Simple Vanilla Sheet Cake (Printer version)

Moist vanilla cake layered with creamy buttercream and decorated with delicate piped flowers.

# What You'll Need:

→ Sheet Cake

01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 2 cups granulated sugar
06 - 4 large eggs, room temperature
07 - 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
08 - 1 cup whole milk, room temperature

→ Buttercream

09 - 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
10 - 6 cups powdered sugar, sifted
11 - 1/4 cup whole milk
12 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
13 - Food coloring (pink, yellow, green, or as desired)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract until fully combined.
05 - Add flour mixture in three parts, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined without overmixing.
06 - Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
07 - Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
08 - Let cake cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
09 - Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with milk, beating until smooth and fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract.
10 - Divide buttercream into bowls and tint portions with food coloring for flowers and leaves.
11 - Spread a generous layer of plain buttercream over cooled cake as the base layer.
12 - Fill piping bags fitted with flower and leaf tips with colored buttercream. Pipe flowers and leaves decoratively across the cake, focusing on corners or along edges.
13 - Optionally pipe a cross or add First Communion text with a small round piping tip.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • A moist, tender vanilla base perfect for any celebration.
  • Classic buttercream frosting that’s smooth and easy to decorate.
  • Decorated with delicate piped flowers adding a festive touch.
  • Yielding 20 servings, ideal for family gatherings or church events.
  • Vegetarian-friendly and made with familiar ingredients.
02 -
  • Use gel food coloring for vibrant, non-runny buttercream hues.
  • Make the cake a day ahead and store covered at room temperature for best flavor.
  • Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy for the perfect cake texture.
  • Pipe flowers focusing on cake corners or edges for a classic look.
  • Check all ingredient labels if allergies are a concern, especially for potential nut traces.
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