When it comes to baking for a crowd, nothing beats the versatility of a good ol’ 9×13 cake. I created this post because I know how stressful it can be to find dessert ideas that are both simple and crowd-pleasing. You want something that not only looks great but also tastes fantastic without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, I’ve been there, and I want to make your baking adventures a little easier.
If you love throwing parties, family gatherings, or even just a casual get-together with friends, this post is for you. You might be wondering what to serve that will satisfy everyone from kids to grandparents. With these easy dessert ideas, you’ll be the star of your next event, and the best part is, you won’t break a sweat doing it!
In this article, you’ll find ten mouthwatering 9×13 cake recipes that are perfect for any occasion. From the classic chocolate sheet cake to a zesty lemon blueberry treat, there’s something for everyone. These recipes are not just easy to follow, but they also provide that comforting, homemade flavor that brings everyone together. Get ready to impress your guests with these crowd-pleasing cakes that are as delightful to share as they are to enjoy. Let’s dive into these delectable dessert ideas that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Key Takeaways
– Explore 10 easy-to-follow 9×13 cake recipes that are perfect for any gathering.
– Discover a variety of flavors, from classic chocolate to refreshing lemon blueberry.
– Each recipe is designed to be family-friendly, ensuring everyone can enjoy a slice.
– The simplicity of sheet cakes means you can bake and serve with minimal fuss.
– Get tips on presentation to make your desserts look as good as they taste!
1. Classic Chocolate Sheet Cake
Planning a crowd dessert? You want something simple that delivers big chocolate flavor without fuss. This Classic Chocolate Sheet Cake stays moist with a fudgy crumb that slices cleanly for a crowd. It shines with a basic chocolate frosting or a store bought glaze, and it travels well to gatherings. You can play with texture by adding nuts or sprinkles for a personal touch.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 cups sugar
– 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 cup vegetable oil
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup boiling water
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
3. In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
4. Add buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla; beat until smooth.
5. Stir in boiling water until the batter is thin and glossy.
6. Pour into the pan and bake 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Let cool, then frost with your favorite chocolate frosting.
FAQs:
– Can I bake this ahead? Yes. Store in an airtight container for up to three days.
Classic Chocolate Sheet Cake
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2. Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake
Bright flavors can lift any gathering, and this lemon blueberry sheet cake does it with a sunny zest. The cake stays tender and light, while blueberries pop with sweetness in every bite. A glossy lemon glaze ties the whole thing together and gives a fresh finish that guests remember. It’s perfect for brunches, picnics, or any sunny celebration you host near warm days.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1.5 cups sugar
– 3 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
– Zest of 2 lemons
– 1.5 cups fresh blueberries
Instructions:
1. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 pan.
2. Mix dry ingredients in one bowl; set aside.
3. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy.
4. Add eggs one by one, then beat in lemon juice, zest, and milk.
5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk; fold in blueberries gently.
6. Pour batter into the pan and bake 25-30 minutes.
7. Cool and drizzle with lemon glaze.
FAQs:
– Can I use frozen blueberries? Yes, do not thaw before adding to the batter.
Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake
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Fat Daddio’s POB-9132 Sheet Cake Pan, 9 x 13 x 2 Inch, Silver
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Fat Daddio’s POB-10151 Anodized Aluminum Jelly Roll Pan, 10 x 15 x 1 Inch
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A splash of color makes any dessert feel special. This Red Velvet Sheet Cake stays moist with a hint of cocoa and finishes with creamy cream cheese frosting. The deep red hue catches the eye and the soft crumb keeps every bite light. It’s ideal for celebrations or a festive treat on a weeknight when you want a little wow.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1.5 cups sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup vegetable oil
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
– 2 tablespoons red food coloring
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch pan.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a bowl.
3. Whisk oil, buttermilk, eggs, cocoa, color, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Mix wet and dry ingredients just until blended.
5. Bake 30-35 minutes; cool completely before frosting.
6. Frost with cream cheese frosting.
FAQs:
– Is the cocoa enough to give a chocolate flavor? Yes, it blends with the cocoa powder for a subtle but present chocolate note.
Red Velvet Sheet Cake
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4. Funfetti Sheet Cake
Fun should be baked in. This Funfetti Sheet Cake brings a party vibe with every slice, thanks to colorful sprinkles folded into a fluffy vanilla base. It’s easy to make in a sheet pan and serves a crowd without drying out. The simple frosting adds a glossy finish that looks as cheerful as the cake tastes, making it a go-to for birthdays and gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1.5 cups sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup milk
– 1 cup rainbow sprinkles
Instructions:
1. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 pan.
2. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
3. Cream butter and sugar until light; add eggs one at a time.
4. Mix in vanilla and half the milk, then dry ingredients, then remaining milk.
5. Fold in sprinkles gently; bake 30-35 minutes.
6. Cool and frost with vanilla buttercream.
FAQs:
– Can I swap sprinkles for chocolate chips? Yes, try mini chips for a different look.
Funfetti Sheet Cake
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A Great Surprise Rainbow Sprinkles – 2.2 Pounds – Bulk Rainbow Jimmies f…
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Comfort comes baked in. This Carrot Cake Sheet Cake keeps the warm spices and carrot brightness in a simpler form for a crowd. Shredded carrots make the crumb moist, while a tangy cream cheese topping brings balance. It feels a bit healthier yet remains rich in flavor, perfect for potlucks and family dinners.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 cups sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1 cup vegetable oil
– 4 large eggs
– 2 cups shredded carrots
– 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oven to 350°F (175°C); grease a 9×13 pan.
2. Mix dry ingredients in one bowl; whisk carrots and walnuts into another bowl with oil and eggs.
3. Combine wet and dry until just blended.
4. Pour into pan; bake 30-35 minutes.
5. Cool and spread with cream cheese frosting.
FAQs:
– Can I add raisins? Yes, a handful adds sweetness and texture.
Carrot Cake Sheet Cake
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6. Coconut Cream Sheet Cake
Coconut lovers will swoon for this tropical take. Light and fluffy, the cake gets a tropical lift from coconut milk and a gentle coconut cream topping. Toasted coconut adds an inviting crunch, while the soft crumb keeps each slice easy to share. It fits warm-weather gatherings or a dessert that feels like a vacation in every bite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1.5 cups sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened)
Instructions:
1. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 pan.
2. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
3. Cream butter with sugar; add eggs one by one.
4. Add coconut milk and vanilla; combine with dry ingredients.
5. Fold in shredded coconut; bake 30-35 minutes.
6. Cool and top with whipped cream and extra coconut.
FAQs:
– Is dairy-free coconut milk okay here? Yes, it works well as a substitute.
With 9×13 cake recipes, this Coconut Cream Sheet Cake nails crowd-pleasing perfection: light and fluffy, tropical thanks to coconut milk, and finished with toasted coconut for a crunchy finish. Bake it for warm-weather gatherings and share the vacation vibe in every slice.
Coconut Cream Sheet Cake
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A classic dessert idea gets extra ease in sheet-cake form. This Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake layers vanilla cake with fresh strawberries and a cloud of whipped cream on top. It looks as pretty as it tastes, making it ideal for summer gatherings. The simplicity helps you feed a crowd without stressing the kitchen.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1.5 cups sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
– 2 cups whipped cream (for topping)
Instructions:
1. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 pan.
2. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar; add eggs one by one with vanilla.
4. Alternate adding dry mix and milk until just blended.
5. Fold in batter, bake 30-35 minutes, and cool.
6. Top with sliced strawberries and whipped cream before serving.
FAQs:
– Can I make this ahead? Best served fresh, but cake can be prepared a day ahead.
With 9×13 cake recipes, you can feed a crowd without stressing. A Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake layers vanilla cake with fresh berries and whipped cream—easy, pretty, and perfect for summer gatherings.
Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake
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If you love chocolate and peanut butter, this cake brings both worlds together. A rich chocolate base pairs with a creamy peanut butter frosting for a crowd-friendly treat. It’s indulgent yet relatively quick, making it perfect for birthdays or casual get-togethers. Add mini cups on top for a fun finishing touch that dessert fans will adore.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1.5 cups sugar
– 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup vegetable oil
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 cup boiling water
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter (for frosting)
Instructions:
1. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 pan.
2. Mix dry ingredients; whisk together wet ingredients in another bowl.
3. Combine wet and dry until smooth; pour into pan.
4. Bake 25-30 minutes; cool completely.
5. Frost with peanut butter frosting and add toppings if desired.
FAQs:
– Ready-made peanut butter frosting okay? Yes, but homemade adds a fresher flavor.
Peanut Butter Cup Sheet Cake
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SKIPPY Creamy Peanut Butter, 8-Pack 16.3 oz Jars, Bulk Peanut Butter
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A favorite for fall gatherings, this cake invites you to mix pumpkin with spice and a soft crumb. Serve with coffee or cider and let the aroma draw people to the dessert table. It’s simple to bake in a large tray and easy to slice for a crowd.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 cups sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1 cup vegetable oil
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup pumpkin puree
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 pan.
2. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
3. Whisk oil, sugar, and eggs until combined; add pumpkin and vanilla.
4. Stir in dry mix until just blended.
5. Bake 30-35 minutes; cool before frosting with cream cheese frosting.
FAQs:
– Can I use canned pumpkin? Yes, smooth canned pumpkin works best.
Fun fact: for 9×13 cake recipes, a pumpkin spice sheet cake can yield 24 servings—perfect for fall gatherings. Bake in a large tray, slice into generous squares, and let the aroma invite guests to the dessert table.
Pumpkin Spice Sheet Cake
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This cake keeps chocolate lovers happy while adding a minty lift. It’s easy to pull together for a crowd and pairs well with vanilla ice cream. The result is a satisfyingly contrasts of rich chocolate and fresh mint in every bite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 cups sugar
– 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup vegetable oil
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 pan.
2. Mix flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
3. Whisk oil, eggs, buttermilk, and peppermint extract until smooth.
4. Combine wet and dry until just blended; pour in pan.
5. Bake 30-35 minutes; cool and frost with mint frosting.
FAQs:
– Can I use almond extract instead of peppermint? It changes the flavor; use sparingly.
Chocolate Mint Sheet Cake
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Baking for a crowd doesn’t have to be complicated. With these 9×13 cake recipes, you can easily create crowd-pleasing desserts that are not only delicious but stunning as well. Each cake offers a unique flavor experience, catering to all tastes, from classic chocolate to refreshing lemon blueberry.
Gather your loved ones, bake up a storm, and enjoy the joy of sharing these delightful desserts at your next gathering!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why are 9×13 cake recipes ideal for crowd gatherings?
9×13 cake recipes are ideal for crowd gatherings because a single sheet pan yields a generous number of servings with minimal effort. They’re easy to bake, transport, and slice into uniform squares for fair portions. For best results, bake in a 9×13 pan, let cool completely, then cut into neat squares that guests can grab with minimal fuss. If you want more variety at the table, you can bake two flavors side by side in two pans or use a marble-style batter in one pan.
This approach fits perfectly with sheet cake recipes and easy dessert ideas for gatherings.
How can I customize 9×13 sheet cake recipes for different tastes or dietary needs?
There are plenty of practical substitutions to tailor 9×13 cake recipes for every guest. For gluten-free options, swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add a touch more liquid if the batter looks dry. For dairy-free, use plant-based milk and butter alternatives; for vegan twists, replace eggs with flax eggs or applesauce. Keep an eye on bake time, since substitutions can affect texture, and line the pan with parchment for easy removal. Use toppings or fillings like fruit compotes to keep your sheet cake recipes exciting for gatherings.
What are easy decorating ideas to make sheet cakes party-ready?
Keep it simple and elegant with a smooth frosting base, then add a few party-ready touches. Try a light buttercream or cream cheese frosting, a drizzle of chocolate or caramel, and fresh fruit or citrus zest for color. For a coordinated look, pipe simple borders or use fondant shapes that match your theme. Slice into even squares to emphasize the crowd-pleasing nature of sheet cake recipes and your baking for gatherings skills.
How do I ensure even baking and moist texture in 9×13 sheet cakes?
Start with a properly prepared pan—grease lightly and line with parchment for easy removal. Preheat the oven fully, measure ingredients precisely, and avoid overmixing to keep the crumb tender. Bake until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs, then cool completely before glazing or frosting; a light brush of simple syrup can help maintain moisture for longer. Cut into uniform squares so each piece stays moist and evenly baked, a hallmark of sheet cake recipes and easy dessert ideas.
What are some family-friendly, crowd-pleasing variations I can try for different occasions?
The beauty of 9×13 cake recipes is you can swap flavors to suit any event. Try lemon-blueberry for spring gatherings, chocolate fudge for chocolate lovers, carrot cake with cream cheese frosting for holidays, or cinnamon-apple for comfort-food vibes. For birthdays, add a flavored frosting layer or fruit topping; for potlucks, offer two complementary flavors in one party-sized sheet. These sheet cake recipes are perfect for baking for gatherings and always stay family-friendly.
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