
Vanilla Sheet-Pan Party Cake
This giant, fluffy vanilla cake is perfect for celebrations of all kinds. Baked in a half-sheet pan, it can serve up to 30 people—and because it’s served right from the pan, it’s easy to transport, too. The cake is topped with an ample amount of vanilla buttercream that you can customize to your heart’s desire: Tint it with food coloring, top it with sprinkles or even use a piping bag to pipe it in swirls to spell someone special’s name. A hint of cream cheese makes the frosting extra creamy—just make sure both the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before you begin beating them.
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