35+ Easy Sheet Cake Recipes That Always Get More Compliments Than Layered Cakes

Feed a crowd and never compromise on taste with my list of the best sheet cake recipes!

Every time I bring a sheet cake to a potluck, it vanishes faster than any towering layer cake on the table. Those rave reviews inspired me to gather these recipes, which rely on one pan, simple mixing, and frosting that you can spread in minutes. You’ll learn how to keep the crumb moist, streamline decorations, and scale flavors from fruity to decadent chocolate. There will surely be something to please everyone.

Sheet cakes are usually simple, but that doesn't mean you have to compromise on taste. All of these recipes are handpicked and delicous, and all you need are some basic ingredients and a 9x13-inch sheet cake pan! Choose one of these simple sheet cake recipes for feeding a crowd, and you'll keep everyone happy.

Katalin’s Professional Advice on Transporting a Large Sheet Cake Without Damage

The best thing about sheet cakes is how easily they can be made for a party or gathering. A classic 9x13-inch cake will serve anything from 12 to 20 guests, depending on the size (and how hungry you are). Which is why we all love to make sheet cakes for potlucks! But how do you make sure they arrive unscathed?

My best professional advice is to leave them in the pan, as this will provide the best protection and make sheet cakes easy to transport. Once cooled (and frosted if needed), cover the pan with a tight layer of plastic food wrap. You can then slice up and serve once you are at your destination.

If you are unable to leave the sheet cake in the pan, remove the cake but leave it whole, rather than slicing it into pieces. Place it into a large airtight container (like Tupperware), preferably with a lid to protect any frosting. If the container is significantly larger than the cake, you can wrap scrunched-up aluminum foil around the edges to prevent it from shifting during transportation of sheet cakes.

One final option is to double wrap the sponge in plastic food wrap and aluminum foil (which will also keep it moist if you are baking sheet cake recipes ahead of time) and then quickly frost it upon arrival. Actually, this is my favorite way, and if you feel confident in your piping, it is also a great party trick!

Best Sheet Cake Recipes

1. Lemon sheet cake

Who doesn't love a light and fluffy lemon cake? My super-moist sheet cake is made with Greek yogurt and lemon zest, and topped with a layer of the silkiest cream cheese frosting. It’s tangy, zesty, and moist. Indeed, that’s everything you could want from any of these easy sheet cake recipes!

2. Chocolate poke cake

Need some chocolate sheet cake recipes that satisfy chocolate lovers? Look no further. My chocolate poke sheet cake is unbelievably moist, thanks to the chocolate sauce poured all over it to soak in. The silky chocolate frosting and an even more decadent chocolate drizzle give it double the indulgence.

3. Strawberry lasagna

Here's a fruity sheet cake to impress! A dessert lasagna might sound unusual, but trust me, you'll love it. This type of sheet cake features a crunchy, buttery, golden Oreo crust on the bottom, two cheesecake layers, and a silky smooth whipped cream topping decorated with fresh berries. 

4. Chocolate sheet cake

Keep things simple by serving up a slice of this easy sheet cake recipe. The sponge is incredibly chocolatey but not too sweet, and it’s topped with a layer of chocolate fudge frosting that's incredibly delicious. Simply put, it’s irresistible! No one will be able to stop after just one slice.

5. Chocolate eclair cake

Looking for fancy sheet cake recipes to impress? Try this twist on a classic chocolate eclair. Softened Graham crackers are layered with silky, indulgent diplomat cream and chocolate ganache topping. Everyone will want to try this elegant dessert for potluck parties.

6. Boston cream poke cake

Who could refuse a slice of this sheet cake, based on the famous Boston cream pie? The super-moist vanilla cake is topped with a layer of classic vanilla pastry cream and an incredibly thick and decadent layer of chocolate ganache.

7. Tres leches cake

A tres leches sheet cake (which means ‘three milks cake’ in English) has a crazy moist vanilla sponge soaked in a mixture of sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and milk. Topped with a layer of whipped cream frosting, this is surely one of those sheet cake recipes that has people coming back for seconds.

8. Cream puff cake

You will certainly be everyone's favorite person if you bake this sheet cake. Cream puff cake is based on a classic choux bun and made with homemade choux pastry, pastry cream, whipped cream, and a drizzle of rich chocolate ganache on top. Who could resist?

9. Blueberry Heaven on earth cake

Now, surely this is one of the best sheet cakes you have ever seen? Every bite is like a piece of heaven, hence the celestial name. There's moist sponge, juicy blueberries, whipped cream, and toasted almonds, so you get this incredible mix of textures.

10. Lemon poke cake

Imagine a lemon sheet cake that's taken to the next level. It's oozing with sweet yet tart lemon filling and topped with a silky Chantilly cream frosting. Simply put, you can't skip it!

11. Carrot sheet cake

I think this is the perfect sheet cake for brunch. It's moist and juicy (but nut and butter-free), and the tangy cream cheese frosting is incredibly easy to make. Also, how cute are the dainty carrot decorations! They are much easier to create than you might think, too.

12. Strawberry poke cake

I love surprising guests with a secret pocket of filling. And that's exactly what a poke cake does! The vanilla sponge is soaked in a homemade strawberry sauce, which is topped with a layer of creamy frosting. It gives you a burst of fruity flavor in every bite that is irresistible.

13. Vanilla sheet cake

Just because something is vanilla doesn't mean it is boring! If you use high-quality vanilla bean extract (not vanilla essence, as this often has a synthetic taste), the flavor of this cake will be delicate and delicious. The vanilla buttercream frosting is the perfect addition, and simply put, it's a winner!

14. Texas sheet cake

Now, here is a sheet cake recipe guaranteed to put a smile on people's faces. Texas sheet cake is one of those classic sheet cakes that everyone knows and loves! It's a large, thin chocolate cake topped with a rich chocolate frosting and chopped pecans. So you get a rich chocolate taste, coupled with the crunch of nuts and a delicious frosting, too. Win-win!

15. Peanut Butter Sheet Cake with Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

I had to include a peanut butter sheet cake on my list. But adding a chocolate frosting on top of a classic traybake recipe makes it even better! No one will be able to stop after just one slice.

16. Oreo sheet cake

I will always find a way to bake with Oreos. And this sheet cake recipe will surely be popular with both kids and adults! What’s more, it’s super simple and comes together really easily. I love how easy it is to crumble Oreo cookies on top for a pretty decoration, too. Take it to a potluck and watch it disappear.

17. Blackberry lavender sheet cake

Here is an elegant sheet cake flavor combination I know you’ll love. Sweet summer blackberries make the most delicious, fruity frosting that pairs perfectly with a delicate, lavender-infused sponge.

18. Apple spice sheet cake

Try this apple sheet cake for Fall and make the most of the harvest produce. It’s delicately spiced to give it a warm and cozy aroma, and the tangy blackberry mascarpone frosting is a wonderful contrast that makes it that little bit more unusual.

19. Lemon raspberry sheet cake

Raspberry and lemon are a classic flavor combination, and I love baking with them! The lemon sheet cake sponge is fluffy and perfectly balanced in sweetness, and then the raspberry frosting is the literal icing on the cake.

20. Chocolate espresso sheet cake

Have you ever experienced how espresso enhances the flavor of chocolate, making it even more intense? It’s definitely a baking hack worth knowing about. This sheet cake has delicious mocha undertones, and it’s seriously rich and decadent. Ensure you use high-quality espresso powder for the best flavor.

21. Marble birthday sheet cake

Get the best of both worlds with a marble sheet cake for a birthday! Make two different batters, one vanilla and one chocolate. Then it's easy to marble them together in the pan and bake! Finish with a rich chocolate frosting and some colorful sprinkles for a fun and delicious dessert.

22. Brown Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Sheet Cake

Have you ever browned butter? It toasts the butter solids and gives the most delicious nutty depth to your cake batters. And of course, we all love banana bread. Add chocolate chips for even more tasty chocolate flavor that works perfectly with the banana sheet cake.

23. Vietnamese coffee poke cake

I love how this sheet cake recipe shares similarities with a tres leches cake, but with a twist. The sponge is soaked in a sweetened condensed milk coffee mixture and then frosted with espresso whipped cream. Finally, dust with cocoa powder, and you certainly have a delicious sheet cake.

24. S’mores sheet cake

Get those campfire vibes and impress everyone with a gooey, deliciously decadent s’mores cake to share. Vanilla marshmallow frosting, chocolate ganache, fluffy sponge, and it’s even got a Graham cracker cake base! In conclusion, you have to make it.

25. Christmas sheet cake

Looking for Christmas sheet cake recipes? I’ve got you. Try this festive sheet cake for the holidays and thank me later. It’s easy to throw together and bake, and then you can decorate with candy canes, sprinkles, or whatever treats you have in the pantry.

26. Coca Cola cake

It’s actually quite genius to make a cake with soda! We typically use leavening ingredients (such as baking soda or baking powder) to create carbon dioxide during the cooking process, which is what causes bread or cakes to rise. In this unique sheet cake recipe, we use Coca-Cola! Trust me, it is delicious.

27. Red velvet sheet cake

A classic red velvet cake in a sheet pan will please everyone. It has all the flavor one would expect, along with the rich and tangy cream cheese frosting, making it perfect for taking to a party and serving to a crowd! It’s definitely a no-brainer.

28. Cherry sheet cake

Here’s one of the best sheet cake recipes for Spring. Fresh, juicy cherries are often overlooked, but if you find a carton, buy them! And they work really well with the rhubarb, too.

The recipe is full of tips, like cutting the fruit into small pieces and dusting them with flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the pan. It’s those small tweaks that make a big difference in baking sheet cakes and other treats.

29. Banana sheet cake with peanut butter frosting

Who else loves peanut butter and banana together? I certainly do, and this recipe is a real crowd pleaser. The sweetness of the banana sponge works beautifully against the thick, creamy, and nutty frosting. In conclusion, I highly recommend you try it!

30. Apple sheet cake

I love a simple apple cake. Let the seasonal produce shine and be the star of the show in this moist and flavorful sheet pan cake recipe. There are chunks of apple in the sponge batter along with a hint of cinnamon, and we finish it with a glaze rather than a frosting, which makes a fun change!

31. Zucchini sheet cake

Have you baked zucchini cake yet? While it might seem odd to add a vegetable to cake batter, it really just adds moisture and gives you a super delicious sponge. But of course, you can say it’s a healthy sheet cake because it has added nutrition, so there’s that, too!

32. Coconut sheet cake

There is nothing complicated or fancy about this coconut sheet cake, yet it somehow tastes incredibly refined. The cream cheese frosting is covered in a sweet and intense layer of coconut shavings, and the sponge is unbelievably light and fluffy. You should definitely bake this sheet cake for a party! 

33. Snickerdoodle sheet cake

Love snickerdoodle cookies, but need to bake a cake for a crowd instead? Try a snickerdoodle cake! It has all that trademark snickerdoodle taste, but in a fluffy sponge complete with cream cheese and cinnamon frosting.

34. Cinnamon sheet cake

And this cinnamon sheet cake is perfect for the holiday season. It is so warm and cozy in taste yet light and fluffy in texture. The frosting is so silky, it is almost like velvet. Trust me, no one will be able to stop after just one slice! 

35. Pumpkin sheet cake

Love everything pumpkin in the Fall? You simply must try this pumpkin cake. There’s pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice to really double down on the holiday flavor, and that surely makes it a great sheet cake for Thanksgiving.

36. Brown sugar peach cake

Using brown sugar in baked goods provides an added dose of molasses, which adds depth and a more pronounced caramel flavor. So, you can imagine how delicious this cake is! Juicy ripe summer peaches with caramel sponge undertones? Certainly, sign me up!