Texas Sheet Cake is a beloved Southern dessert known for its rich, chocolatey flavor and incredibly moist texture. This classic treat is baked in a large sheet pan, making it perfect for feeding a crowd at gatherings, potlucks, and celebrations. Its thin, fudgy cake layer is topped with a warm, glossy chocolate frosting that seeps into the cake, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite.
Texas Sheet Cake Recipe
Ingredients for Texas Sheet Cake
For the Cake:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter – Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
- 1 cup water – Helps dissolve the cocoa powder and butter for a smooth batter.
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder – Provides deep chocolate flavor; use high-quality cocoa for the best taste.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of the cake, giving it structure.
- 2 cups granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake and helps achieve a tender texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Acts as a leavening agent to make the cake light and airy.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
- 2 large eggs – Binds the ingredients together and adds structure.
- ½ cup sour cream or buttermilk – Keeps the cake incredibly moist and tender.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds warmth and enhances the chocolate flavor.
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter – Creates a smooth, rich base for the frosting.
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder – Gives the frosting its deep chocolate flavor.
- 6 tablespoons milk – Helps create a pourable consistency for the frosting.
- 3 ½ to 4 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting for a smooth texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the chocolate flavor in the frosting.
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional) – Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor, a traditional touch in Southern baking.
This combination of ingredients creates the signature taste and texture of Texas Sheet Cake—rich, fudgy, and irresistibly delicious!
Instructions for Making Texas Sheet Cake
Step 1: Prepare for Baking
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature while you prepare the batter.
- Grease the Pan – Lightly grease or butter a large 18×13-inch sheet pan (also called a jelly roll pan) or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
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Melt the Butter and Cocoa Mixture – In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup butter, 1 cup water, and ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder. Stir continuously over medium heat until the butter is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
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Mix Dry Ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 cups granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients – Slowly pour the warm cocoa mixture into the dry ingredients while stirring gently to avoid overmixing.
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Add Eggs and Dairy – In a small bowl, lightly beat 2 large eggs. Stir the eggs into the batter along with ½ cup sour cream (or buttermilk) and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.
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Bake the Cake – Pour the batter evenly into the prepared sheet pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 3: Make the Frosting
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Melt the Butter and Cocoa – In a medium saucepan, melt ½ cup butter over low heat. Stir in ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder and 6 tablespoons milk, whisking until smooth.
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Add Powdered Sugar – Remove from heat and gradually whisk in 3 ½ to 4 cups powdered sugar, stirring until the frosting is smooth and glossy.
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Add Vanilla and Pecans – Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 cup chopped pecans (if using) for added flavor and texture.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
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Pour the Frosting – Immediately pour the warm frosting over the hot cake while it’s still in the pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, allowing it to soak slightly into the cake.
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Let It Set – Allow the cake to cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before slicing. This helps the frosting set properly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Cut into Squares – Once the cake is completely cooled, slice into squares or rectangles and serve.
- Optional Serving Ideas – Enjoy as is or pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
This easy, crowd-pleasing Texas Sheet Cake is perfect for potlucks, parties, or anytime you’re craving a rich, chocolatey dessert!
Texas Sheet Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Large Sheet Pan (18x13 inches) – Also known as a jelly roll pan, this ensures the cake bakes evenly and has the right thickness.
- Medium Saucepan – Used for melting butter and cocoa for both the cake batter and frosting.
- Large Mixing Bowl – For combining the dry and wet ingredients.
- Whisk – Helps mix the ingredients smoothly without lumps.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon – Useful for stirring the batter and spreading the frosting evenly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – Ensures accurate ingredient measurements for the perfect cake consistency.
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer (Optional) – Speeds up mixing but is not required.
- Toothpick or Cake Tester – Used to check if the cake is fully baked.
- Cooling Rack – Helps the cake cool evenly before serving.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ½ cup sour cream (or buttermilk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 6 tablespoons milk
- 3 ½ to 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare for BakingPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).Grease a large 18x13-inch sheet pan (jelly roll pan) or line it with parchment paper.
- Make the Cake BatterIn a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup butter with 1 cup water and ½ cup cocoa powder over medium heat. Stir until smooth, then remove from heat.In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, 2 cups sugar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt.Pour the warm cocoa mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently. Add 2 beaten eggs, ½ cup sour cream (or buttermilk), and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Bake the CakePour the batter evenly into the prepared sheet pan.Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Make the FrostingIn a medium saucepan, melt ½ cup butter over low heat. Stir in ¼ cup cocoa powder and 6 tablespoons milk, whisking until smooth.Remove from heat and whisk in 3 ½ to 4 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 cup chopped pecans (if using).
- Frost and ServePour the warm frosting over the hot cake, spreading it evenly.Let the cake cool for 30 minutes to 1 hour, then slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Use a Sheet Pan for Best Results – A large 18x13-inch pan ensures the cake bakes evenly and maintains its signature thin, soft texture. If using a 9x13-inch pan, the cake will be thicker and require a longer baking time (25-30 minutes).
- Frost While Warm – Pour the frosting over the cake immediately after baking to allow it to slightly seep in, creating a fudgy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter – Stir just until combined to keep the cake light and moist. Overmixing can result in a dense texture.
- Pecan Topping is Optional – Chopped pecans add a classic Southern touch but can be omitted if preferred. Toasting the pecans before adding them to the frosting enhances their flavor.
- Storage Tips – Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Let refrigerated slices come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Freezing Instructions – Slice the cake and store individual portions in an airtight container or wrap in plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Enhancing Chocolate Flavor – Adding ½ teaspoon instant espresso powder to the batter enhances the depth of chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee.
- Substituting Buttermilk or Sour Cream – If you don’t have buttermilk, mix ½ cup milk with ½ tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes before using. Sour cream provides a similar tangy richness.
- Make it Gluten-Free – Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for a gluten-free version of Texas Sheet Cake.
- Serving Suggestions – Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat!
Tips for the Best Texas Sheet Cake
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Use High-Quality Cocoa Powder – The chocolate flavor is the star of this cake, so using a good-quality unsweetened cocoa powder will enhance its richness.
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Don’t Overmix the Batter – Stir just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense or tough cake instead of a light and tender texture.
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Pour the Frosting While the Cake is Hot – For the best results, spread the warm frosting over the cake as soon as it comes out of the oven. This allows it to seep into the cake slightly, creating a fudgy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
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Use Buttermilk or Sour Cream for Extra Moisture – These ingredients add a slight tang and help keep the cake ultra-moist and soft. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing ½ cup milk with ½ tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
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Toast the Pecans for More Flavor – If using pecans, toast them in a dry pan for a few minutes before adding them to the frosting. This enhances their nutty flavor and crunch.
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Let the Cake Cool Before Cutting – Although it’s tempting to dig in right away, allowing the cake to cool completely will help the frosting set properly and make slicing cleaner.
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Store Properly for Freshness – Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer shelf life. If refrigerated, let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
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Freeze for Later – Texas Sheet Cake freezes well! Cut into squares, wrap them in plastic wrap, and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
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Add a Flavor Twist – Try adding ½ teaspoon cinnamon to the batter for a slight Mexican chocolate flavor, or stir in ½ teaspoon instant coffee or espresso powder to enhance the chocolate richness.
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Make It a Layered Cake – If you want a thicker cake, bake it in a 9×13-inch pan instead of a sheet pan, increasing the baking time to about 25-30 minutes. It will be thicker but just as delicious!
Following these tips will help you achieve the perfect Texas Sheet Cake—moist, rich, and absolutely irresistible!
Conclusion
Texas Sheet Cake is the ultimate Southern dessert, loved for its rich chocolate flavor, ultra-moist texture, and effortless preparation. Its combination of a soft, fudgy cake with a warm, glossy chocolate frosting makes it an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday party, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this classic sheet cake is sure to impress. The simple ingredients and one-pan preparation make it an easy yet decadent dessert that anyone can master.
With its melt-in-your-mouth consistency and deep chocolate taste, Texas Sheet Cake remains a timeless favorite across generations. By following the tips and tricks shared, you can customize this cake to suit your preferences while ensuring perfect results every time. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy the magic of this iconic chocolate dessert that brings people together, one delicious slice at a time!
Hi, I’m Katelyn Williams, the expert behind Ninjacreamiicecream.com. With a deep passion for creating delectable ice cream recipes, I’m here to share my love for all things ice cream. I earned my Bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University, and since then, I’ve been dedicated to perfecting the art of ice cream making. From classic flavors to innovative creations, my goal is to inspire you to make delicious and creamy treats at home effortlessly. Join me for the best recipes, tips, and techniques to elevate your ice cream game and indulge in delightful frozen desserts!