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There are a few reasons sheet cake recipes have stood the test of time. First, their size is quite literally a big piece of it: They really are the ideal type of cake for feeding a crowd. Second, they're so easy to make. Just pour the batter into a pan, smooth out the surface, bake, and decorate. It's that simple, which means anyone can make a homemade cake regardless of their level of skill.
Ree Drummond has relied on the larger-than-life cakes to feed hungry kids and cowboys for years, starting with her most famous chocolate sheet cake that she makes for every celebration. "God bless my mother-in-law, who shared the recipe with me when I became engaged to her son," Ree says of her beloved recipe that, 100 percent of the time causes "moans and groans from anyone who takes a bite." (And yes, that recipe is the first on this list.)
But this list of easy sheet cakes doesn’t stop there! You’ll find several takes on that chocolate dessert, but also seasonal delights like strawberry desserts and lemon-blueberry recipes for summer and a sweet potato cake for a treat come fall. You’ll also find a tree cake for Christmas dessert, two different flag cakes for any and every American holiday, and even a football cake that looks just like a field. Whatever you decide, know that you too can elicit moans and groans from everyone with ease!
1
Best Chocolate Sheet Cake
Ryan Liebe
Listen, Ree Drummond doesn't go around naming every chocolate cake recipe "the best ever." This one really is that special—moist, rich, and chocolatey.
Get a bright bite of summer sunshine any time of year! The cake portion is light and tender with a luscious lemony flavor, and the strawberry glaze is bright and fruity.
Blueberry and lemon are such a delightful duo when paired together. This sheet cake is everything you could want in a dessert: moist, zesty, fruity, and easy to whip up.
Perfect for a tailgate or Super Bowl party, this rich chocolate cake is covered in grassy green cream cheese frosting and decorated with candy "players" and a candy-coated chocolate "crowd."
Yes, this cake actually has Dr Pepper in it! The bubbly soda helps keep the cake moist and tender, plus adds flavor of course. Top it off with a sweet caramel frosting.
Ina Garten's flag cake is incredibly popular for a reason—it's the perfect Fourth of July finale! If it's not a patriotic holiday, simply sprinkle the berries all over the cake for a less holiday-specific dessert.
Bite into a cake that tastes just like an old-fashioned caramel apple! It features a lightly spiced apple cake slathered in swirls of rich, buttery caramel frosting. A sprinkle on the flaky sea salt helps pop the flavors.
This holly jolly confetti cake looks impressive, but it's super simple to make. The decorations are made with buttercream, sprinkles, and store-bought candies—no special tools required!
Give Ree's famous chocolate sheet cake a nutty twist! There are sliced almonds and almond extract in both the cake batter and icing for an extra boost of flavor.
When berry season is in full swing, there's no more perfect combo than strawberries and cream. This cake is packed with fresh berries and topped with the dreamiest cream cheese frosting.
This citrusy cake is packed with fresh lemon and plenty of poppy seeds, both in the batter and the glaze. That gives each bite a beautifully balanced texture and bright flavor.
Host that holiday party with ease! Add peppermint extract to the rich chocolate cake and the sweet American buttercream for a cool, minty bite. Crushed candies are all you need to decorate.
This tender, spiced fall cake is a nod to classic sweet potato casserole you know and love with pillowy marshmallow buttercream frosting and crunchy toasted pecans on top.
If you're looking for another version of the classic flag cake, try this one! It's easy to do with sprinkles. The secret is to use parchment paper to create clean lines.
Sigrid was one of Ree's mother’s closest friends, and she would often bring this carrot cake over when she visited (yup, you can make it as a sheet cake, and Ree often does!).
Reese's fans, rejoice: This peanut butter sheet cake is like a giant version of the classic treat. It's the peanut butter version of Ree's chocolate cake, so you know it's good.