If you’re anything like me, a delicious cake is one of those things that makes life just a little bit sweeter. I’m talking about a soft, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth white cake that’s so perfectly sweet you can’t help but go back for a second slice (and maybe a third). This Milk Bar White Sheet Cake is an absolute game-changer, trust me—you’ll want to make it again and again.
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Now, I know what you might be thinking—”White cake? What’s so special about that?” But let me tell you, when you bake it with a little love and some Milk Bar magic, it turns into something extraordinary. We’re talking a perfect balance of tender crumb and buttery sweetness with just the right amount of indulgence. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, having a family gathering, or just treating yourself, this cake is going to steal the show.
Why You’ll Love Milk Bar White Sheet Cake
This cake isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating memories. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, this cake fits the bill. Here’s why it’s an absolute must-try:
- Versatile: Perfect for casual weeknights or as a standout dessert at your next party. Can you imagine your guests raving about the moist cake with that sweet, creamy frosting? You’ll be the star of the show.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, pantry staples you likely already have on hand. No need for special ingredients here—just basic goodness turned into something extraordinary.
- Quick and Easy: Don’t stress about long prep times or complicated steps. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
- Customizable: Want to take it up a notch? Add sprinkles or fresh fruit for a fun twist. You can make this cake as festive or as simple as you like.
- Crowd-Pleasing: It’s one of those cakes that everyone will love. Seriously, kids and adults alike won’t be able to get enough of it.
Ingredients
Let’s talk about what you need to make this cake! You’ll be using some simple ingredients that come together to create a super light, fluffy cake with that signature Milk Bar charm.
- Cake Flour: This is key for creating a soft, tender crumb. It’s the backbone of the cake’s light texture.
- Sugar: For that perfect sweetness that makes you want to keep coming back for more.
- Baking Powder: This helps the cake rise and keeps it light and fluffy.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance all the other flavors.
- Butter: The real deal here. Unsalted butter adds richness and flavor to the cake.
- Eggs: They provide structure and help the cake set up perfectly.
- Buttermilk: This adds moisture and a slight tang that complements the sweetness of the cake.
- Vanilla Extract: For that warm, comforting aroma we all love in a great cake.
- Cream Cheese: This is for the frosting, adding richness and a little tang to balance the sweetness.
- Powdered Sugar: The base of the frosting, making it smooth and sweet.
- Heavy Cream: This is to create a smooth, creamy frosting that’s light enough to spread beautifully.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this masterpiece:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly, giving it that soft, fluffy texture we all crave.
Make the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the cake flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream the butter until light and fluffy, then add the eggs, one at a time, and mix well. Add the buttermilk and vanilla extract and mix until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until combined. Be careful not to overmix—just enough to blend everything together!
Prepare the Pan: Grease your sheet pan with butter or non-stick spray. This will help the cake slide right out once it’s baked, and cleanup will be a breeze!
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
Make the Frosting: While the cake cools, make the frosting by beating the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and heavy cream until smooth and fluffy. Spread this dreamy frosting generously on top of the cooled cake.
Decorate and Serve: Slice and serve! I like to top mine with a sprinkle of colorful sprinkles or fresh berries for that extra pop. Enjoy every bite!
How to Serve Milk Bar White Sheet Cake
This cake is so versatile! Here are a few ways to serve it:
- Fresh Berries: Pair it with a handful of fresh berries for a burst of flavor and color.
- Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
- Coffee: It pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Chocolate Ganache: Drizzle some chocolate ganache over the top for a rich, decadent finish.
Additional Tips
- Prep Ahead: You can make the cake ahead of time and store it in an airtight container until ready to serve.
- Frosting Variations: Try adding a little lemon zest or cinnamon to the frosting for a fun twist.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cake gets even better the next day!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute cake flour with all-purpose flour?
A1: You can, but cake flour gives the cake that light, tender texture. If you use all-purpose flour, it will be a bit denser, but still delicious.
Q2: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! Bake the cake ahead of time, let it cool completely, and frost it just before serving.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it to keep it fresh longer.
Q4: Can I freeze this cake?
A4: Yes! You can freeze the cake before frosting it. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before frosting and serving.
Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Yes, you can double the recipe for a larger batch or to make a two-layer cake. Just be sure to adjust the baking time as needed.
Q6: How do I reheat this cake?
A6: Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy it at room temperature for the best flavor.
Q7: Can I make the frosting dairy-free?
A7: You can try substituting the cream cheese and heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives. The frosting might have a slightly different texture, but it will still be tasty!
Q8: Can I add sprinkles or other toppings?
A8: Absolutely! Top the cake with sprinkles, fresh fruit, or even a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for a little extra flair.
Q9: Can I use a different frosting flavor?
A9: Yes! You can switch up the frosting flavor by adding extracts like almond or lemon, or even mix in cocoa powder for a chocolate frosting.
Q10: How can I make this cake more festive?
A10: Add colorful sprinkles, edible glitter, or fresh flowers on top for a fun, celebratory look.
Conclusion
There you have it—Milk Bar White Sheet Cake, a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this cake is guaranteed to bring smiles all around. So, grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to bake something truly amazing! Enjoy every sweet bite!
Print
Milk Bar White Sheet Cake
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Milk Bar White Sheet Cake is a soft, moist, and flavorful dessert featuring layers of white cake brushed with vanilla milk soak, creamy frosting, and crunchy cake crumbs, perfect for celebrations or indulgent treats.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Butter, room-temperature
- 1 1/4 cup Granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup Oil
- 4 Egg whites, room-temperature
- 2 1/4 cups All-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 2 teaspoon Baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1 1/2 cup Buttermilk, room-temperature
- 1 tablespoon Vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup Milk
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract (for milk soak)
- 1 cup Butter, room-temperature (for frosting)
- 8 ounce Cream cheese, room-temperature
- 3–4 cups Powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoon Clear Vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 3/4 cup Flour, spooned and leveled (for crumb)
- 1/2 cup Granulated sugar (for crumb)
- 1/4 cup Brown sugar, packed (for crumb)
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking powder (for crumb)
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt (for crumb)
- 1/4 cup Oil (for crumb)
- 1 tablespoon Clear Vanilla extract (for crumb)
- 1/4 cup Rainbow sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350℉. Grease and line a 9×13 inch pan.
- Beat room-temperature butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add oil, egg whites, and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Do not overmix.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. Let the cake cool completely.
- Mix the vanilla extract into the milk for the milk soak and set aside.
- For the frosting, beat the butter until light and fluffy. Add the cream cheese and beat until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well after each addition, then add vanilla extract.
- For the crumb, combine all crumb ingredients in a bowl, blend with a fork, and form clusters. Spread on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. Let cool.
- Cut the cake into two sheets. Brush the top of the bottom sheet with milk soak.
- Spread frosting over the bottom sheet, place the second sheet on top, brush with milk soak, and frost the entire cake.
- Sprinkle the top generously with cake crumbs. Let the cake sit for one hour before serving.
Notes
- Make sure all ingredients, especially butter, egg whites, and buttermilk, are at room temperature for best results.
- Do not overmix the batter to maintain a tender cake texture.
- Allow the cake to rest after assembly to fully absorb the milk soak and enhance flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg