How long to bake a 13x9 cake?

When I baked this in my 13x9 pan, it took about 32 minutes for the cake to be perfectly done. I usually check around the 30-minute mark with a toothpick—if it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.

Does a sheet cake need to be refrigerated?

I’ve found that this cake keeps beautifully at room temperature for 2 to 3 days when covered tightly. If I’ve frosted it with a cream cheese or whipped cream topping, I do refrigerate it. Otherwise, it stays soft and moist on the counter.

How much icing for a sheet cake?

For this size, about 3 cups of frosting is plenty. I like a generous layer, but even with less, the vanilla flavor of the cake shines through. A simple buttercream or cream cheese frosting works wonderfully.

How many servings are in one sheet cake?

A 9x13 sheet cake usually gives me 12 generous slices, though I’ve stretched it to 16 smaller pieces for larger gatherings. It really depends on how big you cut the slices, but either way, it’s always enough to share.

One Bowl Vanilla Sheet Cake Recipe

Name: One Bowl Vanilla Sheet Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12-16 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar; 2 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp fine sea salt; 3 large eggs, at room temperature; 1 cup (240ml) milk, at room temperature; 3/4 cup (180ml) neutral oil (canola or vegetable); 2 tsp pure vanilla extract; Optional: 1/2 cup sprinkles or 1 tbsp lemon zest

Description

Enjoy a moist, tender One Bowl Vanilla Sheet Cake made with simple ingredients, featuring rich vanilla and all-purpose flour. Quick to mix, easy to bake, and perfect for celebrations or a cozy homemade treat any day.

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour (see Notes for cake flour swap)

1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar

2 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp fine sea salt

3 large eggs, at room temperature

1 cup (240ml) milk, at room temperature (whole or 2%)

3/4 cup (180ml) neutral oil (canola or vegetable)

2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Optional: 1/2 cup sprinkles or 1 tbsp lemon zest

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Instructions

Prep the Pan & Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line with parchment for easy release.

Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.

Add Wet Ingredients: To the same bowl, add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Whisk just until a smooth batter forms with no dry pockets. Do not overmix.

Optional Mix-Ins: Fold in sprinkles or zest, if using.

Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool & Finish: Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely. Frost as desired or dust with powdered sugar and slice.

Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 30–35 min
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American