Texas Sheet Cake Recipe

Irresistible Texas Sheet Cake Recipe for Sweet Cravings

Chocolate lovers find pure bliss in this decadent texas sheet cake that promises pure indulgence.

Rich cocoa notes dance across a moist, tender canvas of pure comfort.

Baking this classic dessert feels like wrapping yourself in a warm culinary embrace.

Smooth chocolate frosting creates a luxurious layer that melts perfectly on your tongue.

Southern kitchens have perfected this delightful treat for generations, passing down a recipe that speaks of home and happiness.

Each slice promises a moment of pure chocolate magic that connects you to cherished memories.

Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Ingredients for Texas Sheet Cake

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental ingredient that provides structure and body to the cake.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps to create a tender crumb.
  • Large Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the cake's texture.
  • Sour Cream: Adds moisture and helps create a soft, tender cake.
  • Baking Soda: Provides leavening to help the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
Chocolate Mixture Ingredients:
  • Margarine, Water, Cocoa Powder: Create a rich, smooth chocolate base that gives the cake its deep chocolate flavor.
Frosting Ingredients:
  • Margarine, Milk, Cocoa Powder: Form the creamy chocolate base of the frosting.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken the frosting.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the frosting.
  • Chopped Walnuts: Add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the frosting.

How to Make Texas Sheet Cake

How to Make Texas Sheet Cake

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 375°F. This temperature ensures your cake will bake perfectly golden and delicious.

Step 2: Create Chocolate Base

In a large saucepan, combine and boil:
  • Margarine
  • Water

Whisk in cocoa powder until the mixture transforms into a silky chocolate heaven. Let it bubble and blend beautifully.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Pour the slightly cooled chocolate mixture into a mixing bowl. Crack in eggs, splash in sour cream, and stir until everything looks smooth and inviting.

Step 4: Blend Dry Components

Gently fold in:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Baking soda

Stir until the batter looks consistent and creamy with no lumpy surprises.

Step 5: Prepare Baking Pan

Grease a 10″x15″x2″ pan with butter and dust with flour.

Pour your chocolate batter into the pan, spreading it evenly.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell like chocolate paradise.

Step 7: Craft Decadent Frosting

In another saucepan, melt:
  • Margarine
  • Milk

Stir in cocoa powder, creating a rich chocolate sauce.

Step 8: Complete Frosting Magic

Remove from heat and mix in:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Chopped walnuts

Whip until the frosting looks glossy and irresistible.

Step 9: Final Delicious Touch

Pour warm frosting over the freshly baked cake. Spread evenly, letting it drip deliciously over the edges.

Allow to cool completely before slicing.

Step 10: Serve And Enjoy

Cut into generous squares and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure chocolate joy!

Tips to Nail Texas Sheet Cake

Tips to Nail Texas Sheet Cake
  • Select high-quality cocoa powder for a rich, deep chocolate flavor that elevates the entire cake.
  • Ensure ingredients like sour cream and eggs are at room temperature to create a smoother, more consistent batter.
  • Check cake doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center – it should come out clean with minimal crumbs.
  • Pour warm frosting over slightly cooled cake for best texture and absorption, creating a decadent chocolate experience.
  • Replace walnuts with alternative nuts like pecans or almonds for personal preference or dietary needs.

Flavor Variations on Texas Sheet Cake

Flavor Variations on Texas Sheet Cake
  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy this rich dessert.
  • Vegan Chocolate Sheet Cake: Replace eggs with mashed bananas or flax eggs, use plant-based margarine, and swap sour cream with coconut yogurt for a dairy-free version.
  • Low-Sugar Chocolate Cake: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining sweet flavor.
  • Nut-Free Chocolate Delight: Omit walnuts from the frosting and replace with toasted sunflower seeds or coconut flakes for added crunch without nuts.

Pairing Ideas for Texas Sheet Cake

  • Rich port wine perfectly complements the deep cocoa notes, balancing the cake's intense sweetness with its smooth, complex flavor profile.
  • Strong espresso cuts through the cake's richness, while enhancing the walnut undertones and providing a bold caffeine kick that elevates the dessert experience.
  • Smooth vanilla bean ice cream offers a cool, silky counterpoint to the warm chocolate cake, creating a delightful temperature and texture contrast that refreshes the palate.
  • Tart raspberry sorbet introduces a bright, zesty element that cleanses the palate and provides a fresh, tangy accent against the cake's dense chocolate character.

Storage Advice for Texas Sheet Cake

Storage Advice for Texas Sheet Cake
  • Store the Texas sheet cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
  • Wrap individual cake slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring no air can penetrate the wrapping to prevent freezer burn.
  • Keep cake at room temperature for 1-2 days if serving soon. Place in a covered cake carrier or container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain moisture and freshness.

FAQs

  • What makes Texas sheet cake different from other chocolate cakes?

Texas sheet cake is known for its thin, moist texture and ultra-rich chocolate flavor, typically baked in a large, shallow pan and topped with a warm, pourable frosting that sets with a slightly glossy finish.

  • Can I make this cake without nuts?

Yes, you can easily omit the chopped walnuts from the frosting if you have nut allergies or simply don’t enjoy nuts. The cake will still taste delicious and have the same classic chocolate flavor.

  • Is sour cream essential for this recipe?

Sour cream is important as it adds moisture and helps create a tender cake texture. If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute with Greek yogurt or buttermilk to achieve similar results.

Texas Sheet Cake That Impresses

Texas Sheet Cake That Impresses
  • Quick Chocolate Delight
  • Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: This Texas sheet cake hits the sweet spot for everyone from kids to grandparents, guaranteeing smiles and clean plates at any gathering or potluck.
  • Stress-Free Baking Adventure: No fancy techniques or complicated steps required – just mix, bake, and frost, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
  • Versatile Party Companion: Whether it's a birthday, holiday, or casual weekend treat, this cake adapts perfectly to any celebration, serving a crowd with its generous sheet pan size and irresistible chocolate charm.
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Texas Sheet Cake Recipe

Texas Sheet Cake Recipe


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4.7 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 42 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Moist chocolate Texas sheet cake delights dessert enthusiasts with its rich, indulgent flavor profile. Chocolate lovers will savor this classic Southern treat that combines deep cocoa notes with a smooth, velvety glaze you cannot resist.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup margarine
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 4 tbsps cocoa powder
  • 2 large eggs (slightly beaten)
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup margarine
  • 6 tbsps milk
  • 4 tbsps cocoa powder
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F, preparing a 10″x15″x2″ baking pan by greasing and flouring the surface to prevent sticking.
  2. Create chocolate base by combining margarine, water, and cocoa powder in a large saucepan. Heat until the mixture reaches a rolling boil, stirring consistently to ensure smooth incorporation.
  3. Remove chocolate mixture from heat, allowing it to cool slightly to prevent scrambling eggs when additional ingredients are added.
  4. Incorporate flour, eggs, baking soda, sugar, and sour cream into the chocolate mixture. Whisk thoroughly until the batter becomes uniform and free of lumps, creating a silky smooth consistency.
  5. Transfer cake batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading evenly with a spatula. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 22 minutes.
  6. Test cake doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should emerge clean. The cake should appear springy and slightly pulled away from pan edges.
  7. Simultaneously prepare frosting by combining margarine, milk, and cocoa powder in a separate saucepan. Bring to a boil, creating a rich chocolate liquid.
  8. Remove frosting mixture from heat and blend in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and chopped walnuts. Stir until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency.
  9. While cake remains warm, immediately pour frosting over the surface. Use a spatula to distribute evenly, allowing the warm cake to help frosting slightly melt and integrate.
  10. Let cake cool completely on a wire rack, allowing frosting to set and flavors to meld. Cut into squares and serve at room temperature.

Notes

  • Swap margarine with unsalted butter for a richer, more traditional flavor profile that enhances the chocolate’s depth.
  • Sift dry ingredients like flour and cocoa powder to prevent lumps and ensure a smoother, more uniform cake batter.
  • Replace chopped walnuts with toasted coconut flakes or omit entirely for those with nut allergies, maintaining the cake’s delicious texture.
  • This sheet cake freezes beautifully for up to 3 months when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in an airtight container, perfect for advance preparation.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 22 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 439 kcal
  • Sugar: 54 g
  • Sodium: 178 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 63 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 28 mg
Clara Bennett

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.


Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.

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