Texas Sheet Cake
I was first introduced to Texas Sheet Cake when we lived in Austin so it really does feel Texas-y to me.
I have to admit, though, that I wasn’t a huge fan of it. I don’t know if it was the recipe or what, but when I tried THIS Texas Sheet Cake recipe?
I was hooked.
It’s super easy, doesn’t require you to wait for the cake to cool before frosting and serves a crowd.
Basically, it’s cake perfection.
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, need an easy potluck dessert, or just want a quick Sunday (or Wednesday) night dessert, Texas Sheet Cake is your friend.
Texas Sheet Cake Recipe
Texas Sheet Cake
This easy cake takes less than 45 minutes from start to finish and it's CRAZY delicious. The perfect chocolate cake for a picnic or potluck.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 cup butter
- 5 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream or whole milk greek yogurt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
Frosting
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 6 Tablespoons whole milk or half-and-half
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a half-sheet baking pan (18 in × 13 in x 1 in).
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In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, cocoa powder and water together, stirring until smooth.
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While that cooks, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl. When the butter/cocoa/water mixture is smooth, stir it in and mix well.
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Add the eggs, sour cream and vanilla and stir until very well combined.
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes.
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While the cake bakes, make the frosting by melting the butter, cocoa powder and milk in a saucepan (I always use the same one, just rinsing it out first). When it's smooth, remove from heat and beat in the powdered sugar until smooth and not lumpy, then add the vanilla and pecans.
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As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, gently pour the warm frosting over the top, smoothing it with a spatula to cover the entire cake.
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Let sit for 30-60 minutes before serving.
Recipe Notes
Adapted from Joy the Baker
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Photos by Heather Mildenstein
You had me at “you don’t have to wait for it to cool before frosting.” Patience is not a strength of mine. This looks easy and delicious, and I think my family would love it!
I usually don’t love Texas sheet cake but this recipe might change that. Definitely making this soon!