Best 2 Basic Sheet Pan Cake Recipes

Sheet pan cakes are an incredibly simple, yet supremely delicious way to enjoy a classic dessert. With just a few basic ingredients and a sheet pan, you can whip up a light, fluffy cake that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're craving a sweet treat for breakfast, a delightful snack for lunch, or a decadent dessert after dinner, a sheet pan cake is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Let's cook with our recipes!

CLASSIC TEXAS SHEET CAKE

Classic Texas Sheet Cake image

If you love chocolate, and we mean really truly love, then this classic Texas sheet cake is exactly what your sweet tooth craves. Between the scratch-made cake and the decadent homemade frosting, this dessert is a chocolate lover's dream come true. Unlike most cakes, this tender-crumbed delight should be frosted when it's still hot-no need to let it cool. Pour on the sticky, sweet pecan-flecked frosting and watch it spread into a gloriously glossy blanket that'll keep your cake moist and fresh tasting for as long as it lasts.

Provided by By Bree Hester

Categories Dessert

Time 1h

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

2 cups Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter
1 cup water
3 tablespoons unsweetened baking cocoa
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1/2 cup butter
3 tablespoons unsweetened baking cocoa
6 tablespoons milk
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup chopped pecans

Steps:

Heat oven to 325°F. Spray 15x10x1-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
In large bowl, stir together flour, granulated sugar and salt; set aside.
In 2-quart saucepan, heat 1 cup butter, the water and 3 tablespoons baking cocoa to boiling. Remove from heat. Pour over flour mixture in bowl; stir until well mixed. Add buttermilk, baking soda, 1 teaspoon vanilla and the eggs; stir until well blended. Pour into pan, spreading evenly.
Bake 22 to 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
Meanwhile, in another 2-quart saucepan, heat 1/2 cup butter, 3 tablespoons baking cocoa and the milk to simmering. Remove from heat. Beat in powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla with whisk until smooth. Stir in pecans.
Pour frosting over hot cake. Cool completely before cutting, about 1 hour.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 460, Carbohydrate 59 g, Cholesterol 70 mg, Fat 4 1/2, Fiber 2 g, Protein 4 g, SaturatedFat 12 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 270 mg, Sugar 44 g, TransFat 1/2 g

WHITE SHEET CAKE

White Sheet Cake image

This basic white sheet cake recipe, from the "Martha Stewart Baking Handbook," is the perfect foundation for many different kinds of desserts, such as a Festive Flag Cake.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories Food & Cooking Dessert & Treats Recipes Cake Recipes

Yield Makes one 12-by-18-inch sheet cake

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for baking sheet
3 cups cake flour (not self-rising), plus more for baking sheet
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 1/4 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup milk
8 egg whites

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour a 12-by-18-by-1-inch rimmed baking sheet, tapping out any excess flour; set aside.
In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and 2 cups sugar until light and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes, scraping down sides of the bowl as needed. Beat in vanilla. With mixer on low speed, add flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk and beginning and ending with the flour; beat until just combined. Transfer mixture to a large bowl; set aside.
In the clean bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat egg whites on low speed until foamy. With mixer running, gradually add remaining 1/4 cup sugar; beat on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form, about 4 minutes. Do not overbeat. Gently fold a third of the egg-white mixture into the butter-flour mixture until combined. Gently fold in remaining egg-white mixture.
Transfer batter to prepared baking sheet and smooth batter evenly with a spatula or back of a spoon. Transfer to oven and bake until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, about 35 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool 10 minutes. Invert cake onto rack, then reinvert and let cool completely.

Tips:

Use parchment paper: This will prevent the cake from sticking to the pan and make cleanup a breeze.
Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing will result in a tough, dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Bake the cake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean: This is the best way to ensure that the cake is cooked through.
Let the cake cool completely before frosting: This will help the frosting to set properly.
Be creative with your toppings: You can use anything from fresh fruit to chopped nuts to sprinkles.

Conclusion:

Sheet pan cakes are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply as a sweet treat. With so many different recipes to choose from, there is sure to be a sheet pan cake that everyone will love. So next time you are looking for a simple and delicious dessert, give sheet pan cakes a try. You won't be disappointed!