Get ready for a true Southern classic that’s famous for its incredible flavor and ability to feed a crowd: this amazing Texas Sheet Cake! This isn’t just any chocolate cake; it’s a super moist, incredibly rich, and intensely chocolatey cake baked in a large sheet pan, topped with a luscious, warm fudgy frosting. It’s the ultimate dessert for potlucks, parties, or any time you need a comforting, delicious treat that comes together with surprising ease.
Why I Love This Recipe
Texas Sheet Cake is a legendary dessert, and this recipe perfectly captures why it’s so beloved! What I love most is its unbeatable moistness and deep chocolate flavor. The unique method of pouring warm chocolate liquid over the dry ingredients, combined with sour cream, creates an incredibly tender, almost brownie-like cake that melts in your mouth. But the real magic happens with that warm, pourable fudge frosting. Adding it while the cake is still warm allows it to melt slightly and form a perfect, thin, crackly crust as it cools, sealing in all that delicious moisture. It’s a no-fuss, high-reward dessert that is always a huge hit, easy to transport, and makes for fantastic leftovers. It truly feels like a warm, chocolatey hug!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Texas Sheet Cake:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup sour cream (full-fat recommended)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 6 tbsp milk (whole or 2%)
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Swaps and Notes
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Use good quality unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor in both the cake and the frosting.
- Sour Cream: Full-fat sour cream adds incredible moisture and tenderness to the cake. Do not substitute with low-fat versions.
- Eggs: Large eggs at room temperature blend best into the batter.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract is essential for deep flavor in both cake and frosting.
- Sheet Pan: A 13×18-inch (half-sheet) or a 12×17-inch jelly roll pan is ideal for this recipe’s generous size. Ensure it’s well-greased.
- Milk (Frosting): Whole milk or 2% milk works best for a creamy frosting.
- Powdered Sugar (Frosting): Sifting the powdered sugar is crucial for a smooth, lump-free frosting.
- Pecans/Walnuts (Frosting): These are a classic addition to Texas Sheet Cake frosting, adding a wonderful nutty crunch. Omit for a nut-free cake. You can lightly toast them for enhanced flavor.
Instructions
Let’s get this delicious Texas Sheet Cake baking and frosted!
- Preheat Oven & Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×18-inch sheet pan (or a 12×17-inch jelly roll pan) thoroughly and set aside. You can also line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup, but direct greasing helps with the crust.
- Combine Dry Ingredients (Cake): In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 cups granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
- Prepare Hot Chocolate Mixture: In a medium saucepan, melt the 1 cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the 1 cup water and ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and combined. Bring the mixture just to a boil, then immediately remove it from the heat.
- Combine Cake Batter: Pour the warm chocolate mixture from the saucepan directly over the dry ingredients in the large bowl, stirring with a whisk or sturdy spoon until combined. Add the ½ cup sour cream, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and well blended.
- Bake Cake: Pour the cake batter evenly into the prepared sheet pan, spreading it out smoothly with a spatula. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cake (Slightly): Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan while you immediately prepare the frosting. The cake should still be warm when the frosting is applied.
Instructions for the Frosting:
- Prepare Frosting Base: In a medium saucepan, melt the ½ cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder and 6 tablespoons milk, whisking until the mixture is smooth and combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately remove from heat.
- Whisk in Powdered Sugar & Vanilla: Gradually whisk in the 4 cups sifted powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth and lump-free. Stir in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Add Nuts (Optional): If desired, stir in the 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts into the warm frosting.
- Frost Warm Cake: While the cake is still warm (this is crucial for the frosting to melt and spread properly), immediately pour the frosting evenly over the top of the cake. Spread it quickly and evenly across the entire surface of the cake.
- Cool & Serve: Allow the cake and frosting to cool completely at room temperature. As it cools, the frosting will set, forming a thin, slightly crackly crust. Once fully cooled, slice into squares and serve.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overbake Cake: For a super moist Texas Sheet Cake, bake just until a toothpick comes out clean. Overbaking will dry it out.
- Warm Cake for Warm Frosting: Applying the warm frosting to a still-warm cake is key for that signature thin, slightly melted, and crackly frosting layer.
- Sift Powdered Sugar: This is essential for a smooth, lump-free frosting.
- Use Good Quality Cocoa: The quality of your cocoa powder directly impacts the chocolate flavor of both the cake and frosting.
- Don’t Overmix Batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing quick breads/cakes develops gluten and can lead to a tougher texture.
- Resting Before Serving: Allow the cake to cool completely for the frosting to fully set and for cleaner slices.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Texas Sheet Cake is a complete and satisfying dessert on its own, perfect for:
- Potlucks & Picnics: Its large size makes it ideal for feeding a crowd.
- Birthday Parties: A classic, universally loved birthday cake.
- Family Reunions: Always a welcome addition to any gathering.
- Coffee or Milk: The perfect comforting accompaniment.
- For other delicious and easy-to-make sheet pan desserts, consider our These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs Are My Favorite Sweet Obsession or our The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made (And I’ve Made A Lot).
Storage and Leftover Tips
Texas Sheet Cake is fantastic for making ahead and stores beautifully!
- Room Temperature: Store cooled and frosted Texas Sheet Cake, covered loosely with plastic wrap or foil, at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. It stays incredibly moist.
- Refrigeration (Optional): If you prefer a firmer cake or live in a very warm climate, you can refrigerate it, but bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Freezing: Texas Sheet Cake freezes exceptionally well. Once completely cooled, slice into individual squares. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer the frozen squares to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, separated by parchment paper, for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the rich, chocolatey, and comforting nature of this cake, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free dessert recipes:
- For another incredibly indulgent chocolate treat, try our These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs Are My Favorite Sweet Obsession.
- If you’re a brownie aficionado, you can’t go wrong with The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made (And I’ve Made A Lot).
- For a delightful no-bake fall dessert, our This Pumpkin Delight Dessert Is My Favorite No-Bake Fall Treat is a winner.
- And for a classic, crowd-pleasing dessert, don’t miss This Big Family Banana Pudding Is My Favorite Classic Dessert To Feed A Crowd.
- For a refreshing summer treat, our This Easy Ice Cream Sandwich Cake Is My Favorite No-Bake Summer Dessertis a must-try.
Final Thoughts
This Texas Sheet Cake recipe is a brilliant solution for bringing a truly comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying dessert to your table with ease. It’s perfect for any occasion that calls for a generous helping of chocolatey goodness, promising a slice of pure joy with every bite!
Give this recipe a try and let the delicious aromas fill your home! What’s your favorite large-batch dessert for feeding a crowd? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below!
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