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Easy Texas Sheet Cake Recipe

A rich, moist, and decadent chocolate sheet cake that's perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or any sweet craving. This easy Texas Sheet Cake is topped with a warm chocolate frosting made with butter, cocoa, and pecans for an authentic Southern treat.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 0.25 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs lightly beaten
Frosting
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter
  • 0.25 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 6 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3.5 cups powdered sugar sifted
  • 1 cup chopped pecans optional

Method
 

Steps
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 15x10x1-inch jelly roll pan or half-sheet pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, and cocoa powder. Heat over medium heat, stirring until butter melts and mixture is smooth. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat.
  4. Pour the hot chocolate mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
  5. Add buttermilk, vanilla, and beaten eggs. Mix until smooth and well combined.
  6. Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
  7. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. While the cake bakes, prepare the frosting: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in cocoa powder and milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
  9. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in chopped pecans if using.
  10. Immediately pour warm frosting over the hot cake, spreading evenly. Let cool completely before slicing.

Notes

This cake is best served at room temperature. Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week. The frosting sets as it cools, creating a delicious fudgy layer on top.