Soft and Fluffy Sheet Cake: A Perfect Treat for Any Occasion

There’s nothing quite like the sight and smell of freshly baked cake to bring joy to a home. This soft and fluffy sheet cake, cut into neat squares, is an ideal treat for gatherings, celebrations, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea. With its golden-brown crust and light, airy texture, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Let’s explore how to make this delightful cake from scratch.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk
• Optional: powdered sugar for dusting or a simple glaze for drizzling

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a light and airy cake texture.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
6. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly springy to the touch.
7. Cool and Cut: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut the cake into squares.
8. Optional Finishing Touches: Dust the top with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a bit of milk or lemon juice for added sweetness and decoration.

Serving Suggestions:

This sheet cake is versatile and can be served as is or with a variety of toppings. Consider pairing it with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent dessert. It’s also perfect for bringing to potlucks, parties, and family gatherings due to its easy-to-serve square portions.

Tips and Variations:

• Flavor Variations: Add lemon zest or almond extract to the batter for a different flavor profile.
• Add-ins: Fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
• Frosting: Top with your favorite frosting, such as cream cheese or chocolate ganache, for a more decadent treat.

Keywords:

• Soft and fluffy sheet cake
• Easy sheet cake recipe
• Homemade vanilla cake
• Simple cake squares
• Perfect party cake
• Baking from scratch
• Light and airy cake
• Classic sheet cake
• Versatile cake recipe
• Quick and easy dessert

Thank you for following me on  Facebook , Pinterest !

For more recipes click here!