Hosting a big gathering and need a dessert that will impress and delight? Baking a cake for a crowd of 12 doesn't have to be a daunting task. Here’s a simple, yet delicious, cake recipe that's perfect for your next event, be it a birthday party, family reunion, or a casual get-together. This easy vanilla sheet cake is not only straightforward to make but also can be dressed up or down according to your party's theme.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 3 cups |
| Granulated sugar | 2 cups |
| Butter (softened) | 1 cup |
| Eggs | 4 large |
| Baking powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons |
| Milk | 1 ¼ cups |
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Sift together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- In a large mixing bowl:
- Beat butter and sugar until creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla extract.
- Add the dry ingredients:
- Alternately with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake: for about 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting
- Ingredients for Simple Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup butter
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4-6 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- Preparation:
- Beat butter until fluffy.
- Add sugar gradually, beating well after each addition.
- Add vanilla, and then cream or milk one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency.
🥣 Note: For an extra touch, consider using colored frosting or adding sprinkles for decoration. Frosting can be piped or spread with a spatula.
Serving Suggestions
- Customization:
- Fruit toppings like sliced strawberries, raspberries, or peach slices can add a fresh touch.
- Consider a drizzle of caramel or chocolate syrup for an indulgent finish.
- Presentation:
- If you’re into decorating, use cake stencils or make fondant shapes to adorn your cake.
- For a more rustic look, sprinkle icing sugar through a stencil or simply scatter some.
- Portioning:
- Cut into 12 generous pieces or smaller, if preferred. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts.
In summary, this easy vanilla sheet cake recipe ensures that you can deliver a delicious, crowd-pleasing dessert without breaking a sweat. With its simple ingredients and steps, even baking novices can achieve great results. Whether you're hosting a family dinner, a birthday celebration, or any large event, this cake not only satisfies the sweet tooth but also brings smiles to your guests' faces. The key points to remember include:
- The importance of room-temperature ingredients for better blending.
- Not to overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Customizing the frosting to suit the occasion's theme or your taste preference.
Experiment with this recipe by adding flavors like lemon zest, almond extract, or even fresh fruit purees to the batter for a unique twist. Remember, baking is not just about following a recipe; it's an art where you can express your creativity. This cake recipe is a canvas waiting for your culinary brushstrokes.
Can I bake this cake in advance?
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Yes, you can bake the cake up to a day in advance. Store it well-wrapped at room temperature or freeze it for longer storage. Frost it just before serving to keep the frosting fresh.
How do I make this cake gluten-free?
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Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes a binder like xanthan gum. Adjust the quantity of liquid if the batter seems too thick or thin.
What are some vegan alternatives for this recipe?
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Use a vegan butter substitute, a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg) or store-bought egg replacer, and plant-based milk. Ensure the sugar is vegan, too.
