Vanilla Sheet Cake with Chocolate Filling

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch sheet pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray, and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk and sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined and smooth.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

1. Bake the cake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Make sure not to overbake, as the cake should remain soft and tender.
2. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Filling

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Be sure to watch it closely to avoid it boiling over.
2. Once the cream is hot, remove it from the heat and add the chocolate and butter. Stir until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and allow the filling to cool to room temperature. It should thicken as it cools, becoming a rich, spreadable consistency.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Once the cake has cooled completely, use a serrated knife to level the top if necessary.
2. Carefully cut the cake in half horizontally to create two layers. Spread the cooled chocolate filling evenly on the bottom layer.
3. Place the second layer of cake on top of the filling. Press gently to ensure that the layers adhere.

Step 5: Optional Frosting

1. If you’d like to frost the cake, beat the butter in a mixing bowl until smooth.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
3. Frost the top of the cake with the buttercream frosting, spreading it evenly. You can also pipe decorative designs around the edges or top if you prefer.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once your cake is assembled, slice it into squares or rectangles and serve. The creamy chocolate filling will provide a delightful surprise with every bite, and the fluffy vanilla cake will melt in your mouth. Enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Vanilla Sheet Cake with Chocolate Filling

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure that your butter, eggs, and sour cream are all at room temperature before you start. This helps to create a smooth, consistent batter that bakes evenly.
• Don’t Overmix: When incorporating the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than a light and fluffy one.
• Make it Ahead of Time: This cake can be made in advance! If you’re planning for a party or special event, prepare the cake a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. It’ll actually taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
• Customize the Filling: While this recipe uses a simple chocolate filling, you can get creative! Try adding a layer of raspberry jam, peanut butter, or even a swirl of caramel for a unique twist.
• Decorate to Your Liking: For a more festive presentation, garnish the top of the cake with chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or edible flowers.

Why This Cake Is So Special

Vanilla sheet cake with chocolate filling is a comforting and indulgent dessert that appeals to a wide range of tastes. It’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or even casual family dinners. The beauty of this cake lies in its simplicity—there’s no need for intricate layers or fancy designs. It’s all about the quality of the ingredients and the love you put into baking it. The result is a moist, flavorful cake that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced home cook, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. It’s the kind of dessert that’s always a hit and will make any occasion feel extra special.

Conclusion

With its soft vanilla cake and indulgent chocolate filling, Vanilla Sheet Cake with Chocolate Filling is an irresistible dessert that’s easy to make, delightfully flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. The combination of textures and flavors in this cake is simply divine, and with just a few ingredients and some simple steps, you can create a dessert that’s sure to impress everyone at your table.

So why not give this recipe a try? Whether it’s for a birthday celebration, a family gathering, or just because you deserve a treat, this cake will quickly become a go-to favorite.