Welcome to the delightful journey of baking a classic 13 by 9 vanilla sheet cake! Ideal for birthdays, celebrations, or just a comforting treat at home, this recipe promises a moist, fluffy texture with a subtle, rich vanilla flavor. Let's walk through the process, ensuring you'll get a flawless cake every time.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create your 13 by 9 inch vanilla sheet cake:
- 2 3⁄4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 3⁄4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 1⁄2 cups buttermilk, room temperature
🔍 Note: Using room-temperature ingredients helps in achieving a smoother batter, leading to a better cake texture.
Step 2: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 13x9 inch baking pan, grease it thoroughly with butter, and dust with flour. Alternatively, line it with parchment paper to make cake removal easier.
Step 3: Sift Dry Ingredients
Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a large mixing bowl. Sifting ensures a lump-free batter and aerates the flour for a lighter cake.
🌟 Note: Don’t skip this step for the fluffiest results!
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another large bowl, cream the butter until smooth using a mixer on medium speed. Gradually add sugar, beating until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is well incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract, which will infuse the cake with its distinctive flavor.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
With your mixer on low speed, alternately add the sifted dry ingredients and the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until incorporated to avoid overmixing, which can lead to a dense cake.
🔎 Note: Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is mixed evenly.
Step 7: Pour Batter into Pan
Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan. Smooth the top with a spatula or back of a spoon to ensure an even bake.
Step 8: Bake the Cake
Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The timing can vary, so keep an eye on it.
Step 9: Cooling and Serving
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial to prevent the cake from becoming soggy.
When the cake is cool, you can frost it as desired. Whether you choose a rich buttercream, a light whipped cream, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar, your cake is ready to serve.
🌟 Note: For an even distribution of frosting, spread it on when the cake is completely cool.
In summary, baking a 13 by 9 vanilla sheet cake is a straightforward yet rewarding process. From preparing the ingredients to the final frosting, each step contributes to the perfect outcome. This cake not only tastes divine but also provides a versatile base for various toppings and decorations, making it ideal for any occasion.
Can I use different pan sizes?
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Yes, you can use different sizes, but baking times will vary. A larger pan might result in a thinner cake, and you’ll need to adjust the baking time accordingly. Conversely, a smaller pan will require a longer bake to cook through.
Can I make this cake vegan?
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Yes, you can make a vegan version by substituting the butter with vegan butter or oil, using plant-based milk in place of buttermilk, and employing egg substitutes like flax eggs or applesauce.
How can I ensure my cake is moist?
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Ensure you’re not overmixing the batter, which can develop the gluten and make the cake dense. Also, using buttermilk adds moisture, and allowing the cake to cool properly prevents condensation that can make it soggy.
