What Does Kefir Do in Baking?

Kefir brings acidity and moisture to your batter, making it ideal for baking soft, fluffy cakes. It reacts with baking soda to help your cake rise and gives a slightly tangy taste that balances sweetness perfectly. In a kefir sheet cake recipe card , it works like buttermilk—but with a probiotic bonus.

Can I Use Kefir Instead of Buttermilk in Cake?

Yes! Kefir is an excellent 1:1 substitute for buttermilk in cake recipes. Both are acidic and support leavening, but kefir adds more beneficial bacteria and a richer tang. Just remember: if the recipe calls for buttermilk, kefir won’t ruin the balance—it might even improve it.

How Many Cake Mixes for a Half Sheet Cake?

Typically, two standard boxed cake mixes are needed for a half sheet cake (13x18 inches). If you're adapting a kefir sheet cake recipe card to fit this size, double the ingredients listed for a 9x13 pan and slightly reduce the baking time by 5–10 minutes. Discover great ideas like jello cake recipes if you're experimenting with box mixes and custom ingredients like kefir.

Can You Use Kefir in Cakes?

Absolutely! Kefir is perfect for baking cakes, muffins, and quick breads. Its creamy consistency helps retain moisture, and its acidity improves texture and rise. In fact, some bakers prefer using kefir over milk or yogurt for more reliable results.

What to Avoid with Kefir?

Avoid combining kefir with other acids like lemon juice or vinegar in recipes that rely on baking soda. This can create an overly sour taste and mess with the cake’s rise. Also, don’t boil kefir—it kills the live cultures and can curdle. Stick to gently warmed or room-temperature uses in your kefir sheet cake recipe card .

What Does Kefir Do to Your Stomach?

Kefir is rich in probiotics, which help balance your gut microbiome. When consumed regularly, it may improve digestion and support immune health. In desserts like sheet cake, it offers a mild dose of gut-friendly cultures while keeping your bake tender and tangy. Want to learn more about what makes certain desserts gut-friendly? Check out our protein cookies milk powder for another balance of health and indulgence.

Kefir Sheet Cake Recipe Card – Top 5 Reasons It’s the Best

Name: Kefir Sheet Cake Recipe Card
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Dry Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 1 tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; Wet Ingredients: 1 cup kefir; ½ cup melted butter; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit

Kefir Sheet Cake Recipe Card

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This tangy and moist kefir sheet cake is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Follow this simple recipe for a dessert that everyone will love!

Author: Amelia
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup kefir
- ½ cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional:
- ½ cup chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, mix kefir, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Gradually combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool completely before serving or adding toppings.

Notes

Variations: Substitute kefir with buttermilk or plain yogurt for a different flavor profile.
Toppings: Enhance the cake with powdered sugar, cream cheese frosting, or fresh fruit.
Store in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.

Find it online: https://recipesbyamelia.com/kefir-sheet-cake-recipe-card/