Texas Sheet Cake

Classic Texas Sheet Cake with Rich Chocolate Flavor and Buttery Frosting

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter with the water and cocoa powder over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat.
  4. Pour the hot cocoa mixture over the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
  5. Add the lightly beaten eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract to the batter and mix until smooth.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan and spread it out evenly.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter with the cocoa powder and milk over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat.
  9. Whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
  10. Pour the warm frosting over the hot cake as soon as it comes out of the oven, spreading it out evenly.
  11. If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans over the top of the frosting.
  12. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving.
  13. Prep Time: 15 minutes | Baking Time: 20-25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
  14. Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 12 servings

FAQs:

  • What ingredients do I need to make Texas Sheet Cake?
    • To make Texas Sheet Cake, you will need flour, sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, eggs, buttermilk, vanilla extract, butter, water, and optionally, cinnamon. For the frosting, you will need butter, unsweetened cocoa powder, milk, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and chopped pecans or walnuts (optional).
  • How do I prepare the batter for Texas Sheet Cake?
    • To prepare the batter, start by combining flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl. In a saucepan, bring butter, water, and cocoa powder to a boil, then pour it over the dry ingredients and mix well. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract, then add this mixture to the chocolate batter, stirring until fully combined. Pour the batter into a greased and floured sheet pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • How do I make the frosting for Texas Sheet Cake?
    • To make the frosting, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add cocoa powder and milk, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract and powdered sugar, mixing until well combined. If using, stir in chopped pecans or walnuts. Pour the warm frosting over the hot cake as soon as it comes out of the oven, spreading it evenly. The frosting will set as the cake cools.
  • Can I make Texas Sheet Cake ahead of time?
    • Yes, Texas Sheet Cake can be made ahead of time. You can bake the cake and frost it a day in advance. Once the cake has cooled and the frosting has set, cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If you need to store it for longer than a day, you can refrigerate it, but allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
  • Can I customize Texas Sheet Cake with different flavors or add-ins?
    • Yes, Texas Sheet Cake is quite versatile and can be customized in various ways. You can add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter for a warm spice flavor. Other popular add-ins include a teaspoon of instant coffee or espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor. You can also top the frosting with shredded coconut, toffee bits, or different types of nuts. For a richer cake, you can use dark chocolate cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa powder.

Leave a Comment