Texas Sheet Cake is a rich and moist chocolate cake that is baked in a large sheet pan, making it perfect for gatherings and celebrations. Topped with a decadent chocolate frosting, this cake is easy to make and serves a crowd.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup unsalted butter (1 stick, plus 1/2 cup for frosting)
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup milk
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped pecans (optional, for topping)

Timing

Making Texas Sheet Cake takes about 20 minutes for preparation and 20-25 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 18×13-inch sheet pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda.
2. Heat Butter and Cocoa: In a saucepan, combine the butter, water, and cocoa powder. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
3. Combine Mixtures: Pour the hot cocoa mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until combined. Add the eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

1. Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan, spreading it evenly.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 4: Prepare the Frosting

1. Make Frosting: While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the cocoa powder and milk, bringing it to a simmer.
2. Mix in Sugar: Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 5: Frost the Cake

1. Frost While Warm: Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the frosting over the warm cake, spreading it evenly.
2. Add Pecans: If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans on top of the frosting.

Step 6: Serve

1. Cool and Cut: Allow the cake to cool for a bit before cutting into squares.
2. Enjoy: Serve and enjoy this delicious Texas Sheet Cake!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Texas Sheet Cake (per square, based on 24 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	250
Protein	3g
Fat	10g
Carbohydrates	38g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	20g

Tips for Customization

• Flavor Variations: Add a teaspoon of instant coffee granules to the batter for a richer chocolate flavor.
• Frosting Variations: Substitute the cocoa powder in the frosting with white chocolate for a different taste.
• Nut Alternatives: Use walnuts or skip the nuts entirely if preferred.

Conclusion

Texas Sheet Cake is a classic dessert that is perfect for any occasion. Its rich chocolate flavor and easy preparation make it a favorite among many. Enjoy this delightful recipe!