Texas Sheet Cake

Texas Sheet Cake – A Rich and Decadent Chocolate Delight

Texas sheet cake is a classic Southern dessert that has been loved for generations. Known for its rich chocolate flavor, moist texture, and fudgy icing, Texas sheet cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion. It’s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and delivers an indulgent chocolate experience in every bite. Unlike traditional layer cakes, Texas sheet cake is baked in a large sheet pan, which allows it to cook quickly and evenly. The warm chocolate frosting is poured over the cake while it’s still hot, creating a glossy, melt-in-your-mouth finish that sets it apart from other chocolate cakes.

This cake is a staple at potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday celebrations. Its simplicity and rich flavor make it a go-to recipe for chocolate lovers. The combination of cocoa powder and buttermilk in the batter gives the cake a deep, complex chocolate flavor, while the addition of pecans in the frosting adds a delightful crunch. Whether you’re serving it at a birthday party, a church picnic, or a backyard barbecue, Texas sheet cake is always a crowd-pleaser.

What makes Texas sheet cake so special is its balance of sweetness and richness. The cake itself is soft and tender, while the icing adds a smooth, fudgy finish. The addition of pecans in the frosting adds a nutty depth that complements the chocolate beautifully. Best of all, this cake comes together quickly with simple pantry ingredients, making it an easy yet impressive dessert.

Why Texas Sheet Cake is a Southern Favorite

Texas sheet cake has its roots in Southern cooking, where desserts are known for their rich flavors and comforting textures. Unlike other chocolate cakes, Texas sheet cake is baked in a large jelly roll pan or sheet pan, which makes it thinner and more tender than traditional cakes. The warm chocolate frosting is poured over the cake while it’s still hot, allowing the icing to seep into the cake and create a moist, fudgy texture.

The cake’s signature glossy icing is made with melted butter, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar, creating a smooth and rich chocolate flavor. The addition of chopped pecans adds a crunchy contrast, making each bite a perfect balance of soft and crisp textures. The simplicity and rich flavor of Texas sheet cake have made it a staple at Southern gatherings for decades.

Texas sheet cake is also known for being incredibly easy to make. Unlike traditional layer cakes that require careful mixing and baking, Texas sheet cake is a one-bowl wonder. The batter comes together quickly, and the frosting is poured on while the cake is still warm, eliminating the need for complicated decorating or layering. The result is a dessert that’s both delicious and approachable—perfect for beginner bakers and experienced cooks alike.

Ingredients for Texas Sheet Cake

To make this rich and decadent chocolate cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides the structure for the cake.
2 cups granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and moisture.
1 cup unsalted butter – Melted butter creates a rich and tender crumb.
1 cup water – Helps to thin out the batter and create a moist texture.
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder – Gives the cake its deep chocolate flavor.
½ cup buttermilk – Adds tanginess and enhances the chocolate flavor.
2 large eggs – Helps bind the ingredients together and adds structure.
1 teaspoon baking soda – Acts as a leavening agent to help the cake rise.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.

For the Frosting:

½ cup unsalted butter – Adds richness and a smooth texture.
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder – Deepens the chocolate flavor.
6 tablespoons whole milk – Thins out the frosting to make it pourable.
3 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens the frosting and creates a smooth texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth of flavor.
1 cup chopped pecans – Provides a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

Optional Toppings and Variations

Walnuts – Substitute walnuts for pecans for a different flavor and texture.
Shredded Coconut – Sprinkle shredded coconut over the frosting for a tropical twist.
Sea Salt – A sprinkle of sea salt on top enhances the chocolate flavor.
Peppermint Extract – Add a drop of peppermint extract to the frosting for a mint-chocolate variation.

Equipment Needed

Large Mixing Bowl – For preparing the batter.
Medium Saucepan – For melting the butter and cocoa powder.
Sheet Pan – A 10×15-inch sheet pan or jelly roll pan works best.
Whisk and Spatula – For mixing and spreading the frosting.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Texas Sheet Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10×15-inch sheet pan.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Set aside.

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cocoa powder and water, whisking until smooth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove it from the heat.

Pour the hot cocoa mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, baking soda, and vanilla extract. Add the wet ingredients to the batter and stir until smooth and fully combined.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 3: Prepare the Frosting

While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cocoa powder and milk, whisking until smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Remove from heat and stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold in the chopped pecans.

Step 4: Frost the Cake

As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, pour the warm frosting over the hot cake. Use a spatula to spread the frosting evenly, ensuring that it covers the entire surface.

Let the cake cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Cut the cake into squares and serve directly from the sheet pan. The cake can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days or refrigerated for up to a week.

Why This Recipe Works

Quick and Easy: The simple one-bowl batter and pour-over frosting make this cake easy to prepare.
Rich and Moist: The combination of buttermilk and cocoa powder creates a rich, tender crumb.
Perfect Sweetness: The balance of sugar, cocoa, and vanilla creates a deep chocolate flavor without being overly sweet.
Crunchy Topping: The pecans add a nutty, crunchy contrast to the soft cake and smooth frosting.

Tips for Success

Use High-Quality Cocoa Powder: The better the cocoa powder, the richer the chocolate flavor.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can make the cake dense instead of light and tender.
Frost While Warm: Pouring the frosting over the warm cake helps it soak into the cake and create a fudgy texture.

Serving Suggestions

With Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
With Coffee: The rich chocolate flavor pairs beautifully with a strong cup of coffee.
With Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light, creamy contrast.

Final Thoughts

Texas sheet cake is a beloved dessert that combines rich chocolate flavor, moist cake, and glossy, fudgy frosting in one easy-to-make treat. The crunchy pecans and smooth chocolate icing create a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply to satisfy a chocolate craving, Texas sheet cake is sure to be a hit. Try this recipe today and discover why this classic Southern dessert has stood the test of time!