Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This is key to ensuring that the cake bakes evenly and achieves that perfect golden brown color.
Prepare your baking sheet. Spray a 13×18 inch baking sheet with pan spray and dust generously with flour. This will prevent the cake from sticking and help it come out easily.
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup unsalted butter and 1 cup water. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat. The goal here is to melt the butter completely.
While the butter and water are heating, take a large bowl and whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour and 2 cups granulated sugar. Mixing these dry ingredients well ensures that the sweetness is evenly distributed.
Once the butter and water have come to a boil, carefully pour this mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. It’s crucial to do this slowly to prevent any splattering. This hot liquid will help activate the flour, creating a tender texture.
Add the 2 large beaten eggs, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 teaspoon almond extract, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt to the bowl. Mix everything together with a spatula or whisk until well combined and smooth. The batter should be slightly glossy.
Now, pour the batter into your prepared baking sheet, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. This ensures the cake bakes uniformly.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 to 22 minutes, or until the cake turns a beautiful golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for about 20 minutes in the pan. This cooling period is essential for the frosting.
For the frosting, in a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup unsalted butter and 1/3 cup milk. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
After boiling, remove from heat and stir in 4 ½ cups powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon almond extract, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Whisk until smooth and combined.
While the cake is still warm, spread the frosting generously over the top. The warmth will help the frosting spread more easily.
If desired, decorate the top with colorful sprinkles for that extra festive touch. This will not only enhance the appearance but also add a delightful crunch!