What is Texas Sheet Cake and why is it popular?

Texas Sheet Cake is a classic chocolate cake baked in a large, shallow sheet pan, typically 18×13 inches. It is known for its thin, moist texture and rich chocolate flavor, often topped with a smooth chocolate frosting made from cocoa, butter, powdered sugar, and milk. Its popularity comes from being easy to make, affordable, and perfect for serving large groups, making it a favorite at gatherings and potlucks.

What size pan should I use to bake Texas Sheet Cake?

The traditional pan for Texas Sheet Cake is an 18×13 inch sheet pan, which produces a thin, evenly baked cake ideal for feeding many people. You can also use a 9×13 inch pan, but expect a thicker cake and increased baking time of about 30-35 minutes instead of 15-20 minutes.

How can I make the frosting for Texas Sheet Cake?

The frosting is made by boiling milk, cocoa powder, and butter together, then mixing in powdered sugar off the heat. Using a hand mixer helps to remove lumps and creates a smooth texture. Pour the warm frosting over the hot cake immediately for easy spreading and a classic glossy finish that sets as it cools.

Should Texas Sheet Cake be stored in the refrigerator?

Texas Sheet Cake does not require refrigeration and stays fresh at room temperature for a day or two when covered properly. However, refrigerating the cake extends its shelf life, especially in warm or humid climates. Before serving, allow refrigerated cake to come to room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

What makes Texas Sheet Cake different from other chocolate cakes?

Texas Sheet Cake is distinguished by its thin, wide shape baked in a sheet pan, unlike traditional layered cakes which use round pans. It features a moist texture from a combination of butter, cocoa, and sour cream in the batter, and has a signature chocolate frosting poured warm over the cake, setting into a soft, fudgy glaze rather than a thick layer of icing.

Texas Sheet Cake Recipe With Rich Chocolate And Moist Texture

Name: Texas Sheet Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup water; 1 cup butter (227 g); 3 tablespoons cocoa powder (22.5 g); 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 g); 2 cups granulated sugar (400 g); 1 teaspoon baking soda (5 g); 1/2 teaspoon salt (2.5 g); 1/2 cup sour cream (120 g); 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml); 6 tablespoons milk (90 ml); 3 tablespoons cocoa powder (22.5 g); 1/2 cup butter (115 g); 3 3/4 cups powdered sugar (450 g)

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup water

1 cup butter (227 g)

3 tablespoons cocoa powder (22.5 g)

2 cups all-purpose flour (240 g)

2 cups granulated sugar (400 g)

1 teaspoon baking soda (5 g)

1/2 teaspoon salt (2.5 g)

1/2 cup sour cream (120 g)

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml)

6 tablespoons milk (90 ml)

3 tablespoons cocoa powder (22.5 g)

1/2 cup butter (115 g)

3 3/4 cups powdered sugar (450 g)

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Instructions

1-First, preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 18×13 inch pan to prevent sticking.

2-In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring 1 cup water, 1 cup butter, and 3 tablespoons cocoa powder to a boil.

3-In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 cups granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.

4-In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup sour cream, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, then mix this into the flour mixture.

5-Remove the boiling chocolate mixture from heat and pour it into the batter, stirring until smooth and lump-free. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula.

6-Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until set. While the cake bakes, prepare the frosting by boiling 6 tablespoons milk, 3 tablespoons cocoa powder, and 1/2 cup butter in a saucepan.

7-Remove the frosting from heat, then stir in 3 3/4 cups powdered sugar. Beat with a hand mixer if needed to eliminate lumps. Pour the hot frosting evenly over the hot cake and spread with a spatula. Let it set for about 10 minutes before serving.

Last Step:

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Notes

🎂 Use the 18×13 inch pan for a thinner cake and frosting that’s perfect for large groups.
⏲ Baking the cake just until set ensures a moist texture.
❄ Store the cake in an airtight container and refrigerate in warm climates to keep freshness.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 475 kcal
Sugar: 56 g
Sodium: 250 mg
Fat: 21 g
Saturated Fat: 13 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 71 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 50 mg