White Texas Sheet Cake Recipe – A Buttery, Moist Classic

This white Texas sheet cake recipe is made from scratch with basic ingredients and pantry staples. A moist cake and homemade dessert perfect for any occasion!

Simple White Texas Sheet Cake Recipe for an easy homemade dessert

White Texas sheet cake is a delicious twist on the traditional chocolate Texas sheet cake version. It’s a soft, buttery white cake, topped with a sweet vanilla frosting. This cake is perfect for parties, potlucks, and celebrations.

You’ll love this recipe because it’s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and stays moist for days. The rich flavor and tender texture make it a go-to dessert for any occasion. Plus, the simple ingredients mean you can whip it up without a special trip to the store.

Slice of white texas sheet cake on a white plate, with the sheet cake next to it

What is White Texas Sheet Cake?

White Texas sheet cake is a soft, vanilla-flavored cake topped with a creamy frosting. Unlike traditional Texas sheet cake, which is made with cocoa, this version has a buttery, rich flavor. It is sure to become one of your favorite cakes to make!

It’s baked in a large jelly roll pan, making it perfect for feeding a crowd. The frosting is poured over the warm cake, creating a smooth, delicious topping that soaks in slightly for extra moisture.

This cake is ideal for birthdays, holidays, or any gathering. It’s simple, delicious, and always a hit!

Slice of white texas sheet cake on a plate on top of a green and orange tea towel

Ingredients

You probably have the ingredients needed to make this white sheet cake in your pantry, but double check that you have everything you need before you start making up the cake batter.

For the Cake:

  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredients laid out for making a white vanilla version of Texas sheet cake

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How to Make Homemade White Texas Sheet Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spray a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3: Heat the Butter and Water

In a medium saucepan, heat the butter and water over medium-high heat. Once the butter melts and the mixture simmers, remove from heat.

Butter and white whisked and melting in a saucepan for cake batter

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the hot melted butter mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.

Adding dry ingredients to wet for sheet cake batter

Step 5: Add Eggs, Sour Cream, and Vanilla

Mix in the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Finished batter in saucepan ready to pour into sheet pan

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cake batter poured in to prepared baking sheet ready to bake

Step 7: Prepare the Frosting

While the cake cools for 5-10 minutes, make the frosting.

In a large saucepan, melt the butter and milk over medium heat. Increase to medium-high until it simmers.

In a large bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Pour in the hot butter mixture and whisk until smooth.

Step 8: Frost the Cake

Pour the warm frosting over the warm homemade cake. Spread it evenly. Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving.

Where to Take or Use This Recipe

This cake is perfect for many special occasions:

Potlucks and Picnics – It’s easy to transport and serves a crowd. This version of Texas sheet cake is a perfect potluck dessert.

Holidays and Celebrations – Great for birthdays, Thanksgiving, or Christmas.

Office Parties and School Events – Everyone loves a homemade dessert. 

Family Gatherings – A simple, sweet treat to share.

Birthday Party – For an amazing cake, add sprinkles to make this a festive dessert to celebrate a birthday.

Vanilla version of classic texas sheet cake on a plate with the pan of cake in background

Variations to Try

Want to change things up with this vanilla version of Classic texas sheet cake? Try these variations:

  • Almond Flavor: Add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract to the cake and frosting.
  • Nutty Topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the frosting.
  • Lemon Twist: Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest for a fresh citrus flavor.
  • Coconut Delight: Stir in 1/2 cup shredded coconut into the batter.
  • Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the frosted cake.
Slice of vanilla texas sheet cake shot from above on a white plate with a tea towel under the plate

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Store at Room Temperature: Keep the cake covered for up to 3 days. I use Aluminum foil to cover this cake, but you can use plastic wrap or Press and Seal wrap to keep this delicious dessert fresh.

Refrigerate for Longer Freshness: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freeze for Later: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.

Make Ahead: Bake the cake a day ahead and frost before serving for the freshest taste.

Side view of a slice of white texas sheet cake from scratch on a plate ready to serve

White Texas Sheet Cake Recipe

Make a homemade vanilla version of Texas Sheet Cake with this simple recipe using pantry staples and will feed a crowd.
Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time22 minutes
Cool Time10 minutes
Total Time57 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cake recipes, homemade cake, homemade recipe, potluck dessert, sheet cake, vanilla
Servings: 24

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Cake:

  • Preheat the oven to 375F. Prepare a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan by spraying with non-stick cooking spray; set aside.
  • In a large bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda and salt.
  • Heat the butter and water in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and the mixture begins to simmer.
  • Remove from heat and pour into the dry ingredients mixture. Stir just until combined.
  • Add the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan.
  • Bake the cake at 375F for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the cake in the pan for 5-10 minutes until warm.

Frosting:

  • Melt the butter and milk together in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then raise the temperature to medium-high until the mixture begins to simmer.
  • In a large bowl, combine the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and the melted butter and milk mixture. Whisk together until smooth.
  • Pour the frosting over the warm cake and spread out evenly.
  • Cool the cake completely before slicing and serving.
Overhead shot of a slice of white or vanilla texas sheet cake shot from above with pan in shot

Common Questions About White Texas Sheet Cake

Can I use a different pan size?

Yes! If using a 9×13-inch pan, bake for 25-30 minutes. If using a half sheet pan (13×18-inch), bake for 15-18 minutes.

Can I use buttermilk instead of sour cream?

Yes! Buttermilk adds a slightly tangy flavor and keeps the cake moist.

What if I don’t have a jelly roll pan?

A 9×13-inch pan works, but the cake will be thicker. Adjust the baking time accordingly.

Can I add nuts?

Absolutely! Mix 1/2 cup chopped pecans into the frosting or sprinkle on top.

Does this cake need to be refrigerated?

Not necessarily. It stays fresh at room temperature for a few days, but refrigeration extends its shelf life.

Side view of a slice of homemade vanilla sheet cake

Conclusion

This white Texas sheet cake recipe is simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. The buttery cake and smooth vanilla frosting make it a crowd favorite. Whether you’re making it for a party or just because, it’s sure to be a hit and receive rave reviews!

Frosted vanilla sheet cake slice on a plate shot from above

Try this recipe and let us know how it turned out! Leave a comment below and share your favorite variations. Happy baking!

More Homemade Cakes to Make:

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Hi there!

I’m Emily, a mom and wife with a passion for crafting, celebrating holidays, and creating memorable moments. From Idaho to the world, The Benson Street is a treasure trove of easy, fun DIY projects, delightful printables, and delicious recipes. With over a decade of experience in blogging and a love for all things seasonal, I’m here to share my tips, ideas, and occasional mishaps. Join me in adding a dash of joy and creativity to every day! Read more…

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