Candy Cane Sheet Cake: The Ultimate Holiday Dessert

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Candy Cane Sheet Cake is a festive and delightful treat filled with sweet vanilla, creamy buttercream, and refreshing minty candy canes, perfect for holiday gatherings. This irresistible dessert captures the essence of Christmas and is sure to be a hit at your holiday parties. The combination of flavors creates a beautiful balance of sweetness with a hint of peppermint, making it an ideal dessert for winter celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Candy Cane Sheet Cake

This Candy Cane Sheet Cake is not just a cake; it’s an experience. Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore it:

Easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy holiday schedules.
Deliciously festive, it embodies the flavors of the season.
Great for sharing at holiday parties, ensuring everyone gets a slice.
Versatile enough to adapt with different toppings, making it a true Christmas Candy Cane Dessert.
Ideal for both kids and adults, satisfying a wide range of taste buds.
Can be decorated extravagantly for special occasions, transforming into a stunning holiday cake with candy canes.

Ingredients for Candy Cane Sheet Cake

Gather these items:

1 tablespoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup crushed candy cane
1 1/4 cups whole milk
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup sour cream
6 pieces egg whites
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
3 sticks unsalted butter
1 pound confectioners sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla for buttercream
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/4 cup milk for buttercream

How to Make Candy Cane Sheet Cake Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a sheet cake pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a stand mixer, cream together room temperature butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Then, mix in the vanilla and salt.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and sour cream.
Step 4: In another bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder.
Step 5: Add the egg whites to the stand mixer and mix until they are just combined.
Step 6: Alternate adding the milk mixture and the dry mixture to the butter mixture, combining fully after each addition.
Step 7: Gently fold in 1/3 of the crushed candy cane to the batter.
Step 8: Pour the batter into the sheet cake pan. Sprinkle another 1/3 of the crushed candy cane on top and gently swirl it into the batter.
Step 9: Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cake springs back when pressed lightly.
Step 10: Allow the cake to cool completely.
Step 11: For the buttercream, cream together room temperature butter and sifted confectioners sugar until smooth. Gradually mix in the milk, peppermint extract, and vanilla until it’s fluffy.
Step 12: Once the cake is cool, use an ice cream scoop to distribute the buttercream evenly on top of the cake. Smooth it out using an offset spatula.
Step 13: Sprinkle the remaining crushed candy cane over the frosting for that festive touch.

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Pro Tips for the Best Candy Cane Sheet Cake

Keep these in mind:

Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
Ensure the butter is soft for easy creaming.
Measure the flour carefully for best results.
Use sifted sugar for a lump-free frosting.
For a richer flavor, consider adding chocolate chips or switching to a Candy Cane Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Best Ways to Serve Candy Cane Sheet Cake

This delightful cake can be served in various ways:

Enjoy it plain for a simple yet delicious treat.
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Top with whipped cream and additional crushed candy canes for a festive candy cane treat.

How to Store and Reheat Candy Cane Sheet Cake

To keep your cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you have leftovers, you can also refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This is especially great for a quick snack or dessert!

Frequently Asked Questions About Candy Cane Sheet Cake

What’s the secret to perfect Candy Cane Sheet Cake?

The secret lies in using fresh ingredients and not overmixing the batter. This helps maintain a light, fluffy texture, which is essential for a perfect peppermint sheet cake.

Can I make Candy Cane Sheet Cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Just make sure to frost it on the day you plan to serve it for the best flavor and presentation. This is a great way to prepare for Candy Cane Cake for holiday parties.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Candy Cane Sheet Cake?

To avoid mistakes, measure your ingredients accurately and follow the mixing instructions closely. Also, don’t skip the cooling step; frosting a warm cake can lead to melting and a messy presentation.

Variations of Candy Cane Sheet Cake You Can Try

There are many ways to customize your Candy Cane Sheet Cake:

Try adding a layer of chocolate ganache for a delicious twist.
Incorporate crushed Oreos into the batter for a unique flavor.
Make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend.
Experiment with different extracts such as almond or orange for a different flavor profile.

Candy Cane Sheet Cake: The Ultimate Holiday Dessert - Candy Cane Sheet Cake - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out our Apple Pie Baked Oats or try our Creepy Cute Mummy Veggie for a fun twist. If you’re looking for a savory option, our Baked Boneless Skinless Chicken is a great choice!

For more information on baking techniques, you can visit King Arthur Baking.