Vanilla Sheet Cake

Instructions

1. Prepare the baking pan
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with butter and line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the cake out after baking.
2. Mix the dry ingredients
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
3. Cream butter and sugar
   In a large bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar together on high speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
4. Add eggs and vanilla
   Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and beat until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk
   With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until incorporated after each addition. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Bake the cake
   Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
7. Prepare the buttercream frosting
   In a large bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes. Add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase to high speed and beat for 2 minutes until smooth and creamy. Add more heavy cream if frosting is too thick, or more powdered sugar if too thin.
8. Frost the cake
   Once the cake is completely cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift it out of the pan. Place on a serving plate or cutting board. Spread the frosting evenly over the top of the cake using an offset spatula. If desired, create decorative swirls in the frosting. Slice into squares and serve.