Milk Bar-Inspired White Sheet Cake – Fluffy, Frosted, and Fun to Make

A Fun, Fluffy, and Flavorful White Cake That’s Anything but Basic

If you love nostalgic desserts that are as pretty as they are delicious, this Milk Bar-Inspired White Sheet Cake is going to be your new go-to. It takes the simplicity of a classic white cake and gives it that signature Milk Bar flair: buttery layers, velvety vanilla frosting, and fun sprinkles for color and crunch. This cake is designed to make birthdays brighter, holidays happier, and your dessert table a total showstopper.

No fancy tools or stacking required—just a single sheet pan, a few mixing bowls, and a sweet tooth.

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🌟 Why This White Sheet Cake Is So Popular

• Soft, tender crumb: Moist, light texture that melts in your mouth.
• Pure vanilla flavor: No shortcuts—this cake celebrates vanilla.
• Frosted edge-to-edge: More frosting in every bite.
• Colorful and playful: A party in a pan with sprinkles or crumbles.
• Easy to serve: No stacking or slicing drama—just bake and cut.

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🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the White Cake Base:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1¾ cups granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp almond extract (optional, for that nostalgic “funfetti” vibe)
• 5 large egg whites
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ cup sour cream

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1–2 tbsp milk or cream
• Pinch of salt

Optional Milk Bar-Inspired Toppings:

• Rainbow sprinkles
• Crumbled cookies or cake crumbs
• Toasted white chocolate chunks

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and line a 9×13-inch sheet cake pan.

2. Make the Cake Batter

• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
• In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy (3–5 mins).
• Add vanilla and almond extract.
• Beat in egg whites one at a time.
• Mix in sour cream and buttermilk, alternating with dry ingredients.

3. Bake the Cake

• Pour batter into prepared pan.
• Smooth the top and bake for 30–35 minutes.
• Cool completely before frosting.

4. Make the Frosting

• Beat butter until smooth.
• Add powdered sugar gradually.
• Add vanilla, salt, and just enough milk to reach desired texture.

5. Frost and Decorate

• Spread frosting over cooled cake.
• Top with sprinkles, cookie crumbles, or a crumble topping.

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🎂 Topping Ideas (Milk Bar-Inspired)

• Birthday crumble: Crushed vanilla cookies + sprinkles + melted white chocolate.
• Cereal crunch: Toasted cornflakes + sugar + butter.
• Freeze-dried fruit powder: Adds tart contrast and color.
• Milk crumbs: Combine flour, milk powder, and butter for a crunchy topping.

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🥄 Flavor Variations

• Lemon White Cake: Add lemon zest and a bit of juice.
• Strawberry Layer: Swirl in strawberry jam before baking.
• Chocolate Chips: Fold in mini white or dark chocolate chips.
• Coconut Cream: Top with whipped cream and toasted coconut flakes.

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🥡 Storing and Serving

• Room temp: Covered, for up to 2 days.
• Fridge: Keeps well for 5 days; bring to room temp before serving.
• Freezer: Wrap unfrosted cake in plastic and foil for up to 2 months.

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📊 Nutrition Info (Per Slice, Approx. 16 Servings)

• Calories: 380
• Fat: 19g
• Sugar: 32g
• Carbs: 44g
• Protein: 4g

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🧠 Pro Tips

• Whip butter and sugar well—it sets the cake’s texture.
• Use room temp eggs and dairy for even mixing.
• Don’t overmix once flour is added—keep the cake tender.
• Frost with an offset spatula for bakery-smooth finish.
• Decorate right before serving if using crunchy toppings.

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❓ FAQs

Q1: Can I make this cake ahead?
Yes! Bake the cake up to 2 days in advance, frost the day you serve.

Q2: Can I double the recipe?
Yes, for a party-sized sheet cake—just use a larger pan and increase baking time slightly.

Q3: What makes this “Milk Bar-inspired”?
It’s about the vibe: fun textures, bold vanilla, and unique toppings.

Q4: Can I use boxed mix?
You can, but homemade gives more control and better taste.

Q5: Can I color the batter?
Yes—swirl pastel colors in for a tie-dye or birthday effect.

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✅ Conclusion: Why This Cake Always Steals the Show

This Milk Bar-Inspired White Sheet Cake captures everything you want in a celebratory bake: a soft, flavorful vanilla cake, a creamy blanket of frosting, and that whimsical topping that makes it pop. It’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly adaptable—just like your favorite bakery treat but made with love in your own kitchen.

Whether for birthdays, holidays, or no reason at all, this cake will win over everyone who takes a bite.

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