Texas Sheet Cake

Texas Sheet Cake

Texas Sheet Cake is a scrumptious dessert that delights every palate with its rich chocolate flavor and moist, tender crumb. This recipe is a beloved classic in homes across the South, cherished for its simplicity and the overwhelming joy it brings to any gathering. Perfect for feeding a crowd, it’s a sheet cake that combines the richness of chocolate with a smooth, creamy frosting, ensuring satisfaction in every bite. If you’re looking for a step-by-step guide to make this delicious cake, you’re in the right place!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One of the best aspects of Texas Sheet Cake is how easy it is to prepare. With minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can create this showstopper. The recipe is undeniably family-friendly, making it the perfect choice for birthdays, potlucks, or family gatherings. Plus, it uses everyday items you likely already have on hand, so you won’t need a special trip to the store. When craving a classic yet comforting dessert, this cake promises to be a hit with everyone.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Light and fluffy, perfect for a tender cake.
• 2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetness that balances the rich chocolate.
• 1 tsp baking soda: Essential for that perfect rise.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances the flavors, ensuring a well-rounded taste.
• 1 cup unsalted butter: Adds moisture and richness.
• 1/2 cup water: Ensures the cake remains moist.
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder: Provides deep chocolate flavor.
• 2 large eggs: Binds and enriches the batter.
• 1/2 cup buttermilk: Adds tanginess and tenderness.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances flavor with warm undertones.
• For Frosting:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter: For a creamy and smooth texture.
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder: For a chocolatey frosting.
  • 1/4 cup milk: To achieve the perfect consistency.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract: Complements the chocolate.
  • 4 cups powdered sugar: For sweetness and structure.
  • 1 cup chopped pecans (optional): Adds a delightful crunch.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat your oven: Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan for easy removal later.

2. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.

3. Melt butter and cocoa: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter. Add the water and 1/4 cup cocoa powder, stirring until combined and bringing the mixture to a boil.

4. Combine wet and dry: Remove the saucepan from heat and pour the melted mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir to combine.

5. Incorporate eggs and buttermilk: Add the eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.

6. Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan.

7. Prepare the frosting: In a saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter and 1/4 cup cocoa powder over medium heat. Add the milk and bring it to a boil while stirring constantly.

8. Combine frosting ingredients: Remove the saucepan from heat, stir in the vanilla extract, and gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.

9. Frost the cake: Pour the frosting over the cooled cake and spread it evenly. If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans on top.

10. Let it set: Allow the cake to cool and set before cutting it into squares. Serve and enjoy the deliciousness!

Tips & Tricks

To elevate your Texas Sheet Cake, consider using high-quality cocoa powder for a deeper chocolate flavor. You can also mix in a teaspoon of instant coffee granules with the dry ingredients to intensify the chocolate taste. If you want to customize your cake, add a hint of almond extract in addition to the vanilla. For a decorative touch, use a piping bag to create swirls with the frosting or add a dusting of cocoa powder on top. Lastly, ensure your butter is at room temperature for both the cake and frosting to yield the creamiest texture.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Texas Sheet Cake is delightful on its own but pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a beverage pairing, serve it alongside a cup of brewed coffee or a refreshing glass of milk to balance the richness of the cake. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, top each slice with fresh berries for a pop of color and brightness that complements the chocolate.

Nutritional Information

While Texas Sheet Cake is an indulgence, it can be enjoyed in moderation. A typical serving contains approximately 350 calories, with a balance of carbohydrates and fats. This decadent cake is loaded with sugar, making it a delightful treat that’s perfect for special occasions. Remember, it’s okay to enjoy a slice now and then, especially when shared with loved ones!

Storing Tips & Variations

To store your Texas Sheet Cake, simply cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. To enjoy it for longer, you can refrigerate it for about a week. For freezing, cut the cake into individual squares, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store in an airtight container for up to three months. If you want to make it healthier, consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or using a sugar substitute. You can also explore variations such as adding cinnamon for warmth or swapping cocoa powder for a fruit puree to create a unique flavor.

Conclusion For Texas Sheet Cake

Don’t wait any longer; gather your ingredients and try this delightful Texas Sheet Cake recipe today! With its moist texture, rich chocolate flavor, and creamy frosting, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your cookbook. Your friends and family will be begging for seconds, and you’ll love how easy it is to make!

FAQs

1. Can I make Texas Sheet Cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can make Texas Sheet Cake a day in advance. Just cover it properly to keep it fresh.

2. How do I know when the cake is done?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs attached.

3. Can I use a different type of frosting?
Absolutely! While chocolate frosting is traditional, cream cheese or buttercream frosting can be a delicious alternative.

4. Is it necessary to use buttermilk?
While buttermilk adds moisture and richness, you can substitute it with regular milk or yogurt if needed.

5. Can I add other mix-ins to the batter?
Definitely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to the batter for extra flavor and texture.

Texas Sheet Cake

Texas Sheet Cake is a rich chocolate dessert that’s perfect for gatherings, featuring a moist crumb and creamy frosting.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 24 slices

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour Light and fluffy, perfect for a tender cake.
• 2 cups granulated sugar Sweetness that balances the rich chocolate.
• 1 tsp baking soda Essential for that perfect rise.
• 1/2 tsp salt Enhances the flavors, ensuring a well-rounded taste.
• 1 cup unsalted butter Adds moisture and richness.
• 1/2 cup water Ensures the cake remains moist.
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder Provides deep chocolate flavor.
• 2 large eggs Binds and enriches the batter.
• 1/2 cup buttermilk Adds tanginess and tenderness.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract Enhances flavor with warm undertones.

For the Frosting

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter For a creamy and smooth texture.
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder For a chocolatey frosting.
• 1/4 cup milk To achieve the perfect consistency.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract Complements the chocolate.
• 4 cups powdered sugar For sweetness and structure.
• 1 cup chopped pecans Optional for added texture.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
3. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter. Add the water and cocoa powder, stirring until combined and bringing the mixture to a boil.
4. Remove the saucepan from heat and pour the melted mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir to combine.
5. Add the eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.

Baking

1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan.

Frosting

1. In a saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter and cocoa powder over medium heat. Add milk and bring it to a boil while stirring constantly.
2. Remove the saucepan from heat, stir in the vanilla extract, and gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
3. Pour the frosting over the cooled cake and spread it evenly. Optionally, sprinkle chopped pecans on top.
4. Allow the cake to cool and set before cutting it into squares. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

For a richer flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder. Consider adding a teaspoon of instant coffee granules to the dry ingredients to enhance the chocolate taste. You can also use almond extract for a unique flavor.