Kefir, a fermented dairy product known for its tangy flavor and numerous health benefits, adds a unique twist to traditional sheet cakes. This Kefir Sheet Cake recipe combines the richness of kefir with classic cake ingredients to create a moist and flavorful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a family gathering, or simply craving a sweet treat, this cake will surely impress. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover why Kefir Sheet Cake is a must-try!
Table of Contents
Kefir Sheet Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup plain kefir
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup plain kefir
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
For the Cake:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is well incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add Dry Ingredients and Kefir: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the kefir. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined and the batter is smooth.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Frosting:
- Cream the Butter: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the butter, mixing well until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Add Kefir and Vanilla: Stir in the kefir, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
- Serve: Slice the cake into squares and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure the butter is fully softened for easier creaming.
- You can substitute the vanilla extract with flavors like almond or lemon for a different twist.
- For a lighter cake, use low-fat kefir and reduce the amount of sugar.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 4g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor: The tangy kefir flavor adds a unique twist to this classic sheet cake, making it stand out from traditional recipes.
- Moist and Delicious: The kefir ensures that the cake remains moist and tender, creating a delightful texture that’s irresistible.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
- Versatile: You can customize the frosting and add-ins to suit your preferences, making it a versatile dessert that’s sure to please.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
Kefir
Kefir is the star ingredient in this recipe, providing a tangy flavor and moist texture. You can use plain or flavored kefir, depending on your preference. If kefir is not available, you can substitute it with buttermilk or a combination of milk and lemon juice.
All-Purpose Flour
All-purpose flour is used to create the structure of the cake. You can substitute it with cake flour for a lighter texture or use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
Unsalted Butter
Unsalted butter provides richness and flavor to the cake and frosting. You can use salted butter, but be sure to adjust the amount of salt in the recipe. For a dairy-free option, use plant-based butter.
Granulated Sugar
Granulated sugar adds sweetness to the cake. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste preferences or use a sugar substitute for a healthier option.
Eggs
Eggs provide structure and richness to the cake. For a vegan option, use flaxseed or chia seed eggs as a substitute.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the cake and frosting. You can substitute it with other extracts like almond or lemon for a different flavor profile.
How to Make Kefir Sheet Cake (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. This step ensures that the cake doesn’t stick to the pan and cooks evenly.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. This step ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step creates a smooth and creamy base for the cake batter.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is well incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract. This step adds richness and flavor to the batter.
Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients and Kefir
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the kefir. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined and the batter is smooth. This step ensures that the batter is well-mixed and ready for baking.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This step ensures that the cake is fully cooked and ready to be frosted.
Step 7: Cool the Cake
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step allows the cake to set and cool evenly before frosting.
Step 8: Prepare the Frosting
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar to the butter, mixing well until the frosting is smooth and creamy. Stir in the kefir, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the frosting is light and fluffy. This step creates a rich and creamy frosting that complements the cake perfectly.
Step 9: Frost the Cake
Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. This step adds the final touch of sweetness and creaminess to the cake.
Step 10: Serve
Slice the cake into squares and serve. Enjoy! This step allows you to share the delicious cake with friends and family.
Expert Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the butter, eggs, and kefir are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother batter.
- Avoid Overmixing: Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Customize Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different extracts and add-ins to customize the flavors to your liking.
Variations and Customizations
Dietary Modifications
- Vegan: Use flaxseed or chia seed eggs as a substitute for the eggs and plant-based butter for a vegan-friendly option.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free.
- Low-Sugar: Reduce the amount of sugar or use a sugar substitute for a healthier option.
Flavor Twists
- Citrus Burst: Add lemon zest and lemon juice to the cake batter and frosting for a bright and tangy citrus flavor.
- Chocolate Lovers: Mix cocoa powder with the cake batter and frosting for a rich and indulgent chocolate flavor.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or other warm spices to the cake batter for a cozy and comforting flavor profile.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Kefir Sheet Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Ensure the cake is completely cooled before storing it to prevent moisture buildup.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This Kefir Sheet Cake pairs beautifully with:
- Fresh Fruit: Serve with a side of fresh berries or sliced fruit for a refreshing contrast.
- Whipped Cream: Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream for added creaminess.
- Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of your favorite ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this Kefir Sheet Cake, you might also like:
- Lemon Kefir Cake: A tangy and refreshing cake made with lemon zest, lemon juice, and kefir.
- Chocolate Kefir Cupcakes: Rich and indulgent cupcakes made with cocoa powder, kefir, and a creamy chocolate frosting.
- Kefir Pound Cake: A dense and moist pound cake made with kefir and a hint of vanilla.
Conclusion
Kefir Sheet Cake is a delightful and moist treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With its unique tangy flavor and rich, creamy frosting, it’s a dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply craving a sweet treat, this cake is a winner. Don’t forget to try out the variations and customizations to make it your own. Happy baking, and enjoy your delicious Kefir Sheet Cake!
Tiffany is a dessert aficionado with a flair for baking delicious treats. With over 15 years of baking experience, Tiffany creates mouthwatering cakes, cookies, and pastries that have gained popularity both online and in local bakeries. She has completed several advanced pastry courses and often shares her baking tips with food enthusiasts worldwide.