Simple Pisces Sheet Cake

Name: Simple Pisces Sheet Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup milk; 3 large eggs; 1 tbsp baking powder; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Zest of 1 lemon; Zest of 1 orange; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 2-3 tbsp milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Zest of 1 lemon

Highlighted under: Heavenly Confections

I absolutely love making this Simple Pisces Sheet Cake for any occasion. It's a delightful dessert that comes together quickly and brings joy to every gathering. The moist, fluffy texture combined with a light citrus flavor makes it irresistibly good. Plus, it serves a crowd, perfect for sharing with friends and family. The best part? It requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum flavor. Whether it's a celebration or just a treat for the family, this cake is always a winner in our home!

Created by

Aubrey Whitman

Last updated on 2026-02-10T16:29:36.322Z

When I first tried making this Simple Pisces Sheet Cake, I was amazed at how easy and delicious it turned out. The combination of citrus flavors and a light sponge is truly a winner, and I love how it brightens up any dessert table. One tip I found helpful is to lightly zest the citrus; it adds so much depth to the flavor!

This cake has become a staple in my baking repertoire. Every time I make it, my family gets excited because it never disappoints. The aroma of the cake baking is enough to make mouths water – and trust me, the taste is even better than the smell!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Moist and fluffy texture that everyone adores
Bright citrus flavor that refreshes the palate
Perfect for any celebration or family gathering

Understanding the Ingredients

The key to a delicious cake lies in the quality of your ingredients. Using fresh eggs and good quality unsalted butter can significantly affect the flavor and moisture of your cake. I recommend using room temperature butter and eggs, which allows for better incorporation and results in a more homogenous batter. For the best taste, choose lemons and oranges that are bright in color and heavy for their size, as this indicates freshness and juiciness.

When measuring flour, make sure to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife rather than scooping directly from the bag. This prevents your cake from becoming dense, ensuring you achieve that light and fluffy texture. Additionally, be cautious with the amount of sugar - too much can cause the cake to become overly sweet, affecting the balance with the citrus flavor.

Frosting Tips and Variations

The frosting for this cake is simple yet adds an impressive finishing touch. When mixing the frosting, ensure your butter is at room temperature for a smooth and creamy consistency. If the frosting appears too thick, add additional milk one tablespoon at a time until you achieve your desired spreadability. Conversely, if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar for thickness without compromising flavor.

For a twist on the frosting, consider adding cream cheese for a tangy flavor that complements the citrus beautifully. Another fun variation is to mix in some finely chopped herbs like thyme or basil into the frosting, adding a surprising twist that pairs well with the cake’s citrus notes. This sheet cake is versatile, allowing for lots of creativity in toppings.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients before you start:

Ingredients for Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup milk
3 large eggs
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 orange
1/4 tsp salt

Ingredients for Frosting

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
2-3 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon

Make sure you have everything measured and ready to go!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious cake:

Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a sheet cake pan.

Mixing the Batter

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract.

Adding Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the lemon and orange zest.

Baking the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Frosting the Cake

In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Add lemon zest and mix until smooth. Once the cake has cooled, spread the frosting evenly on top.

Now your Simple Pisces Sheet Cake is ready to be sliced and enjoyed!

Pro Tips

For an extra pop of flavor, consider adding a splash of orange juice to the frosting. It enhances the citrus notes beautifully.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you want to prepare this cake in advance, it refrigerates well for up to 3 days. To store, wrap the cooled sheet cake tightly in plastic wrap or foil to keep it moist. When you're ready to serve, you can frost it shortly before serving so the frosting stays fresh. If making the cake even further ahead, consider freezing it un-frosted; it will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months.

To thaw a frozen cake, simply leave it in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing it at room temperature as it can lead to excess moisture buildup. Once defrosted, add your frosting and enjoy! This technique is great if you want to prepare for a celebration without the last-minute stress.

Serving Suggestions

This Simple Pisces Sheet Cake is delightful on its own, but you can take it up a notch by serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Pairing it with fresh berries can add a beautiful visual element and enhance the citrus flavor of the cake, creating a refreshing combination that’s perfect for warmer weather.

For themed events, consider decorating the top of the cake with citrus slices or edible flowers. This not only makes it more visually appealing but also adds to the fresh flavor experience. Guests often appreciate a variety of textures, so serving a moisture-rich cake with something crunchy, like toasted nuts on the side, can elevate the overall dessert experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and frost it before serving.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I use other citrus fruits?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with lime or grapefruit zest for a unique twist.

→ What is a good serving suggestion?

This cake is delightful served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.