Old Fashioned Sheet Cakes: Easy to Bake and Take
Families have such busy schedules these days that when they do find time to get together, the host may throw some burgers on the grill or cook up a pot of chili and ask their guests to contribute side dishes and dessert. Not really much different from a "covered dish dinner," "potluck," or "dinner on the ground"— all popular and easy ways for large groups to get together for a celebration or simple camaraderie.
If you're looking for the perfect dish to take to a gathering like this, you can't go wrong with an old-fashioned sheet cake. Sheet cakes are simpler to make than layer cakes, much easier to carry, and everyone will love to see you coming!
If baking a cake seems intimidating, a sheet cake is a great choice. Making one layer means you don't have to portion batter into several pans. And since the cake can be frosted and served right out of the pan, you don't have to worry about getting it out of the pan, stacking layers, and frosting evenly.
Sheet cakes are almost always baked in 13x9-inch pans, and there are several kinds — basic aluminum, non-stick, disposable aluminum or glass baking dishes. They will all work fine — just remember to reduce the baking temperature 25 degrees when using dark nonstick or glass pans. Dark surfaces and glass absorb heat, so they cook more quickly than a shiny pan. Oven temperature is important when baking a cake. If you don't have an oven thermometer, get an inexpensive one at the grocery store, and check the temperature of your oven.
It's a good idea to measure out all the ingredients before your start. It makes mixing much easier, and you're less likely to leave something out.
For easier slicing, chill cakes with creamy icing and cut with a thin knife. Sometimes a wet knife will make a cleaner cut through the icing. And if you like to prepare ahead, all these cakes with creamy icings may be frozen for 3 to 4 months.
Take Your Choice
So now, which will it be — banana, chocolate, or apple? Of course, you can never go wrong with chocolate, especially with this extravagantly thick, moist Sour Cream Chocolate Sheet Cake topped off with a hefty layer of creamy Sour Cream Chocolate Icing. Banana Cream Sheet Cake is the perfect example of the delectable flavor and moist texture that ripe bananas contribute to baked foods. And the "icing on this cake" is the perennial favorite - rich and delicious, Cream Cheese. Or, how about a comforting Caramel Apple Sheet Cake? Easy to stir up, this spicy fresh apple cake is topped off with Caramel Icing, but it's wonderful with Cream Cheese Icing too.