Ina Garten’s birthday sheet cake is a simple yet elegant dessert, perfect for celebrating special occasions. This vanilla-based sheet cake is soft, moist, and topped with a luscious buttercream frosting. Whether you’re baking for a birthday party or a casual gathering, this cake is easy to make and guaranteed to impress.

What Is Ina Garten’s Birthday Sheet Cake?

Ina Garten’s birthday sheet cake is a classic vanilla cake baked in a sheet pan and topped with creamy buttercream frosting. It has a light and fluffy texture, making it the ideal canvas for colorful sprinkles, fruit toppings, or a drizzle of chocolate. This cake is easy to serve and perfect for feeding a crowd.

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Reasons to Try Ina Garten Birthday Sheet Cake

Perfect for celebrations – A classic, crowd-pleasing birthday cake.
Moist and fluffy texture – The buttermilk ensures a soft crumb.
Easy to decorate – Customize with sprinkles, fruit, or piping designs.
Simple ingredients – Uses pantry staples for an effortless bake.
Feeds a crowd – Ideal for parties, serving multiple guests.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Birthday Sheet Cake

For the Cake:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
½ cup sour cream

For the Buttercream Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
Pinch of salt
Sprinkles or decorations (optional)

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Birthday Sheet Cake

Preheat the oven – Set to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch sheet pan.
Mix dry ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cream butter and sugar – In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs and vanilla – Mix in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
Combine wet and dry ingredients – Alternate adding the dry ingredients with buttermilk and sour cream, mixing just until combined.
Bake the cake – Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.

For the Buttercream Frosting:

Beat butter until creamy – In a large bowl, whip the butter until smooth.
Add powdered sugar – Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
Incorporate vanilla and cream – Add vanilla extract, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt, mixing until smooth.
Frost the cake – Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake and decorate with sprinkles.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Birthday Sheet Cake

Serve with fresh berries – Strawberries or raspberries add a refreshing contrast.
Pair with a scoop of ice cream – Vanilla or chocolate ice cream complements the cake beautifully.
Drizzle with chocolate ganache – Adds an extra layer of richness.
Top with fruit preserves – A thin layer of jam between the cake and frosting adds extra flavor.
Decorate with edible flowers – Adds a touch of elegance for special occasions.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Birthday Sheet Cake

Use room temperature ingredients – Ensure even mixing and a smooth batter.
Don’t overmix the batter – Overmixing can result in a dense cake.
Measure flour correctly – Spoon and level flour instead of packing it.
Let the cake cool completely – Prevent the frosting from melting.
Sift powdered sugar for smooth frosting – Eliminates lumps and makes the buttercream silky.
Chill the cake before slicing – For cleaner cuts, refrigerate for 20 minutes before serving.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Birthday Sheet Cake

Make it chocolate – Replace ½ cup of flour with cocoa powder for a chocolate version.
Add citrus zest – Lemon or orange zest brightens the flavor.
Fill with jam or curd – Spread a thin layer of fruit preserves between cake and frosting.
Use cream cheese frosting – For a tangy, rich alternative.
Add fun mix-ins – Fold in mini chocolate chips or sprinkles into the batter for a confetti cake.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Birthday Sheet Cake

Store at room temperature – Keep covered for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate for longer storage – Lasts up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Freeze for up to 2 months – Wrap in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container.
Thaw before serving – Let frozen cake sit at room temperature for 1 hour before frosting.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Birthday Sheet Cake

Serve at room temperature – No reheating is needed for the best texture.
Microwave individual slices – Warm for 10-15 seconds if preferred slightly warm.
Let refrigerated cake sit out before serving – Allow 30 minutes for the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

How do you make a sheet cake moist and fluffy?

To achieve a moist and fluffy sheet cake, use buttermilk and sour cream in the batter. These ingredients add richness and help maintain moisture. Also, avoid overmixing the batter, as it can make the cake dense. Baking at the correct temperature and not overbaking ensures a soft texture.

Can I make Ina Garten’s birthday sheet cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake can be made ahead of time. Bake the cake a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. The buttercream frosting can also be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Before frosting, let the cake and buttercream come to room temperature for the best texture.

What is the best way to frost a sheet cake smoothly?

For a smooth frosting, make sure the cake is completely cool before spreading the buttercream. Using an offset spatula makes it easier to apply an even layer. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of heavy cream to make it spread more smoothly.

Can I freeze a birthday sheet cake?

Yes, the cake can be frozen. Wrap the unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving. If freezing a frosted cake, place it in the freezer for an hour to harden, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s birthday sheet cake is a timeless, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for celebrations. With its moist, fluffy texture and creamy buttercream frosting, this cake is guaranteed to be a hit at any birthday party. Try this recipe today and create a special moment for your loved ones!