When it comes to dessert, sheet cakes are the ultimate crowd-pleasers. They’re easy to bake, perfect for sharing, and versatile enough to suit any flavor craving. Whether you need a dessert for a birthday party, a potluck, or a casual weekend treat, sheet cakes are a simple solution that doesn’t compromise on taste.
In this article, we’ll explore 5 sheet cake recipes that are delicious, easy to make, and guaranteed to impress. From classic chocolate to fruity favorites, these recipes cover a variety of flavors so you can find the perfect one for your next gathering.
1. Classic Chocolate Sheet Cake
Nothing beats the timeless flavor of a rich, moist chocolate cake. This recipe is the perfect blend of fluffy cake and fudgy frosting – a treat that will disappear fast at any party.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup hot water
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
Frosting:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup milk
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter and stir in cocoa powder. Add hot water and bring to a gentle boil.
- Remove from heat, pour mixture over flour and sugar in a large bowl, and mix until smooth.
- Whisk in eggs, sour cream, baking soda, vanilla, and salt until well combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- For the frosting, heat butter, cocoa, and milk in a saucepan. Stir in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread frosting over warm cake for that classic shiny finish.
2. Vanilla Funfetti Sheet Cake
If you’re looking for a fun and festive dessert, this vanilla funfetti sheet cake is perfect for birthdays or celebrations. The colorful sprinkles inside the batter make every slice cheerful.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles
Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Beat butter and sugar until creamy, then add eggs one at a time. Stir in vanilla.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk until a smooth batter forms. Fold in sprinkles.
- Spread batter evenly in pan and bake for 30–35 minutes.
- For frosting, beat butter until fluffy, gradually mix in powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla.
- Once cake cools, frost generously and top with extra sprinkles.
3. Strawberry Sheet Cake
This fruity sheet cake is light, moist, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. It’s a refreshing dessert that’s great for spring and summer gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 1 box white cake mix
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup strawberry puree
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan.
- Mix cake mix, strawberry puree, oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour batter into the pan and bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and strawberry puree.
- Frost the cooled cake and garnish with sliced strawberries for a pretty finish.
4. Lemon Sheet Cake
Bright and zesty, this lemon sheet cake is perfect for anyone who loves a balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch pan.
- Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time.
- Mix in milk, lemon juice, and zest. Gradually add dry ingredients and combine until smooth.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice for glaze, then pour over warm cake.
5. Texas Sheet Cake
This southern classic is beloved for its rich chocolate flavor and easy preparation. It’s baked in a large sheet pan, making it perfect for serving a crowd.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Warm Chocolate Icing:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup milk
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan.
- Combine flour and sugar in a large bowl.
- In a saucepan, melt butter, water, and cocoa powder until smooth. Pour over dry ingredients and mix well.
- Stir in buttermilk, eggs, baking soda, and vanilla.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- While cake is warm, prepare icing by heating butter, cocoa, and milk. Stir in powdered sugar and vanilla, then spread over cake immediately.
Tips for Perfect Sheet Cakes
- Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Butter, eggs, and milk mix more evenly when not cold.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to avoid a dense cake.
- Frost While Slightly Warm: Especially for chocolate sheet cakes, frosting on a warm cake creates that iconic glossy finish.
- Store Properly: Keep sheet cakes covered in an airtight container to maintain freshness for 3–4 days.
Final Thoughts
These 5 sheet cake recipes prove that dessert doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. Whether you’re a chocolate lover, a fan of fruity flavors, or someone who loves a tangy lemon bite, there’s a sheet cake here for you. The beauty of sheet cakes is their simplicity and ability to feed a crowd with minimal effort.
Next time you’re hosting a party, a family dinner, or just want something sweet to enjoy with your coffee, try one of these recipes and watch it become a new favorite.