For a delicious change of pace, a white sheet cake is always a hit at picnics and summer gatherings! Jazz it up with berries for the summer holidays. Or freeze and cut into festive shapes to match any occasion.

Slice of white sheet cake with a red handled fork

White Sheet Cake

For those rare occasions my family needs a break from chocolate desserts, a terrific white sheet cake fits the bill. This simple recipe is perfect to feed a crowd and can be made with either almond or vanilla extract or a little of both.

The addition of sour cream keeps it moist and tender, and serving it with ice cream and berries kicks it up a notch or two. Even a simple slice, without the accouterments, is an ideal remedy when a mid-afternoon craving hits. My family was generous with praise for this delightful change of pace as were my girlfriends when I brought a tray of squares to a cocktail party.


Overhead view of a slice of white sheet cake on a white plate with a red handled fork

How to Serve this Simple White Cake Recipe

This is such a terrific basic white cake recipe for a crowd. Serve with seasonal berries or top with sprinkles or toasted nuts before the frosting hardens.

If you chill the iced cake overnight, you can cut out shapes with your favorite cookie cutters—think of stars for the 4th of July, Christmas trees for a holiday party. The options are endless. Tint the frosting if desired to match your theme!

Make sure to frost while the cake is still warm as the frosting hardens quickly. This recipe for white sheet cake needs to be part of your baking repertoire.

White sheet cake slice with a forkful removed

More Desserts for a Crowd

With gatherings on Memorial Day weekend, the 4th of July, Memorial Day and more, you need a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert. A simple white sheet cake will thrill the masses! Check out all the tasty recipes below for your summer entertaining.

Slice of white sheet cake with a red handled fork

White Sheet Cake

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Yield 36 servings

For those times when you need a break from chocolate, this marvelous white chocolate sheet cake is the perfect recipe to feed a crowd. Adapted from Taste of Home

Ingredients

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 cups flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

Frosting:

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 15 x 10-inch jelly roll pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
  2. In a large saucepan, bring butter and water to a boil. Remove from heat; by hand, stir in flour, sugar, eggs, sour cream,extracts, salt, and baking soda and mix by hand, until thoroughly combined and smooth.
  3. Pour into prepared pan. Bake for 15-22 minutes or until the cake is golden and a toothpick comes out clean, watching carefully so not to over-bake.
  4. Cool on a rack for 15 minutes before frosting
  5. Combine butter, and milk in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Immediately remove from the heat: whisk in powdered sugar and extract.
  6. Frost warm cake. Chill if you'd like to cut out festive shapes for a party theme.

Notes

Make sure to frost the cake before it is totally cooled or you will have difficulty spreading the icing.
I used an old insulated jelly roll pan and my cake to a little over 20 minutes to fully bake. Start checking with a toothpick or finger tap at 15 minutes as the baking time will vary depending on your pan and oven.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

24

Serving Size:

1 slice

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 293Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 49mgSodium: 242mgCarbohydrates: 43gFiber: 0gSugar: 35gProtein: 2g

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