Zeroing in on simplicity, these fantastic 9×13 cake recipes are perfect for large gatherings and surprisingly easy to prepare. Don’t let the thought of dessert overwhelm you – sheet cakes have been around for ages, and these recipes capture that classic essence. They’re reminiscent of your grandmother’s baking, but with a modern twist. While you can easily convert most recipes into 9×13 cake form, these particular recipes are great starting points for those new to the world of sheet cakes.
And if you have a favorite vanilla sponge recipe, feel free to double it up and bake it in a 9×13 pan – the results will be just as delicious.
Vanilla Sheet Cake with Whipped Buttercream Frosting
You can’t go wrong with a classic: vanilla sheet cake paired with a rich buttercream frosting. The sweetness of this dessert is balanced by its light and fluffy texture, making it a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Every bite is a delight for the taste buds, with the smooth and scrumptious icing complementing the soft, spongy cake perfectly. It’s no wonder that this beloved treat is a favorite among both kids and adults alike, who will surely be asking for seconds.
Best Ever Chocolate Cake
Reading through countless recipe claims can be tiresome, especially when they insist theirs is the absolute best. Ultimately, what’s considered ‘best’ can vary greatly from person to person. But if I’m being honest, this chocolate cake might just be the most impressive one I’ve come across so far. Its exceptional moisture content and springy texture are a perfect combination.
And let’s not forget the abundant amount of rich, deep chocolate flavor it packs – enough to satisfy even the most ardent chocolate lovers.
Amish Cake
Reading through reviews of Amish cuisine is often met with glowing praise, but if you’ve had the pleasure of tasting their baked goods firsthand, you know exactly what we’re talking about – their food is truly exceptional. This Amish cake is a testament to that, delivering on its promise of rich flavors and textures in every bite. Like many traditional Amish recipes, it boasts an impressive simplicity, utilizing just one bowl and readily available ingredients to create something truly special.
What’s more, this cake defies expectations by being both sugary sweet and incredibly moist, making it a delight to devour. But the true pièce de résistance is the addition of brown sugar and nuts on top, adding an extra layer of depth that elevates this dessert from good to sublime.
Texas Sheet Cake
Savoring this rich, chocolatey cake in my household is a beloved tradition; however, we prefer it thicker and fluffier. To achieve this desirable texture, I opt for a 9×13 inch pan rather than the standard 18×13 size. When swapping to the larger pan, keep everything else consistent with the original recipe, simply replacing the pans and extending the baking time to 35-40 minutes.
Chocolate-Mayonnaise Cake
Generally, when it comes to retaining moisture in baked goods like cakes, there are several techniques and ingredients that can help achieve optimal results. One often-overlooked yet surprisingly effective method is incorporating mayonnaise into the recipe. This might seem unconventional at first, but trust me, it’s a trick that has been employed by many experienced bakers, including grandmothers who have spent years perfecting their craft in the kitchen.
The use of mayonnaise adds an extra layer of moisture and richness to the cake, making each bite feel like a decadent treat. The end result is a soft, velvety crumb paired with an indulgent ganache frosting that’s simply irresistible.
Sour Cream Coffee Cake
Essentially, if you’re in a pinch and can’t find mayonnaise to make the cake’s cream cheese frosting, a generous dollop of sour cream serves as a worthy substitute. This dense and chewy cake is packed with an abundance of cinnamon and brown sugar flavors, making it an ideal treat for autumn. The addition of a crumbly streusel topping takes this recipe to new heights, perfecting the combination of textures and tastes that will please even the most discerning palates.
Enjoy serving it alongside a steaming cup of tea or coffee at breakfast, brunch, or dessert time, and you’re sure to win over everyone’s hearts.
Lemon Cake
Perhaps one of the most refreshing alternatives to traditional lemonade is the bright and zesty lemon cake. This dessert is expertly balanced between sweet, tart, and tangy notes, and its incredibly juicy texture makes it a standout treat. While it does require a bit more time and effort to prepare, the recipe itself is straightforward and easy to follow.
To take your lemon cake to the next level, consider topping it with a rich and creamy lemon glaze or a fluffy lemon frosting – either option promises to deliver a truly unforgettable taste experience.
Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake
Fresh from the summer season, this delightful cake is a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. Unlike many store-bought cakes that rely on artificial coloring and preservatives, this charming pink-hued dessert gets its natural beauty from pureed strawberries. The secret to its irresistible color lies in blending fresh strawberry puree into both the batter and the frosting, resulting in a double dose of sweet strawberry goodness that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Blueberry Coffee Cake
Still, if blueberries are your preferred choice, this recipe might be exactly what you’re looking for. It’s a rich and satisfying coffee cake that perfectly balances sweetness for dessert and fillingness for breakfast. The abundance of tart and tangy blueberry flavor in each bite is skillfully complemented by the buttery streusel topping, creating an overall taste experience that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
Carrot Cake
Flavors of warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger blend harmoniously in a classic carrot cake, while the tangy cream cheese icing adds a delightful contrast. This delectable dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s Easter, Thanksgiving, or just a Tuesday.
Chocolate Coca-Cola Cake
Despite initial reservations about combining seemingly disparate ingredients like Coke, buttermilk, and chocolate, the results can be nothing short of miraculous. For some time now, I’ve been skeptical about this particular combination, viewing it as a recipe for disaster. However, having indulged in numerous chocolate Coca-Cola cakes over the years, I can confidently attest to their unparalleled richness, moisture, and intense chocolateness.
In many ways, these cakes share similarities with the Texas sheet cake, but the icing in this version strikes me as even sweeter due to its silky-smooth texture. If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing dessert, I highly recommend giving it a try.
Angel Food Layer Cake
Elevating the classic angel food cake, we’re talking about creating multiple layers of this heavenly dessert. Envision a stack of light and fluffy sponge cakes, each one separated by a layer of creamy goodness. To make it even more decadent, picture the addition of a tangy cream cheese filling, whipped cream dollops, and a sweet cherry pie filling on top. It’s hard to argue with the notion that angel food cake shouldn’t be this sinfully delicious, but who am I to resist?
Butterfinger Poke Cake
Taking its cue from traditional box cakes, the Fudge marble mix can be transformed into a truly exceptional dessert. By introducing a few key adjustments, you can unlock its full potential and experience a culinary delight that’s both visually stunning and tantalizingly delicious. To begin, poke holes all over the top of the cake, creating a canvas for your creative additions.
Next, fill these gaps with a rich blend of caramel and condensed milk, carefully balancing their sweet and creamy textures. Building on this foundation, add more of this delectable concoction to the top of the cake, allowing it to chill in the refrigerator for several hours. As the mixture sets, consider drizzling additional caramel sauce over its surface for added depth.
Finally, once the cake has chilled, top it with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle crushed Butterfingers over the top, recreating the nostalgic flavors and textures that make this treat a dream come true for any Butterfinger enthusiast.
Banana Pudding Cake
Nothing beats a classic dessert like banana pudding, but some recipes are worthy of dethroning it. In this case, if you’re a fan of light and fluffy cakes, then yes, you can indeed beat banana pudding with your new favorite treat. This particular cake is a game-changer, boasting an overwhelmingly rich banana flavor that’s sure to satisfy any banana craving, all while using fewer than ten ingredients. I’d say it might just be the new winner in town, at least when it comes to banana-lovers.
Red Velvet Cake
Just like its traditional counterpart, this red velvet cake recipe can be adapted for a layered round cake or a classic 9×13 style dessert. If you’re looking to make it in a larger pan, don’t hesitate to do so – the result will still be incredibly delicious. To begin, spray your chosen pan with nonstick cooking spray and mix the batter according to the recipe instructions. Next, pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread it evenly throughout.
Depending on the size of your pan and your oven’s temperature, baking time may vary, but a 35-40 minute window is usually sufficient for most recipes.
Key Lime Cake
Many people may think that traditional key lime pie is the only way to enjoy the tangy taste of lime in a dessert, but this striking green cake offers a refreshing twist. Made with light and tender ingredients, it provides a delightful contrast to the rich and creamy frosting.
For those who have fallen in love with the classic version, this cakier interpretation will be music to their ears, especially if they appreciate the fluffiness of this new creation, which still captures the essence of key lime flavor but presents it in a whole new way.
Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Zero in on this incredible pumpkin spice cake recipe if you’re craving a dense, soft, and scrumptious dessert that’s as aromatic as it is delicious. This recipe boasts an unbeatable combination of flavors, thanks to the fragrant, rich boxed spice cake mix that’s effortless to bake. The cream cheese frosting adds a sweet tanginess that perfectly complements the spices, creating a match made in heaven. It’s a culinary masterpiece that will leave you wanting more, and the best part?
You only need eight ingredients to create this mouthwatering treat. Your taste buds (and your guests) are sure to be impressed.
Gooey Butter Cake
Understanding the essence of gooey butter cake, it’s no wonder why this dessert has gained immense popularity. Its unique blend of sweet and tangy flavors is perfectly balanced by a tender crumb and crunchy crust, creating an experience that’s both familiar and exciting. While its mild flavor might make it seem like a suitable breakfast option, its rich texture and indulgent nature are more suited to the brunch hour or as a sweet treat any time of day.
Tres Leches Cake
Amazingly, tres leches cake is one of those sweet treats that transcends cultural culinary boundaries. Regardless of whether you’re a fan of Mexican food or not, its light and fluffy texture is sure to delight anyone. The unique combination of three types of milk (tres leches) creates an exceptionally moist consistency, almost bordering on being juicy in some cases.
Adding a dollop of heavy whipping cream and sliced strawberries provides the perfect finishing touch, guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face.
Funfetti Cake
For many people who grew up in the 1990s, funfetti cake was an integral part of birthday celebrations. In fact, it’s a dessert that has remained popular for over three decades, with its introduction dating back to 1989. One of the reasons why funfetti cake is so well-liked is due to its playful and festive appearance, which is characterized by its abundance of sprinkles on top and generous helpings of vanilla buttercream frosting.
To take it to the next level, you can also experiment with creating a rainbow-colored icing by using a variety of food colorings, adding an extra touch of fun to this already-delightful dessert.
Ruby Red Grapefruit Poppy Seed Cake
Zestful flavors abound in grapefruit cake, a lesser-known 9×13 recipe that’s a shame to overlook. Its delightful balance of light, tartness and tender sweetness creates a truly addictive taste experience. Adding to its allure is the luscious grapefruit Swiss meringue buttercream topping, which lives up to its decadent reputation. The vibrant pastel hues add an extra layer of visual appeal, making this cake a stunning centerpiece for any celebration.
Whether it’s Easter, a birthday party, or baby shower, grapefruit cake is sure to be the star of the show due to its unique and eye-catching appearance.
Oreo Ice Cream Cake
Zest up your dessert game with this show-stopping ice cream cake that’s as decadent as it is delicious. At its core, it’s a straightforward yet effective combination of layers: a base of crushed Oreos providing a sturdy foundation, topped by a generous helping of sweet and creamy ice cream.
Maraschino Cherry Cake
Yes, the mere mention of juicy maraschino cherry cake can be enough to render even the most discerning dessert lover weak in the knees. Its lovely pink hue and tender, soft-as-a-cloud texture are undoubtedly tempting, but it’s the intense cherry flavor that truly sets it apart. The cake itself is so exceptional that it stands well on its own, with a richness that’s enhanced rather than overpowered by a drizzle of icing – although, let’s be honest, a little extra sweetness can never hurt 😉
Snickers Poke Cake
Blending rich flavors and textures is a key component of creating show-stopping desserts. Beyond a basic chocolate cake, this indulgent treat takes it to the next level by incorporating sticky caramel sauce, adding a deep sweetness that complements the chocolate. The addition of vanilla frosting not only enhances the overall flavor profile but also provides a creamy contrast to the dense cake.
Taking it even further, drizzling with chocolate syrup and topping with chunks of Snickers adds a playful touch and an extra layer of sweetness, making this dessert truly unforgettable. While it may be too sweet for daily consumption, as an occasional treat, this over-the-top masterpiece is sure to exceed expectations.
Peanut Butter Cup Eclair Cake
Very few desserts can claim to be both decadent and effortless, but this peanut butter cup eclair cake is a shining exception. Its silky smooth texture is perfectly complemented by the crunchy chunks of Reese’s on top, while its rich chocolate and peanut butter flavors will satisfy even the most discerning palate. What’s more, this indulgent treat can be whipped up in just 15 minutes, making it a perfect option for those with limited time or skill.
However, don’t let its ease fool you – it does require some patience, as it needs at least 8 hours to chill and set properly before serving.
Pineapple Upside-Down Dump Cake
Delighting dessert lovers with its simplicity and flavor combination, pineapple upside-down cake has become a classic. Starting from a basic yellow cake mix, the addition of pre-sliced pineapples provides an instant tropical twist. The harmony between the sweetness of the cake and the tartness of the pineapples and cherries is truly remarkable. The subtle crunch from the pecans elevates the experience even further.
But what really sets it apart is its juiciness, with each bite a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making every indulgence feel like a divine treat.
Caramel Apple Poke Cake
You don’t have to be a master baker or spend hours in the kitchen to make a show-stopping dessert. In fact, my Toffee and Caramel Layer Cake recipe has been known to cause quite the commotion at family gatherings. I should know – I made it for Thanksgiving last year, but unfortunately, it was gobbled up before I could even get a slice!
The combination of crunchy toffee and gooey caramel layers is simply irresistible, and it’s not uncommon for guests to devour every last bite before they even realize the cake is all gone. If you’re looking for a dessert recipe that will guarantee minimal leftovers, this one’s a winner.
Peach Dump Cake
Not only does peach dump cake evoke the warmth of a Southern summer, but its ease of preparation is unmatched. It shares some similarities with the classic peach cobbler, except that this dessert boasts a lighter, more airy crumb. The best part? You don’t have to sacrifice flavor for convenience. With just four simple ingredients, you can mix and match them in a 9×13 pan without any fuss.
Once baked to perfection, the aroma of golden brown goodness will transport you straight to Georgia’s sun-kissed fields.
Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Renaming this dessert classic to reflect its new ingredients, the caramel apple dump cake remains a simplified version of the original recipe, yet it’s just as delicious. It involves substituting butter and yellow cake mix with the same quantities, but instead of using peaches and brown sugar, you’ll be adding apples and caramel pieces to give it a distinct flavor profile.
Easy Coconut Sheet Cake
Fantastically, this sweet and tropical coconut-flavored cake is sure to impress. What’s even better is that making it requires nothing more than a boxed cake mix, ensuring it’s a quick and effortless process. Fortunately, the end result tastes so divine that no one will ever suspect it’s not entirely homemade. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal fuss and preparation time. Top Tip: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your ingredients!
Adding canned pineapple to the batter takes this cake to a whole new level of juiciness. The combination of pineapple and coconut flavors is absolutely delightful, resulting in an exceptionally moist and decadent dessert.
Chocolate Chip Cake
Oozing with indulgent flavors, this cake is a symphony of sweet notes, featuring the perfect blend of cinnamon, sugar, and chocolate. Its tender crumb and soft texture are elevated by the presence of gooey, melted chocolate chips that add a delightful contrast to each bite. This dessert is reminiscent of a classic chocolate chip cookie, but in a more substantial and airy form. For an added layer of indulgence, top it with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.
Blackberry Cake with Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting
Fresh from the oven, this cake is a masterpiece of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. The tangy sweetness of the fresh blackberries perfectly complements the tartly sweet raspberry Jell-O, creating an unbeatable combination of tastes. When paired with real blackberries, which add not only flavor but also moisture to the cake, the result is nothing short of phenomenal.
But it doesn’t stop there – a generous dollop of rich and creamy coconut cream cheese frosting takes this treat to new heights. At first glance, combining coconut and blackberries might seem unusual, but trust us when we say that this unique blend will quickly become your new obsession. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked on its addictive charm.
Incredible Butterscotch Cake
Yellowing with a warmth reminiscent of caramel, this cake is an edible embodiment of comfort food perfection. Its texture is softer and creamier than the classic Werther’s Original, but its flavor profile remains steadfastly true to its butterscotch roots. The richness of the cake is immediately apparent upon taking a bite, followed by a warm, comforting sensation that’s hard to shake off. Indeed, it’s challenging to imagine anything more soothing or indulgent on the palate.
30+ 9×13 Cakes To Feed a Crowd
Often, people shy away from making desserts because they seem intimidating, but that’s not the case with these scrumptious 9×13 cake recipes. They may not boast intricate decorations, but what they lack in aesthetics, they more than make up for in convenience and crowd-pleasing appeal.
Instructions
Speed up your baking process by selecting a simple yet mouth-watering 9×13 cake recipe that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. To achieve this, start by gathering all the necessary ingredients and organizing them neatly.
