If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for any occasion, a half-sheet cake is a great choice. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s easy to customize and can feed a large crowd. In this article, we cover everything you need to know about baking, decorating, and serving a half-cake.
What is a half-sheet cake?
The cake is rectangular and measures approximately 11 by 15 inches. It is usually made from a sponge or butter cake base and can be frosted and decorated in various ways. Half-sheet cakes are popular for parties such as birthdays, graduations, and weddings because they can feed many people.
Ingredients for half-sheet cake
To make a half cake, you will need the following ingredients:
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 tablespoons of baking powder
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk
Equipment Needed to Make a Half-Sheet Cake
You will need the following equipment:
Cake pan
Parchment
Mixing dishes
Electric mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
With a rubber spatula
Wired cooling rack
Steps to bake a half-sheet cake
Follow these steps for baking a cake:
Heat the oven
Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the oven in the center of the oven.
Grease the pan
Grease a half pan with nonstick cooking spray and line it with parchment paper.
Prepare the dough
Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer in another bowl until they are light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one by one and mix in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, and mix until combined. Bake your cake smoothly and pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for roughly 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cake tests clean when a toothpick is put in the center.
Cool the cake
After removing the cake from the oven, give it 10 minutes to cool in the pan. Then use a butter knife to remove the edges of the cake from the pan and carefully transfer the cake to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Tips for decorating a half-sheet cake
After the half-sheet cake has cooled, it’s time to decorate it. Here are some tips to make your half-cake beautiful and delicious:
Choose your glaze
Icing is the most important part of decorating a cake. You can choose any frosting, such as buttercream, cream cheese, or whipped cream. Make sure it has the right texture and flavor to complement your cake. Spread the frosting evenly over the cake and around the edges using a spatula.
Add your decorations
Now is the time to get creative with the decorations. You can use fresh fruit, chocolate chips, sprinkles, or candies to add color and texture to the cake. Arrange the decorations on the frosting in a pattern or pattern of your choice.
Use a cake turntable
Using a cake board makes decorating a half-cake much easier. Place the cake on the turntable and rotate it, adding the decorations. This helps to get an even layer of frosting and makes it easier to spread the decorations evenly.
How to serve half-sheet cake?
Once your half-sheet cake is decorated, it’s time to serve it to your guests. You can cut the cake into squares or rectangles, depending on how many parts you need. Cut the cake clean and flat with a sharp knife and serve on a platter or cake stand.
Storing Leftover Half-Sheet Cake
If half of the cake is left, you can store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can freeze the cake for up to three months and then thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
How many people are serving half-sheet cake?
It depends on the size of the slices and the size of the half-sheet cake. Generally, a half-sheet cake can serve between 30 to50 people.
Based on the context of your question, it sounds like you may be planning an event or gathering and are trying to determine how much cake to order.
Knowing the number of people who will be attending your event is crucial when it comes to ordering food, drinks, and desserts. If you’re serving half-sheet cake, a good rule of thumb is to assume that each person will have a slice that’s about 1 inch wide and 2 inches tall. So, if you have 50 guests, you’ll need a half-sheet cake that serves at least 50 slices.
Can I use a different type of pastry for a half-layer cake?
Yes, you can use a different type of pastry for a half-layer cake. However, keep in mind that the texture and taste of the cake may be different from the original recipe. It’s important to choose a pastry that is similar in texture and flavor to the original recipe to ensure the best results.
Can the half-sheet cake be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can prepare a half-sheet cake in advance. You can bake the cake up to two days in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also frost the cake in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just make careful to re-warm the cake before serving it.
How long will half a cake take?
A half cake can be kept for up to four days if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
In short, it can be stated that a half cake is a versatile and delicious dessert that is suitable for any occasion. By following the steps in this article, you can bake, decorate, and serve a half-baked cake that will impress your guests and leave them asking for more.
