Introduction
Welcome to our homemade Texas Sheet Cake recipe! This classic dessert is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday party, potluck, or just a sweet treat for your family, this cake is sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the steps to create a moist and decadent Texas Sheet Cake that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter
– 1 cup water
– 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the frosting:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 15×10-inch baking pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the water and cocoa powder, stirring until well combined. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove from heat.
4. Pour the cocoa mixture over the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Add this mixture to the batter and stir until well combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let the cake cool completely.
8. While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the milk and cocoa powder, stirring until well combined. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove from heat.
9. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the saucepan, whisking until smooth.
10. Pour the frosting over the cooled cake and spread it evenly.
11. Let the cake sit for at least 1 hour to allow the frosting to set before serving.
Variations
1. Nutty Texas Sheet Cake: Add 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the cake batter for some extra crunch and flavor.
2. Mint Chocolate Texas Sheet Cake: Add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the cake batter for a refreshing twist. You can also sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top of the frosting.
3. Peanut Butter Texas Sheet Cake: Swirl 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter into the cake batter before baking for a delicious peanut butter-chocolate combo.
Tips
– Make sure to sift the powdered sugar for the frosting to avoid lumps.
– If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
– For a richer chocolate flavor, use Dutch-processed cocoa powder instead of unsweetened cocoa powder.
– To make it easier to spread the frosting, warm it slightly in the microwave for a few seconds.
– This cake is best served at room temperature, so let it sit out for a while before serving.
Conclusion
Homemade Texas Sheet Cake is a classic dessert that never disappoints. With its moist texture, rich chocolate flavor, and creamy frosting, it’s a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this cake is sure to satisfy your cravings. Give our recipe a try and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade Texas Sheet Cake!
FAQs
Q: Can I make this cake in advance?
A: Yes, you can make the cake a day in advance. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
Q: Can I freeze this cake?
A: Absolutely! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Q: Can I use a different size of baking pan?
A: If you don’t have a 15×10-inch baking pan, you can use a 13×9-inch pan instead. Keep in mind that the baking time may vary, so check for doneness with a toothpick.
Q: Can I use oil instead of butter?
A: While butter adds a rich flavor to the cake, you can substitute an equal amount of vegetable oil if desired.
Q: Can I use a different type of frosting?
A: If you prefer a different frosting, you can use cream cheese frosting or a simple vanilla buttercream instead. Both options pair well with the chocolate cake.