Sheet cake

A large, flat cake baked in a rectangular pan

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A classic sheet cake

A sheet cake is a large, flat cake baked in a rectangular, shallow pan. It is a popular choice for large gatherings and celebrations due to its size and ease of serving. Sheet cakes are often decorated with frosting, icing, or other toppings and can be customized for various occasions.

Characteristics

Sheet cakes are typically baked in a single layer, although they can be stacked to create a multi-layered cake. The standard sizes for sheet cakes are quarter, half, and full sheets, which correspond to the dimensions of the baking pans used. A quarter sheet cake is usually 9x13 inches, a half sheet is 13x18 inches, and a full sheet is 18x26 inches.

The cake batter used for sheet cakes can vary widely, from vanilla and chocolate to more complex flavors like red velvet or carrot cake. The texture of a sheet cake is generally light and fluffy, making it easy to cut and serve.

Decoration

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A decorated sheet cake being cut

Sheet cakes are often decorated with a layer of frosting or icing, which can be spread smoothly or piped into intricate designs. Common decorations include buttercream, fondant, and ganache. For special occasions, sheet cakes may be adorned with edible images, sprinkles, or candied fruit.

Personalized messages and designs are frequently added to sheet cakes to celebrate birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and other events. The large surface area of a sheet cake provides ample space for creative decoration.

Uses

Sheet cakes are ideal for serving large groups of people, making them a popular choice for events such as weddings, birthday parties, and corporate gatherings. They are also commonly used in school and community events due to their simplicity and cost-effectiveness.

A sheet cake at an inaugural event

Variations

There are many variations of sheet cakes, including:

• Texas Sheet Cake: A rich, chocolate cake topped with a layer of chocolate icing and often sprinkled with pecans.
• Donauwelle: A German sheet cake with layers of chocolate and vanilla batter, sour cherries, and a topping of buttercream and chocolate glaze.

A Donauwelle sheet cake

Baking Techniques

Baking a sheet cake requires careful attention to the batter consistency and baking time to ensure even cooking. The large surface area of the pan allows for quick heat distribution, so it is important to monitor the cake closely to prevent overbaking.

Serving

Sheet cakes are typically cut into rectangular slices for serving. The size of the slices can be adjusted based on the number of guests and the size of the cake. A full sheet cake can serve up to 96 people, making it an efficient choice for large events.

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A sheet cake served at a space station event

Related pages

• Cake
• Frosting
• Baking
• Pastry