Basic Sheet Pan Cake

  • Level: Easy
  • Yield: 1 sheet cake
  • Total: 40 min
  • Active: 20 min
We're certain this all-purpose cake batter will be your go-to recipe for anything from jelly rolls cakes to berry-laden trifles. It is incredibly simple and results in a tender yet pliable crumb.
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Ingredients

Nonstick baking spray, for the baking sheet

4 large eggs, cold (see Cook's Note) 

1 cup sugar  

1 teaspoon baking powder 

1 teaspoon kosher salt  

1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted and cooled to room temperature  

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract  

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted (see Cook's Note)  

Directions

  1. Position an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 375 degrees F. Lightly coat an 18-by-13-inch sheet pan with nonstick baking spray. Line the bottom with parchment. Set aside.
  2. Beat the eggs, sugar, baking powder and salt in a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment on high speed until the mixture is pale and very thick (enough to hold a wake from the whisk), about 10 minutes (see Cook's Note). Reduce the speed to medium-high and drizzle in the butter and vanilla until just combined, about 10 seconds. Reduce the speed to low and add the sifted flour all at once. Beat until just combined, about 5 seconds. Gently fold the batter once or twice using a rubber spatula, then scrape it into the prepared sheet pan. Spread it evenly using the spatula, using broad, gentle strokes to keep the batter airy.  
  3. Bake, rotating the pan halfway through, until the top is lightly golden, 15 to 18 minutes. Cool in the sheet pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack and cool completely.  

Let's Get Cooking!

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Arabel E.

I would have given this cake a 5 star rating if there had been enough of it. The recipe as set out DOES NOT fill a 13x18 inch pan as stated it should. Therefor I was left spreading it to try and reach the edges. Flavor great, texture great, double the recipe and you should have enough to fill a 13x18 inch pan. 

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