result from overbaking or using too much flour. Make sure to measure accurately and check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time.
Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use cake flour for a lighter texture. If you choose to do this, reduce the amount of flour slightly since cake flour is more finely milled.
Can I make this cake without eggs?
Absolutely! You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water).
What frosting pairs well with white sheet cake?
A classic buttercream frosting works beautifully, but you can also try cream cheese frosting or a light whipped cream for a different flavor. Feel free to add flavors like lemon or almond to the frosting for a unique twist.
Desserts to Finish
After enjoying your white sheet cake, consider these delightful desserts to round out your meal:
The Takeaway
This white sheet cake is a fantastic dessert option that’s sure to please a crowd. Its simplicity, combined with the ability to customize, makes it a staple recipe. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just for fun, this cake delivers delightful results every time. With the right techniques and a little love, your white sheet cake will be the talk of any gathering.
So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of heaven with this white sheet cake that will surely become a family favorite!
White Sheet Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease your 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the beaten eggs, almond extract, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Add the sour cream to the bowl and mix until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the water.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
- Wrap leftovers tightly to maintain freshness.
- You can freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.
