Delicious and Easy Texas Sheet Cake Recipe for Every Occasion

Texas Sheet Cake is a classic American dessert that’s loved for its rich, chocolatey flavor and its ease of preparation. This sheet cake is named for its large size, making it perfect for feeding a crowd, whether it’s a family gathering, a potluck, or a special celebration. The cake is known for its moist crumb and decadent frosting, which are made in a single pan for simplicity and convenience.

The beauty of Texas Sheet Cake lies in its simplicity; it combines basic ingredients to create a deliciously indulgent treat. The cake itself is light and fluffy, with a chocolate flavor that’s both rich and satisfying. The frosting is equally impressive, with a glossy finish and a sweet, buttery flavor that perfectly complements the cake.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step of making your own Texas Sheet Cake, from preparing the ingredients to baking and frosting the cake. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding, yielding a cake that’s sure to please everyone.

Ingredients for Easy Texas Sheet Cake

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cake.
• 2 cups granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to create a moist texture.
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the cake its rich chocolate flavor.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cake rise.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Works with baking soda for leavening.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the chocolate.
• 1 cup boiling water: Helps dissolve the cocoa powder and creates a moist cake.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor.
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure.
• 1 cup buttermilk: Provides acidity to tenderize the cake crumb and adds a slight tanginess.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle vanilla flavor.

For the Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Provides a creamy base for the frosting.
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: For a chocolate-flavored frosting.
• 1/4 cup milk: Helps to achieve the desired consistency.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor.
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it structure.

How to Make Easy Texas Sheet Cake

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 18×13-inch sheet pan or line it with parchment paper. This size pan will ensure the cake bakes evenly and allows for a thin, even layer of frosting.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients In a large bowl, sift together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and ensures there are no lumps in the dry ingredients.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Prepare the Cocoa Mixture In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the boiling water and cocoa powder, stirring until smooth. Bring this mixture to a boil, then remove from heat.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients Gradually add the hot cocoa mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until combined. Next, pour in the egg mixture and continue to stir until the batter is smooth and well blended.
6. Bake the Cake Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be set and spring back when lightly touched.
7. Prepare the Frosting While the cake is baking, make the frosting. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the cocoa powder and mix until smooth. Remove from heat and gradually whisk in the powdered sugar and milk until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
8. Frost the Cake Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before frosting. Spread the frosting evenly over the warm cake. The frosting will set as it cools.
9. Serve and Enjoy Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting into squares. This cake is perfect for any occasion and can be stored at room temperature for several days.

About the Main Ingredients

• Flour: The backbone of the cake, providing structure and texture. It’s essential to measure the flour accurately to avoid a dense cake.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps to tenderize the cake by breaking down gluten proteins in the flour.
• Cocoa Powder: Provides the chocolate flavor. Unsweetened cocoa powder is used to keep the cake from becoming overly sweet.
• Butter and Oil: These fats contribute to the cake’s moist texture. Butter adds flavor, while oil helps to keep the cake tender.
• Buttermilk: Its acidity helps to react with the baking soda and baking powder, resulting in a light and airy cake crumb.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help to provide structure to the cake. They also add moisture.
• Powdered Sugar: Used in the frosting, it creates a smooth and sweet topping for the cake.

This Easy Texas Sheet Cake recipe is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dessert that’s both simple and indulgent. Enjoy baking and sharing this classic treat with family and friends!