Ah, the Texas Sheet Cake.
What might look simple is anything but under the surface. From the first bite you take of this humble, fluffy dessert, you’re hit with a wave of rich chocolate flavor. Next comes the perfect complement to the cake – a mouthwatering decadent frosting. To top things off, it’s usually crowned with a dusting of pecans (or walnuts) which gives it a satisfying crunchiness.
What a combo, what a cake! But why “Texas” you ask. Well, no one’s really sure but as long as it’s delicious, I don’t mind a little mystery with my dessert. Mysterious though it may be, one thing’s for sure – this cake has a reputation as big as the Lone Star State itself.
It’s truly the perfect blend of simplicity and flavor which makes it an ideal dessert to serve at almost any occasion. So, if you’re looking for a dessert that’s not only delicious but also easy to make and a crowd pleaser on top of it all, then the Texas Sheet Cake is worth a look!
Ingredients You’ll Need
All-Purpose Flour. Flour is needed to give our cake the structure. It’s what holds everything together while also keeping our dessert fluffy and light.
Granulated Sugar. Adds the sweetness we love which is what makes Sheet Cake so scrumptious. However, sugar also helps to achieve a moist and tender crumb.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder. To get that irresistible chocolatey flavor, nothing beats cocoa powder. Without it, our cake would lack the deep, rich chocolate flavor that Sheet Cakes are famous for.
Baking Soda. Ensures that our cake will rise perfectly. No one wants a cake that isn’t light and fluffy!
Salt. The perfect flavor enhancer. A little bit goes a long way in our cake, making the chocolate flavor even more rich.
Eggs. Not only do they add much needed moisture but eggs also help to bind the ingredients together.
Sour Cream. Want a tender crumb in your Sheet Cake? Then, don’t forget to include sour cream. It adds an unmistakable creamy richness that can’t be beat.
Unsalted Butter. Imparts a rich, creamy texture and makes our frosting super smooth and easily spreadable.
Vanilla Extract. Chocolate’s perfect complement, vanilla enhances the natural flavors in cocoa which adds depth and complexity to our dessert.
Powdered Sugar. Makes our frosting both smooth and delightfully sweet. It also naturally complements chocolate.
Whole Milk. Frosting wouldn’t be luscious and velvety without milk. It’s a must have when it comes to maximum frosting creaminess.
Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (optional). Adding a complementary texture, nuts add a satisfying crunch and mouthfeel to each bite of fluffy cake and smooth frosting.
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour | Provides structure, ensuring a fluffy and light cake. |
| Granulated Sugar | Adds sweetness and contributes to a moist crumb. |
| Unsweetened Cocoa Powder | Delivers a deep, rich chocolate flavor. |
| Baking Soda | Helps the cake rise to achieve a light and fluffy texture. |
| Salt | Enhances and enriches the chocolate flavor. |
| Eggs | Adds moisture and binds ingredients together. |
| Sour Cream | Imparts creamy richness and ensures a tender crumb. |
| Unsalted Butter | Adds a creamy texture and aids in smooth frosting. |
| Vanilla Extract | Complements chocolate, adding depth and complexity. |
| Powdered Sugar | Sweetens and smoothens the frosting. |
| Whole Milk | Essential for velvety and creamy frosting. |
| Pecans/Walnuts (optional) | Introduces a crunchy texture, complementing the fluffy cake and smooth frosting. |
Making Texas Sheet Cake
Preparation. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease an 18×13-inch baking sheet and set it aside.
Cake Batter. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Next, in a separate bowl, combine eggs, sour cream, warm water, and vanilla extract. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until a smooth batter forms.
Baking. Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet, ensuring an even spread. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool slightly.
Frosting. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add cocoa powder and milk, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and gradually whisk in powdered sugar until a smooth frosting forms.
Finishing Touches. Pour the frosting over the slightly cooled cake, spreading it evenly. If you’re using them, sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts on top. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Preheat oven to 350°F and grease an 18×13-inch baking sheet. |
| Cake Batter | Whisk dry ingredients. Mix wet ingredients separately. Combine both to form a smooth batter. |
| Baking | Pour batter into baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Cool slightly. |
| Frosting | Melt butter, add cocoa and milk. Whisk in powdered sugar for a smooth frosting. |
| Finishing | Spread frosting on cake. Optionally, sprinkle with nuts. Cool completely before serving. |
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup warm water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease an 18×13-inch baking sheet and set it aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Next, in a separate bowl, combine eggs, sour cream, warm water, and vanilla extract. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until a smooth batter forms.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet, ensuring an even spread. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool slightly.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add cocoa powder and milk, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and gradually whisk in powdered sugar until a smooth frosting forms.
- Pour the frosting over the slightly cooled cake, spreading it evenly. If you’re using them, sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts on top. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Nutrition
Hi! I’m Natalie, a writer and a dessert connoisseur. I’ve been baking since I could reach the kitchen counter and I’ve never looked back. I love creating new recipes and putting a healthy twist on classic desserts. I believe that a balanced life includes a little bit of sweetness. When I’m not writing or in the kitchen, I’m probably out running or enjoying a good cup of coffee at my favorite local café.
