Simple Yellow Sheet Cake with Chocolate Butter Cream Frosting
This recipe is an easy to make baking recipe for a Yellow Sheet Cake that’s a perfect everyday cake to share with your loved ones. Enjoy making it, and enjoy every scrumptious bite!

Welcome to a no-fuss kitchen adventure featuring our straightforward Yellow Sheet Cake. This cake is all about a soft, spongy texture with a gentle vanilla twist and a mellow buttery taste that dances across your tongue. Topped with a generous layer of chocolate buttercream frosting, this recipe is set up to bring a smile to anyone who loves a classic treat.
If you’re in the mood for a baking session that doesn’t require a culinary degree, you’re in the right place. With a handful of common ingredients and a clear set of steps, you can whip up a cake that’s both comforting and impressive. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get started on a recipe that makes baking fun and straightforward!
- Why you’ll love this easy simple recipe for a Yellow Sheet Cake
- What tools do you need to make this recipe?
- Ingredients you’ll need
- How to make Yellow Sheet Cake from scratch, you’ve got this!
- How to store leftover Yellow Sheet Cake
- My top tips for the best Yellow Sheet Cake
- Frequently asked questions
- Other cake recipes to try
- Simple Yellow Sheet Cake with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting Recipe
Why you’ll love this easy simple recipe for a Yellow Sheet Cake
You’ll appreciate how this recipe cuts through the clutter with a clear list of ingredients and uncomplicated steps. The balance of flavors—the subtle vanilla and buttery undertones against the rich chocolate topping—creates a delightful treat that feels both familiar and special.
What tools do you need to make this recipe?
- An oven that preheats to 350°F
- A 9” x 13” baking pan
- A large mixing bowl
- An electric mixer or a sturdy whisk
- A spatula for smoothing the batter
- Measuring cups and spoons
RELATED: Classic Oatmeal Cookies with Raisins – these oatmeal raisin cookies are the epitome of simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a batch in no time.
Ingredients you’ll need
- 1½ cups unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1¼ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons real vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup whole milk
- For the chocolate buttercream frosting, whip up a quick batch using cocoa, butter, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk.
Be sure to check out the full ingredient list and printable recipe in the recipe card below.
How to make Yellow Sheet Cake from scratch, you’ve got this!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease or spray a 9” x 13” pan with non-stick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until they blend nicely.
- Mix in the eggs and vanilla until the mixture comes together.
- Gently fold in the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt) on a low setting until just combined.
- Gradually stir in the milk until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before slathering on your chocolate buttercream frosting.
- Enjoy every bite!
Make this simple Oatmeal Raisin Cookies recipe then check out my —- and more of my simple cookie recipes.
How to store leftover Yellow Sheet Cake
Store any remaining cake slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer preservation, wrap the cake well and freeze it. When you’re ready for a treat, simply let it thaw and, if desired, give it a brief warm-up to recapture that freshly baked charm.
My top tips for the best Yellow Sheet Cake
Here are some friendly tips for a flawless Yellow Sheet Cake:
- Use room temperature butter and eggs so your batter mixes smoothly.
- Measure ingredients carefully; too much flour can make the cake denser than you’d like.
- Mix just until the dry ingredients are combined—overmixing can make the cake tough.
- Preheat your oven well; a consistent temperature helps the cake bake evenly.
- Give the cake a toothpick test a few minutes before the timer goes off to check for doneness.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting, so your chocolate buttercream stays thick and creamy.

Frequently asked questions
Can this cake be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance and store it in a tightly sealed container.
Is freezing an option?
Absolutely. Wrap the cake securely before freezing, and let it thaw when ready to serve.
What if my cake doesn’t rise as expected?
Double-check that your baking powder and baking soda are fresh for the best rise.
Can I substitute whole milk with another type?
Whole milk brings the best flavor and texture, but you can experiment with alternatives if needed.
How long does it take to make the buttercream frosting?
The frosting comes together quickly—just a few minutes of mixing is enough.
Other cake recipes to try
- Banana Chocolate Cake (Vegan & Gluten-Free)
- Simple Mini Cheesecakes: Your New Potluck Hero!
- Simple Red Velvet Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
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Simple Yellow Sheet Cake with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting Recipe
Ingredients
- 1½ c. unsalted butter room temperature
- 1¼ c. granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 2 t. real vanilla extract
- 2 c. all-purpose flour
- 1 t. baking powder
- ½ t. baking soda
- ½ t. salt
- ¾ c. whole milk
- chocolate buttercream frosting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease or spray a 9” x 13” pan with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until well blended.1½ c. unsalted butter, 1¼ c. granulated sugar
- Add in the eggs and vanilla and mix to combine.2 large eggs, 2 t. real vanilla extract
- Slowly mix in the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until just blended.2 c. all-purpose flour, 1 t. baking powder, ½ t. baking soda, ½ t. salt
- Slowly mix in milk.¾ c. whole milk
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Place in the pre-heated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of the cake comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and cool completely before topping with your chocolate buttercream frosting. Slice and serve immediately, if desired. Enjoy!chocolate buttercream frosting