Classic Vanilla Cake Recipe 9×13: The Perfect Sheet Cake for Every Occasion
Why You’ll Love This Classic Vanilla Sheet Cake
Need a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s foolproof and feeds a group? This classic vanilla cake recipe 9×13 is your answer! Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, potluck dinner, or just want a simple homemade cake, this recipe delivers every time. The tender, moist crumb and rich vanilla flavor make it a family favorite that’s surprisingly easy to master.
This sheet cake is perfect for beginners because it uses basic pantry ingredients, requires no special techniques, and bakes in one pan for minimal cleanup. Plus, the 9×13 size serves 12-15 people, making it ideal for gatherings without the fuss of layer cakes.
Quick Recipe Info
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 mins | 30-35 mins | 50 mins | 12-15 | Easy |
What You’ll Need
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – The foundation of our cake
- 2 cups granulated sugar – For sweetness and tender texture
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and moisture
- 3 large eggs, room temperature – For structure and binding
- 1 cup whole milk – Creates a tender crumb
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – The star flavor
- 2 teaspoons baking powder – For perfect rise
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil – Extra moisture insurance
For Simple Vanilla Buttercream (Optional):
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Substitution Notes:
- Butter substitute: Use equal amount of vegetable oil for dairy-free
- Milk alternatives: Almond milk or oat milk work perfectly
- Egg substitute: 3 tablespoons aquafaba (chickpea liquid) per egg for vegan option
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray, then lightly dust with flour. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
- Cream butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a tender cake texture.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. The mixture should look smooth and well combined before adding the next egg.
- Mix in vanilla extract and oil until fully incorporated. The batter will look slightly glossy at this point.
- Combine dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly distributed.
- Alternate wet and dry ingredients. Add 1/3 of the flour mixture to the butter mixture, beat until just combined. Pour in 1/2 of the milk, mix gently. Add another 1/3 of flour, remaining milk, then final flour portion. Don’t overmix – stop as soon as ingredients are combined.
Pro Tip: Overmixing develops gluten, making your cake tough. Mix just until you can’t see streaks of flour!
- Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula. Gently tap the pan on the counter 2-3 times to release air bubbles.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top should spring back lightly when touched.
- Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting, about 1-2 hours. Patience here prevents melted frosting!
How to Serve
This versatile cake recipe 9×13 pairs beautifully with:
- Fresh berries and whipped cream for a light, summery dessert
- Chocolate ganache drizzle for chocolate lovers
- Caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat
- Simple powdered sugar dusting for elegant simplicity
- Cream cheese frosting for tangy sweetness
Garnish ideas: Fresh mint leaves, colorful sprinkles, or toasted coconut flakes add visual appeal and extra flavor.
Expert Tips for Success
Storage and Make-Ahead:
- Unfrosted cake: Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months
- Frosted cake: Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, bring to room temperature before serving
- Batter prep: Mix dry ingredients ahead and store in airtight container for quick assembly
Flavor Variations:
- Lemon twist: Replace vanilla with lemon extract and add 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- Chocolate version: Replace 1/2 cup flour with cocoa powder
- Funfetti style: Fold in 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles before baking
- Almond flavor: Use 1 teaspoon almond extract plus 1 teaspoon vanilla
Texture Tricks:
- Extra moist cake: Add 1/4 cup sour cream to the batter
- Lighter texture: Separate eggs, beat whites to soft peaks, fold in last
- Professional finish: Level the top with a serrated knife before frosting
Storage Hack: Wrap unfrosted cake layers in plastic wrap while slightly warm – this locks in moisture for days!
Common Questions
Can I make this cake without eggs?
Yes! Replace each egg with 1/4 cup applesauce or 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water. Let the flax mixture sit for 5 minutes before using. The texture will be slightly denser but still delicious.
Why did my cake sink in the middle?
This usually happens from opening the oven door too early or overmixing the batter. The cake needs uninterrupted baking time for the first 25 minutes, and gentle mixing prevents tough, dense results.
Can I use this recipe for cupcakes?
Absolutely! Divide the batter among 24 cupcake liners and bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes. Start checking at 18 minutes with a toothpick test.
How do I know when it’s perfectly baked?
Look for three signs: the cake pulls slightly from the pan edges, springs back when lightly touched in the center, and a toothpick comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but use two 9×13 pans rather than one larger pan. The baking time remains the same, but check both pans since oven hot spots can cause uneven baking.
Final Thoughts
This classic vanilla cake recipe 9×13 proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. The combination of butter and oil creates the perfect tender crumb, while the straightforward method makes it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a homemade dessert that brings smiles, this sheet cake delivers every single time.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – dress it up with elaborate frosting for birthdays, or keep it simple with fresh fruit for casual dinners. Most importantly, it’s a recipe that builds confidence in the kitchen and creates lasting memories around the table.
Ready to bake? Gather your ingredients and create something delicious that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe!
