Festive New Year Sheet Cake with Colorful Decorations
A vibrant and festive New Year sheet cake that is easy to make and perfect for celebrations, featuring colorful decorations to brighten any party.
Equipment
- 1 large sheet pan greased and floured
- 1 electric mixer
- 1 Mixing Bowl large
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
Frosting and Decorations
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Assorted food coloring
- Edible glitter and sprinkles
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured large sheet pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving
- In a bowl, beat together powdered sugar, softened butter, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Divide the frosting into separate bowls and tint each with different food coloring as desired.
- Spread a thin layer of frosting over the cooled cake as a crumb coat. Chill the cake for 20 minutes to set. Apply the remaining frosting evenly over the cake. Use colored frostings to pipe designs or lettering, and sprinkle with edible glitter and sprinkles for a festive finish.
Storage
- Cover leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keep at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To maintain moisture, place a piece of wax paper between the cake and the lid of the container.
Notes
Pro Tips: For the best texture, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before beginning. Use a quality sheet pan to ensure even baking. Chill the cake before frosting to avoid crumbs in the icing. Ingredient Substitutions: Use almond milk instead of whole milk for a dairy-free option. How to Serve: Pair with hot beverages or sparkling cider for a festive touch. Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Make-Ahead Tips: The cake can be baked a day in advance and decorated on the day of serving.