Texas Sheet Cake

A classic Texas Sheet Cake that’s rich, moist, chocolatey, and topped with a smooth chocolate frosting. It’s an easy dessert that comes together quickly and is perfect for sharing!

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Frosting

• 1/2 cup butter
• 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 6 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, optional

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10×15-inch sheet pan and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
3. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, water, and cocoa powder. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring until the butter has melted and the mixture is smooth.
4. Pour the hot chocolate mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
5. Add the buttermilk, eggs, baking powder, and vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan and spread evenly.
7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the cocoa powder and milk, stirring until smooth. Remove from the heat.
9. Stir in the vanilla extract and gradually whisk in the powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth and creamy. Fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts if desired.
10. Pour the warm frosting over the cake as soon as it comes out of the oven. Spread it evenly over the surface.
11. Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Tips

• Pour the frosting over the cake while both are still warm for the classic Texas Sheet Cake texture.
• Do not overbake the cake; it should remain soft and moist.
• Pecans are traditional, but walnuts also work beautifully.
• Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.