Texas Sheet Cake Recipe with Rich Chocolate and Moist Texture

Why You’ll Love This Texas Sheet Cake

Imagine whipping up a chocolate delight that’s perfect for any gathering. This Texas Sheet Cake recipe is exceptionally simple, requiring minimal ingredients and quick cooking time about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake making it ideal for busy bakers. With its moist texture and warm chocolate frosting, it’s a crowd-pleaser that serves around 15 people.

Texas Sheet Cake offers nutritional advantages like moderate sugar levels and wholesome cocoa, providing about 475 calories per serving, including 71 g carbohydrates, 3 g protein, and various vitamins. It’s versatile, easily adapted for dietary needs, and delivers a bold, satisfying taste that sets it apart from other chocolate desserts. Whether you’re a home cook or a baking enthusiast, this recipe will inspire you to create memorable moments around the table.

For those interested in more chocolate treats, check out our Hershey’s Chocolate Cake for another easy option. Plus, exploring a balanced approach to chocolate can enhance your baking, as discussed in this article on the benefits of chocolate.

Essential Ingredients for Texas Sheet Cake

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Texas Sheet Cake. Below is a complete list of everything you need for both the cake and the frosting. I’ve formatted it clearly so you can follow along easily.

Cake Ingredients

• 1 cup (240 ml) water
• 1 cup (227 g) butter
• 3 tablespoons (22.5 g) cocoa powder
• 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) salt
• 1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract

Frosting Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons (90 ml) milk
• 3 tablespoons (22.5 g) cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup (115 g) butter
• 3 3/4 cups (450 g) powdered sugar

These ingredients ensure a rich and moist Texas Sheet Cake baked in a large 18×13 inch pan. For variations, you can use substitutions like gluten-free flour, as we’ll cover later.

How to Prepare the Perfect Texas Sheet Cake: Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s dive into baking this delicious treat. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a large 18×13 inch pan to prevent sticking. This setup helps achieve the cake’s signature thin and moist texture.

In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 cups granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until evenly blended. In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients like 1/2 cup sour cream, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Next, boil together 1 cup water, 1 cup butter, and 3 tablespoons cocoa powder in a saucepan. Add this hot mixture to the dry ingredients along with the sour cream mix, stirring until smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until set.

While the cake bakes, prepare the frosting. Boil 6 tablespoons milk, 3 tablespoons cocoa powder, and 1/2 cup butter, then stir in 3 3/4 cups powdered sugar until smooth. Once the cake is out, pour the warm frosting over it and spread evenly. Let it set for about 10 minutes before serving for that glossy finish. For deeper chocolate ideas, try our Triple Chocolate Cake, which pairs well with this technique.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Texas Sheet Cake

One of the best parts of this Texas Sheet Cake is how adaptable it is. You can replace eggs with flaxseed or chia seed substitutes for vegan diets, or use almond milk instead of dairy for those with lactose intolerance.

For a healthier twist, swap vegetable oil with coconut oil or add shredded zucchini for extra moisture and nutrients. If you’re watching sugar intake, try natural sweeteners like maple syrup. These changes keep the cake’s moist texture while accommodating various needs, such as gluten-free options with a certified flour blend.

As noted in baking resources, experimenting with flavors can elevate your results, like adding espresso powder as suggested in this guide to sheet pan baking. Remember, substitutions like decaf coffee for water can vary the flavor without losing the essence.

Mastering Texas Sheet Cake: Advanced Tips and Variations

To take your Texas Sheet Cake to the next level, start with room temperature ingredients for even mixing and consider a water bath for extra moistness. Adding espresso powder can deepen the chocolate richness, while orange zest brings a refreshing twist.

For presentation, garnish with chopped walnuts for added texture, or a sprinkle of sea salt on the frosting. If you’re planning ahead, bake the cake a day early and refrigerate it to let flavors meld it’s perfect for busy schedules.

Baking in the recommended 18×13 inch pan ensures optimal thickness and frosting balance; if you use a 9×13 inch pan, increase baking time to 30-35 minutes. These tips, combined with nutritional info per serving like 21 g fat and 1.2 mg iron, make this recipe a go-to for all skill levels.

How to Store Texas Sheet Cake: Best Practices

Keeping your Texas Sheet Cake fresh is simple with the right methods. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain moisture and flavor.

For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly and freeze it for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge. When reheating, warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to refresh the texture without drying it out.

This approach works well for meal prep, allowing you to slice and freeze portions for easy access. Following these practices ensures your cake stays delicious, especially with additions like walnuts for texture.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Sheet Cake

Texas Sheet Cake

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• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 15 servings
• Diet: None

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Description

🍫 Experience the ultimate chocolate indulgence with this rich, moist Texas Sheet Cake that melts in your mouth
🍰 Perfect for gatherings and celebrations – this easy-to-make dessert serves a crowd with minimal effort

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Ingredients

– 1 cup (240 ml) water

– 1 cup (227 g) butter

– 3 tablespoons (22.5 g) cocoa powder

– 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour

– 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar

– 1 teaspoon (5 g) baking soda

– 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) salt

– 1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream

– 2 large eggs

– 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract

– 6 tablespoons (90 ml) milk

– 3 tablespoons (22.5 g) cocoa powder

– 1/2 cup (115 g) butter

– 3 3/4 cups (450 g) powdered sugar

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Instructions

1-Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a large 18×13 inch pan to prevent sticking. This setup helps achieve the cake’s signature thin and moist texture.

2-In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 cups granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until evenly blended. In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients like 1/2 cup sour cream, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

3-Next, boil together 1 cup water, 1 cup butter, and 3 tablespoons cocoa powder in a saucepan. Add this hot mixture to the dry ingredients along with the sour cream mix, stirring until smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until set.

4-While the cake bakes, prepare the frosting. Boil 6 tablespoons milk, 3 tablespoons cocoa powder, and 1/2 cup butter, then stir in 3 3/4 cups powdered sugar until smooth. Once the cake is out, pour the warm frosting over it and spread evenly. Let it set for about 10 minutes before serving for that glossy finish.

Notes

🍫 Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and a smoother batter consistency
🍰 Pour the frosting while both cake and frosting are warm for perfect spreading and absorption
⏰ Don’t overbake – the cake should be just set when a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 475
• Sugar: 56
• Sodium: 343
• Fat: 21
• Saturated Fat: 13
• Unsaturated Fat: 7
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 71
• Fiber: 1
• Protein: 3
• Cholesterol: 75

Keywords: Texas Sheet Cake, rich chocolate, moist texture, chocolate cake