Easy Texas Sheet Cake Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted a dessert that combines rich chocolate flavor, moist texture, and impressive size without hours in the kitchen, this Easy Texas Sheet Cake Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a wonderfully moist, large-format chocolate cake topped with a luscious, homemade chocolate frosting that practically melts in your mouth. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy weekend treat, this cake is both delightfully simple and spectacularly satisfying. I absolutely love how this recipe delivers that classic Southern charm in every bite with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Easy Texas Sheet Cake Recipe calls for simple pantry staples that work together to create a moist, tender crumb and a frosting that’s velvety smooth and richly chocolatey. Every ingredient plays a crucial role, from the tangy buttermilk that tenderizes the cake to the cocoa powder that gives a deep chocolate punch.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that holds everything together, providing structure and softness.
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds deep, intense chocolate flavor without excess sweetness.
• 2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly, balancing the cocoa’s bitterness.
• 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cake rise beautifully for that tender, airy texture.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors, making the chocolate pop.
• 1 cup buttermilk: Brings moisture and a subtle tang that keeps the cake from feeling heavy.
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Ensures the cake stays moist and stays soft even after a day or two.
• 3 large eggs: Add richness and provide structure for the cake’s perfect crumb.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract: Rounds out the chocolate with warm, fragrant notes.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for frosting): Creates a creamy, rich base for the chocolate glaze.
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting): Brings a beautiful chocolate intensity to the frosting.
• 3 cups powdered sugar (for frosting): Sweetens and smooths the frosting to a perfect consistency.
• 1/4 cup milk (for frosting): Balances the thickness of the frosting for easy spreading.

How to Make Easy Texas Sheet Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large baking pan about 18 by 13 inches to ensure the cake releases easily after baking. This size is key as it helps your cake bake evenly and flat, perfect for that classic sheet cake look.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, and salt. This step combines your chocolate powerhouse ingredients and leavens before they meet the wet ingredients, ensuring your cake rises evenly and tastes balanced.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl. This creates a smooth, cohesive mixture that will add moisture, richness, and flavor to your cake batter.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mix until just combined. Avoid over mixing here to keep your cake tender and light as it bakes.

Step 5: Bake Your Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and slide it into the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should spring back slightly when touched and have a beautiful deep chocolate color.

Step 6: Make the Frosting

While the cake bakes, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the cocoa powder until smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar and milk until smooth and spreadable. This frosting is so luscious; spreading it while the cake is still warm allows it to soak in slightly for extra gooey goodness.

Step 7: Frost the Cake

Once the cake is out of the oven and slightly cooled but still warm, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Let it set for a few minutes before cutting to allow the frosting to firm up while staying irresistibly creamy.

How to Serve Easy Texas Sheet Cake Recipe

Garnishes

This Easy Texas Sheet Cake Recipe is incredibly versatile when it comes to garnishing. Try a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a simple look, a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to add a delightful crunch, or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. Fresh berries can also add a pop of color and brightness against the rich chocolate.

Side Dishes

While this cake shines on its own, consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce to elevate the dessert experience. For a more casual setting, a cup of strong coffee or a glass of cold milk perfectly complements the chocolate richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this cake straight from the pan for a rustic, family-style vibe, or cut it into neat squares and arrange them on a beautiful platter for special occasions. You can also top individual slices with a fresh mint leaf or a sprinkle of sea salt to add that little bit of gourmet flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain its moist texture. If your kitchen is warm, the fridge is a good option but keep the cake covered well to prevent it from drying out.

Freezing

This Easy Texas Sheet Cake Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, so you always have a delicious treat on hand.

Reheating

To enjoy your cake warm, thaw frozen pieces overnight in the fridge, then microwave for 15-20 seconds. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and melty frosting sensation, making every bite just as delightful as the first day.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic buttermilk’s acidity. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using to ensure the best results in texture and flavor.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking, and make sure baking soda and other ingredients are gluten-free certified to maintain the cake’s wonderful structure and taste.

How can I make the frosting vegan?

Swap out butter for a plant-based margarine and use a non-dairy milk such as almond or oat milk. Make sure powdered sugar is vegan-certified to keep this cake deliciously dairy-free.

What’s the secret to a moist Texas sheet cake?

The combination of buttermilk and vegetable oil creates a moist environment inside the cake. Also, mixing just until combined prevents overworked gluten that would otherwise make the cake dense.

Can I double this recipe?

This recipe already makes a large sheet cake perfect for gatherings, but if you need more, doubling is easy. Use two pans and bake for the same amount of time, checking doneness with a toothpick before removing.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Easy Texas Sheet Cake Recipe enough for anyone craving a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing chocolate dessert that doesn’t require hours of work. From the incredible chocolate flavor to the irresistibly rich frosting, it’s the kind of recipe that becomes a go-to in your baking repertoire. Give it a try — your family and friends will thank you with every delicious slice!

Easy Texas Sheet Cake Recipe

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4.3 from 45 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 servings 1x

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Description

This Easy Texas Sheet Cake Recipe is a classic, moist chocolate cake that is perfect for gatherings and celebrations. It features a tender crumb made with cocoa and buttermilk, covered in a rich, creamy chocolate frosting that melts into the cake for an indulgent finish. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, this sheet cake is a reliable crowd-pleaser.

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Ingredients

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Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Frosting

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large baking pan approximately 18×13 inches to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
5. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
6. Prepare the Frosting: While the cake bakes, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the cocoa powder until smooth, then remove from heat. Gradually whisk in the powdered sugar and milk until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
7. Frost the Cake: Once the cake is slightly warm but not hot, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Allow the frosting to set before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
• Use full-fat buttermilk for the best texture and flavor.
• For a deeper chocolate flavor, you can add a bit more cocoa powder to the batter or frosting if desired.
• Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated up to 5 days.
• Bring refrigerated cake to room temperature before serving for best taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American