Homemade Texas Sheet Cake: The Sweetest Classic Recipe

Crafting a delectable texas sheet cake brings pure joy to any kitchen adventure.

Chocolate lovers will find themselves swooning over this classic Southern dessert.

Rich, moist layers promise an irresistible chocolate experience that melts in your mouth.

Generations have cherished this simple yet decadent treat passed down through family cookbooks.

Pantry staples come together effortlessly to create a dessert that sparks conversation and delight.

Smooth chocolate frosting drizzled while warm creates a glossy, irresistible finish that beckons everyone to the table.

You won’t be able to resist cutting a generous slice of this crowd-pleasing masterpiece.

What Makes Texas Sheet Cake So Memorable

• Boost Family Bonding: Create delightful memories together while baking this simple chocolate cake that everyone from kids to grandparents can enjoy and participate in making.
• Master Quick Baking Skills: Learn an easy recipe that teaches basic baking techniques with minimal steps and straightforward ingredients perfect for beginners wanting to develop culinary confidence.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Prepare a classic Texas-style chocolate sheet cake that serves multiple people, making it ideal for potlucks, gatherings, and large family celebrations with its generous size and rich chocolate flavor.
• Simple Pantry Ingredients: Craft a delicious dessert using common kitchen staples like flour, cocoa powder, buttermilk, and basic baking supplies without requiring specialized or expensive components.

Ingredients That Make Texas Sheet Cake Shine

• All-Purpose Flour: A key foundation for creating the cake's tender structure.
• Cocoa Powder: Provides rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the cake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a moist texture.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Buttermilk: Adds moisture and creates a tender crumb with its slight tanginess.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake stays moist and soft.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the chocolate flavor.

• Butter, Powdered Sugar, Milk: Create a smooth and creamy chocolate frosting that complements the cake's rich flavor.
• Cocoa Powder: Gives the frosting its deep chocolate taste and color.

How to Bake Texas Sheet Cake from Scratch

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F and grab a large baking pan. Generously coat the pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create Dry Cake Base

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Granulated sugar
• Baking soda
• Salt

Blend everything until perfectly combined with no lumpy surprises.

Step 3: Prepare Liquid Magic

• Buttermilk
• Vegetable oil
• Large eggs
• Vanilla extract

Mix until everything looks beautifully blended.

Step 4: Marry The Mixtures

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir just until everything comes together – don’t overmix or you’ll end up with a tough cake.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 6: Craft Decadent Chocolate Frosting

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.

• Powdered sugar
• Milk

Mix until the frosting becomes glossy and spreadable.

Step 7: Frost And Serve

Spread the warm frosting over the slightly cooled cake. Let it set for a few minutes before slicing and serving this Texas-sized treat.

Handy Tips for Perfect Texas Sheet Cake Results

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and even baking of the cake.
• Check cake doneness by gently pressing the center; it should spring back lightly when touched.
• Sift dry ingredients to eliminate lumps and create a more uniform cake texture.
• Allow cake to cool slightly before frosting to prevent melting and ensure proper coverage.
• Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain moisture and freshness.

Delicious Twists on Classic Texas Sheet Cake

• Gluten-Free Texas Sheet Cake: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Chocolate Delight: Substitute eggs with mashed bananas or flax eggs, use plant-based milk, and swap butter for coconut oil in both cake and frosting.
• Low-Sugar Version: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of sugar, and replace traditional frosting with a lighter cream cheese-based topping.
• Dairy-Free Chocolate Cake: Swap buttermilk with almond milk or coconut milk, use dairy-free margarine, and ensure all ingredients are lactose-free.

Pairings That Complement Texas Sheet Cake Flavors

• Brew a robust espresso or dark roast coffee to enhance the cake's deep cocoa notes, creating a decadent flavor explosion that balances sweetness with bitter undertones.
• Select a smooth, fruity red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon to harmonize with the cake's intense chocolate profile, offering a luxurious dessert experience.
• Sip a smooth Kentucky bourbon that mirrors the cake's rich, warm characteristics, providing a sophisticated adult pairing that highlights the dessert's deep flavors.

Storing Texas Sheet Cake to Keep It Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store cake in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and preserve moisture.
• Freeze: Slice cake into portions, wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Room Temperature: Keep cake covered at room temperature for 1-2 days if serving soon. Place in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight.
• Reheating: Warm individual slices in microwave for 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, warm in oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore softness and enhance flavor.

FAQs

• Is Texas Sheet Cake really from Texas?

Yes, this cake originated in Texas during the mid-20th century and became a popular potluck and church gathering dessert across the Southern United States.

• Why is buttermilk important in this recipe?

Buttermilk helps create a tender, moist cake texture and adds a subtle tangy flavor that enhances the chocolate taste.

• Can I substitute vegetable oil with another ingredient?

You can use melted butter or canola oil as alternatives, but vegetable oil helps keep the cake extra moist and soft.

• How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges start to pull away slightly from the pan’s sides.

Texas Sheet Cake From Scratch Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent Texas sheet cake celebrates Southern baking traditions with rich chocolate goodness. Moist chocolate layers topped with fudgy pecan frosting promise delectable comfort for chocolate enthusiasts eager to savor classic regional dessert pleasure.

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Ingredients

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• 3 large eggs
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for frosting)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting)
• 1/4 cup milk (for frosting)
• 3 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare a spacious rectangular baking vessel with cooking spray at 350°F, ensuring complete surface coverage for easy cake removal.
2. Sift together dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, creating a uniform powder blend of flour, cocoa, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
3. Whisk liquid components separately – combining buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until achieving a silky, integrated mixture.
4. Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring minimally to prevent overworking the batter and maintaining a light texture.
5. Transfer batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly and creating a smooth surface for consistent baking.
6. Bake in preheated oven for 22-27 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a wooden pick into the center – it should emerge clean with minimal crumbs.
7. While cake cools slightly, craft the chocolate frosting by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then incorporating cocoa powder smoothly.
8. Remove butter-cocoa mixture from heat, gradually whisking in powdered sugar and milk until achieving a glossy, spreadable consistency.
9. Apply warm frosting across the cake’s surface immediately after baking, allowing it to set and create a decadent chocolate glaze.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and even baking.
• Check cake doneness early to prevent overcooking, as Texas Sheet Cake should remain moist and tender.
• Consider toasting chopped pecans for extra depth and crunch when sprinkling on top of frosting.
• Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 375 kcal
• Sugar: 39 g
• Sodium: 190 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg