Big Ol Texas Sheet Cake

Big Ol Texas Sheet Cake Chocolate Heaven

By Lila BeaumontOctober 1, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Ever find yourself craving something seriously chocolatey? Do you ever ask yourself where can I find the best texas sheet cake ? Well, partner, I've got just the thing.

This ain't your fancy pants bakery cake. This is a big, easy chocolate cake recipe , crowd pleasing slice of heaven.

Quick Hook

This Texas Chocolate Sheet Cake recipe delivers intense chocolate flavour with a hint of buttermilk tang. Honestly, it's the best fudgy chocolate sheet cake recipe I've ever made.

The thin and fudgy characteristics makes it a winner.

Brief Overview

The Texas sheet cake recipe is a classic dessert with roots deep in American South. I think some say it's perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.

It's easy to make, taking about 45 minutes from start to finish. This recipe yields about 24 servings, perfect for sharing.

Main Benefits

This Buttermilk Chocolate Texas Sheet Cake is more than just delicious. The cocoa powder contains antioxidants, which are good for you! The homemade sheet cake is perfect for birthdays, barbecues, or just a regular Tuesday.

What makes it special? The warm frosting poured over the hot cake. It creates the best chocolate sheet cake recipe !

Ready to get baking? The key ingredient is cocoa!

Ingredients & Equipment

Alright, partner, let's talk ingredients for this Texas Sheet Cake . We're aiming for that Texas Chocolate Sheet Cake magic, so quality matters.

Honestly, even a simple chocolate sheet cake recipe needs the right stuff to shine. Let's dive in!

Main Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to bake this masterpiece. Remember, measurements matter!

All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250g) .
Granulated sugar: 2 cups (400g) .
Salt: 1/4 teaspoon .
Unsweetened cocoa powder: 1/2 cup (approximately 45g) . Go for a decent quality cocoa. It really impacts the fudgy chocolate sheet cake vibe.
Water: 1 cup (240ml) .
Unsalted butter: 1 cup (2 sticks/227g) . I always use unsalted so I can control the saltiness.
Vegetable oil: 1/2 cup (120ml) .
Large eggs: 2 .
Buttermilk: 1/2 cup (120ml) . The Buttermilk Chocolate Texas Sheet Cake is all about that tang!
Baking soda: 1 teaspoon .
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon .

For the killer frosting:

Unsalted butter: 1 cup (2 sticks/227g) .
Unsweetened cocoa powder: 1/4 cup (approximately 22g) .
Milk: 6 tablespoons (90ml) .
Powdered sugar: 4 cups (480g) , sifted. Seriously, sift it. You don't want lumpy frosting.
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon .
Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): 1 cup (170g) . My grandma always added nuts to her Texas sheet cake with nuts , so I feel like it's a must.

Seasoning Notes

Spice it up? Nah, this is classic.

Essential spice: Good quality vanilla extract is key.
Flavor enhancers: The cocoa speaks for itself, ya know?
Quick substitution: Can't find buttermilk? Mix 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Boom, buttermilk!

Equipment Needed

Keep it simple, folks. Here's what you really need to make this easy chocolate cake recipe a success.

13x18 inch sheet pan. This is non-negotiable. It's a sheet cake, after all.
Medium saucepan. For melting that buttery goodness.
Large mixing bowl. To mix the batter.
Whisk. For smooth batter.
Measuring cups and spoons.
Rubber spatula. To scrape the bowl clean, 'cause we don't waste no batter!

And that’s it, partner! With these ingredients and tools, you're well on your way to baking a killer homemade sheet cake . Get ready to experience some serious Texas dessert recipes magic!

Cooking Up a Storm: My Way to Texas Sheet Cake Glory

Alright, let's dive into making this classic Texas sheet cake ! Honestly, it's one of the easiest Texas dessert recipes I know.

And trust me, if I can do it, you definitely can. No need to be intimidated. I promise, this recipe for Texas Chocolate Sheet Cake is a winner.

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

First things first: mise en place . Translation: get all your ingredients measured out before you even think about turning on the oven.

It will save your bacon! Trust me, I've learned this the hard way!

Essential mise en place: Measure your flour, sugar, cocoa, and everything else. Place each in small bowls.
Time saving organization tips: Get your sheet pan greased and floured before you start mixing. You won't regret it. I like to use a baking spray with flour in it. It makes it so much easier.
Safety reminders: Just a friendly reminder: ovens are hot! Use oven mitts, folks! Don't be a hero.

step-by-step: Let's Get Baking

Follow these steps, and you'll be enjoying that fudgy chocolate sheet cake in no time. Remember, it's more art than science, so don't stress.

Preheat: Turn that oven to 350° F ( 175° C) .
Dry Mix: Whisk flour, sugar, salt, and cocoa together.
Melt It: In a pan, boil water, butter, and oil. Stir until melted.
Combine Wet & Dry: Pour the hot butter mix over dry. Combine well.
Add the Rest: Add eggs, buttermilk, soda, and vanilla. Don't overmix.
Pour and Bake: Pour into your pan and bake for 20- 25 minutes . Visual cue: toothpick comes out clean.
Frosting Time: While baking, melt butter, cocoa, and milk for frosting.
Sugar Rush: Remove from heat. Add sugar, vanilla, and nuts. Beat it good!
Frost it HOT: Immediately pour the frosting over the hot cake and spread.

Pro Tips: Secrets from My Kitchen

Okay, listen up, because these are the tips that elevate this Chocolate Sheet Cake Recipe from good to amazing . I also use this basic cake recipe to make another sheet cake frosting recipe that uses vanilla instead of chocolate!

Hot cake + hot frosting: The frosting needs to go on while the cake is still warm. Trust me on this one.
Don't overbake: This is crucial. Start checking at 20 minutes . It should be moist.
Common mistakes: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Just mix until combined!

This easy chocolate cake recipe is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Whether it's for a family gathering or just a random Tuesday, this homemade sheet cake never fails to hit the spot.

If you love Texas desserts, then you need this buttermilk chocolate Texas sheet cake !

Recipe Notes for Your Big Ol' Texas Sheet Cake

Alright, sugar! Let's talk about the nitty gritty details. We want your Texas chocolate sheet cake to be perfect. Here are a few extra tips and tricks to make sure your cake is a roaring success.

Serving Up Some Texas Sized Deliciousness

This homemade sheet cake is seriously versatile. For plating, think simple but impactful. Dust with a little extra cocoa powder.

Or you know, a few strategically placed pecans, if you're feeling fancy. Want to go full-on Texan? Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

It is kinda like a Texas sundae. A glass of cold milk or strong coffee is also perfect. They'll help cut through that rich chocolatey goodness.

Storing Your Fudgy Chocolate Sheet Cake Like a Pro

Oh my gosh, if you have any leftovers (doubtful!), here’s what to do. First, cool the cake completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil.

Pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. Freezing? Absolutely! Cut the cooled cake into squares. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap.

Then, store them in a freezer bag. They'll be good for up to 2 months. To reheat, just thaw at room temperature.

A quick zap in the microwave can bring it back to life.

Chocolate Sheet Cake Recipe : Remixing the Classics

Want to mix it up? I get it. For a gluten-free version, use a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Trust me, it works a charm. Or, for a lighter take, swap out half the butter in the sheet cake frosting recipe with unsweetened applesauce.

Feeling festive? Swap in seasonal fruit purees! Pumpkin in autumn or even blood orange in winter.

Nutrition Deets (Simplified!)

Okay, so this buttermilk chocolate texas sheet cake is a treat, right? Each slice clocks in around 320 calories. It has about 3g of protein, and a fair bit of sugar.

It’s got that cocoa in it. That brings some antioxidants. I'm not saying it's health food, but everything in moderation, darlin'!

This easy chocolate cake recipe is a winner, partner! Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. I bet Aunt Mildred's gonna be proud.

Now go on and bake some chocolatey magic! These texas dessert recipes can be some of the most fun! I learned how to make texas sheet cake with nuts from my grandma.

Texas Chocolate Sheet Cake The Ultimate Texas Dessert

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called Texas Sheet Cake? Is it really from Texas?

You bet your boots it's from Texas! The "sheet" part refers to the fact that it's baked in a large, shallow sheet pan, making it perfect for feeding a crowd just like everything else in Texas, it's big!

As for its exact origins, that's a bit like asking where the best BBQ joint is; everyone's got an opinion, but it definitely has Texan roots.

My Texas Sheet Cake batter seems really thin. Is that normal?

Yep, that’s perfectly normal! The batter for Texas sheet cake is intentionally thin because of the hot water, butter, and oil mixture that helps give it that super moist texture. Don't worry, it'll bake up beautifully into a tender and delicious cake. Just trust the process, partner!

Do I really have to pour the frosting on while the cake is still hot?

Yes, absolutely! This is a crucial step to achieve that signature fudgy frosting that sets Texas sheet cake apart. Pouring the warm frosting over the hot cake allows it to meld together, creating a cohesive and delicious texture. Think of it like giving the cake a warm hug of chocolatey goodness!

Can I make Texas Sheet Cake ahead of time? How should I store it?

You sure can! Texas sheet cake is actually even better the next day. Store the cooled cake, covered tightly, at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week, but be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Can I add nuts to my Texas Sheet Cake? What are other variations I can try?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts are classic additions to the frosting. You can also try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter for a Mexican chocolate version with a little kick! For a peanut butter twist, substitute half of the butter in the frosting with peanut butter.

The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!

Is there a healthier way to make Texas Sheet Cake? What are the nutritional considerations?

While Texas Sheet Cake is a decadent treat, there are a few tweaks you can make. You can reduce the amount of sugar slightly without drastically affecting the taste. Using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour adds fiber but might change the texture.

Ultimately, it's a dessert to be enjoyed in moderation, so savor every bite! Each serving is about 320 calories.