Description
Craving a dessert that’s fudgy, chocolatey, and guaranteed to impress? The Classic Texas Sheet Cake is your answer. This rich, moist cake comes together with pantry staples and is topped with a warm chocolate glaze that sets into a glossy finish. Whether you need easy dessert ideas, a sweet ending for your next dinner party, or a quick recipe for a birthday celebration, this cake fits the bill. It’s perfect for potlucks, birthdays, or cozy family nights, and it’s one of those easy recipes that never fails to wow. This is one of those dessert food ideas that everyone will ask for again!
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup water
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup unsalted butter (for frosting)
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting)
1/4 cup milk
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional topping)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch or 10×15-inch baking pan.
2. In a saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter with 1/4 cup cocoa powder and 1 cup water over medium heat until smooth.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Add the melted cocoa mixture and stir to combine.
4. Whisk in buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth.
5. Pour into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
6. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. While the cake bakes, prepare the frosting by melting 1/2 cup butter in a saucepan. Stir in 1/4 cup cocoa powder and 1/4 cup milk, bring to a boil, then remove from heat.
8. Whisk in powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
9. Pour the warm frosting over the warm cake and spread evenly.
10. Sprinkle with chopped pecans if using. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Make sure to pour the frosting while both the cake and frosting are still warm for best texture.
Let the cake cool completely if slicing clean squares is important for presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 42g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: chocolate cake, Texas sheet cake, easy dessert, potluck cake, party dessert