texas sheet cake recipe

Texas Sheet Cake Recipe

This classic Texas sheet cake recipe is rich, moist, and topped with a smooth fudgy chocolate icing that melts into the warm cake. It’s the perfect dessert for birthdays, potlucks, family gatherings, and holidays because it serves a crowd with minimal effort. If you’re looking for the best Texas sheet cake recipe with buttermilk-like tanginess from sour cream and a soft chocolate crumb, this easy recipe is sure to become a favorite. Discover more flavorful recipes like Texas Sheet Cake Recipe right here.

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup water
  • 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

For the Chocolate Icing

  • 6 tablespoons milk
  • 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Add the sour cream and eggs, then mix until just combined.
  4. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the water and cocoa powder, bringing the mixture just to a gentle boil.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the chocolate mixture to cool slightly.
  6. Pour the warm chocolate mixture into the flour mixture and stir until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
  7. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
  8. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. While the cake is baking, prepare the icing by combining the milk, cocoa powder, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
  10. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then remove it from the heat.
  11. Whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the chopped walnuts if using.
  12. Pour the warm icing evenly over the warm cake, spreading it gently with an offset spatula.
  13. Let the icing set for about 20 to 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Preparation Details

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 32
  • Yield: 1 (10×15-inch) Texas sheet cake