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Easy Texas Sheet Cake

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If there’s one cake that’s all about big chocolate flavor in every bite, it’s the Easy Texas Sheet Cake! It serves a crowd, tastes great, and is perfect for chocolate lovers!

 

Main image for Easy Texas Sheet Cake

 

What could be better than a moist chocolate cake, slathered with rich, warm chocolate frosting that just melts in your mouth? 

This classic recipe is so rich in taste, and I promise, you’re in for a treat!

This Texas sheet cake recipe is perfect for large gatherings – because there’s always enough to go around!

And that warm chocolate frosting? Absolute heaven.

It’s a piece of cake (pun intended) to whip up. I mean it! So easy!

This recipe for Texas sheet cake is ideal for satisfying that sweet tooth in no time!

 

all ingredients laid out on counter for texas sheet cake

 

What is Texas Sheet Cake?

Texas sheet cake is a classic recipe that’s been around for ages. 

It’s kinda like a thin chocolate cake covered in a rich chocolate frosting.

You’ve probably had it before somewhere, even if you didn’t know what it was.

It’s designed for a large crowd, so it is a favorite for birthday parties and big celebrations!

I’m also pretty sure it’s named after Texas because it’s so big! Potlucks get ready!

 

flour sugar and salt in a mixing bowl

 

What Ingredients are in This Easy Texas Sheet Cake?

  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our cake.
  • White Sugar: For that perfect sweetness.
  • Salt: To balance and enhance the chocolate flavor.
  • Water: To achieve the right cake batter consistency.
  • Butter: For a moist chocolate cake and rich frosting.
  • Cocoa Powder: The heart of our chocolatey essence!
  • Eggs: They add structure and moisture.
  • Sour Cream: For an extra tender cake.
  • Baking Soda: Our rising agent.
  • Cinnamon (Optional): For a little bit of autumn type flavor!
  • Milk: To smoothen the frosting.
  • Powdered Sugar: The sweet base of our frosting.
  • Pecans or Walnuts: For a crunchy twist! 

Pro Tips: 

  • Always use room temperature butter for an even mix!
  • The nuts are optional! I love them though!

 

butter added to cake batter

 

How to Make This Easy Texas Sheet Cake?

  1. Prep your pan and heat the oven.
  2. Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
  3. Mix in the wet ingredients until you have a smooth mix.
  4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake.
  5. While the cake is baking, prepare the warm chocolate frosting in a saucepan.
  6. Once done, pour the frosting over the warm cake and spread. Heaven!

Pro Tip: Use a rubber spatula to spread the warm frosting evenly over the top of the cake.

 

cocoa powder and eggs added to cake mix

 

How Long Does Easy Texas Sheet Cake Last?

Texas sheet cake lasts about 3-4 days if stored correctly. 

And if I was making it just for my family, it might actually last that long! There’s a lot!

But most of the time, I find this is one of the first desserts to disappear from the potluck!

 

sour cream and baking soda added to cake mix batter

 

How to Store Leftover Easy Texas Sheet Cake?

It can be tricky to know how to store leftover sheet cake.

First of all! It’s so big! So, do you remove it from the pan or leave it in? Well, either actually works!

If you leave it in the pan, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap.

If you remove it, put it in an airtight container to keep it moist.

 

cake batter spread in a rimmed cookie sheet, unbaked

 

Can You Store Chocolate Texas Sheet Cake on the Counter?

Yes you can store sheet cake on the counter. 

It’ll usually last for a day or two on the counter.

But make sure it’s covered to prevent it from drying out.

 

baked texas sheet cake in cookie sheet

 

Can You Freeze Easy Texas Sheet Cake?

Oh you can definitely freeze Texas sheet cake! 

And if you’ve got a lot leftover (what? Never made a big pan just for yourself?) then you definitely should freeze some!

I actually like to make this just for my family! Then I can freeze it in individual slices and pull them out whenever we want!

Just be sure each slice is wrapped well in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

 

cooked chocolate frosting spread on to cake

 

How Big is a Texas Sheet Cake Pan?

Typically, it’s a baker’s half sheet, about 13 x 18 inches, which is the perfect size for this classic cake!

The sheet has a couple of different names: sheet pan, cookie sheet, or jelly roll pan. They should all work well.

If you don’t have any of those, you can also try cooking it in a regular casserole dish but the cake will be much thicker and will take longer to cook.

 

texas sheet cake cut into bars

 

What Makes Texas Chocolate Sheet Cake Different from Other Cakes?

When you think cake, you typically think light and fluffy. And if you think brownies, then you think thin right?

Well this has a cake consistency but a brownie type thinness.

Not to mention that rich chocolatey frosting! Oh my goodness!

Also, I know everyone is a fan of taking the cake out of the pan and frosting it all over and just making it beautiful. I’m a fan too!

But this cake is totally different. You usually serve it straight from the pan. Which means it’s actually pretty easy to serve too!

When to Serve Chocolate Sheet Cake?

You should serve Texas sheet cake all the time.

Okay…maybe not all the time! That would probably be a lot!

But it’s the perfect dessert for BBQs, picnics, birthday parties, or any time your chocolate craving strikes!

 

spatula scooping up a portion of texas sheet cake out of the pan.

 

What to Serve with Texas Sheet Cake?

Pretty much anything you would serve with a regular cake, you can serve with Texas sheet cake.

A scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a cold glass of whole milk takes it to the next level.

And honestly, any potluck. I’ve found desserts are always welcome at a potluck. No matter what they are serving!

If you’re creating a dessert bar, we recommend these simple desserts

Can Dogs Eat Chocolate Sheet Cake?

No dogs definitely can’t eat chocolate sheet cake! 

It’s chocolate! And chocolate is toxic to dogs! On all levels and with all dogs! 

So always keep it out of their reach!

 

cake bars laid out on counter

 

Every bite of this easy Texas sheet cake is a trip to chocolate heaven! 

Whether you’re a newbie baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe is bound to be one of your favorite desserts. 

After making it last week, I couldn’t resist diving in for seconds, and trust me, neither will you!                                                                                                                                                                                  m

 

Yield: 24 Servings

Easy Texas Sheet Cake

spatula scooping up a portion of texas sheet cake out of the pan.

Dive into the heart of Texas with this mouth-watering, easy-to-make chocolate sheet cake. Perfect for every chocolate lover out there!

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Additional Time 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400*F
  2. Line a 13 x 18 rimmed cookie sheet with parchment paper, non stick foil or cooking spray. Set aside.
  3. In a bowl combine flour, sugar and salt.
  4. Add the water and mix well.
  5. Add butter and mix well
  6. Add cocoa and eggs. Mix well
  7. Add sour cream and baking soda. Mix well.
  8. Pour mixture into prepared cookie sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
  9. Remove from the oven.
  10. While cake is cooling, make icing.
  11. In a saucepan melt butter.
  12. Add cocoa and mix well.
  13. Remove from heat.
  14. Add milk and mix.
  15. Add powdered sugar 1 cup at a time mixing well between each addition to removed lumps.
  16. Mix well until there are no lumps and pour over the warm cake. Spread and let set.

Notes

If nuts are desired you can sprinkle on top or mix in with frosting and pour over cake

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

24

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 247Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 93mgCarbohydrates: 41gFiber: 1gSugar: 31gProtein: 3g

 

 

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Tisha

Thursday 25th of April 2024

One of the easiest cakes I have made in a pinch! It was a huge hit!

Allyson

Wednesday 24th of April 2024

This is amazing and I love how easy it is to make! Thank you!!

Sandra

Wednesday 24th of April 2024

This cake is so chocolatey and delicious! It was definitely the crowd favorite!

Catalina

Wednesday 24th of April 2024

Your Texas Sheet Cake was an absolute crowd-pleaser at my sister's birthday party. It was rich, moist, and so chocolatey. Everyone was asking for the recipe!

Erin | Dinners, Dishes and Desserts

Wednesday 24th of April 2024

This cake was a hit, so easy to make and everyone loved it! I'll need to bake another one this weekend!

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