How to Make the Perfect Texas Sheet Cake
American · Easy · 40 min · 24 servings
Texas Sheet Cake is the ultimate crowd pleasing kid friendly chocolate cake that feeds a crowd from a single pan. This fudgy chocolatey sheet cake topped with warm poured chocolate frosting is perfect for school parties potlucks and family gatherings.
Why this recipe works
This Texas Sheet Cake recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 40 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 310 calories with 4g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 whole large eggs
- 0.5 cup whole milk
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make the Chocolate Cake Batter
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and grease a large rimmed 18x13 inch sheet pan. In a saucepan bring butter cocoa powder and one cup of water to a boil. Pour over flour sugar and salt in a large bowl. Mix in eggs milk and vanilla until smooth.
Step 2: Bake the Sheet Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan and spread it into an even layer. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20 to 25 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Prepare the frosting while the cake bakes.
Step 3: Make the Poured Frosting
Melt butter with cocoa and milk in a saucepan over medium heat stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until the frosting is glossy and smooth. Stir in chopped pecans.
Step 4: Pour Frosting and Serve
While the cake is still warm from the oven pour the warm frosting evenly over the entire surface. Spread gently if needed. Let the cake sit for 15 minutes until the frosting sets then cut into squares and serve.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- chopped pecans → mini chocolate chips for a nut free kid friendly topping
- whole milk → any plant based milk for a dairy free alternative
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Waiting too long to pour the frosting so it hardens in the pan before spreading evenly
- Overbaking the thin sheet cake which dries it out and ruins the signature fudgy texture
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 310 calories, 4g protein, 40g carbs, 16g fat, 1g fiber.
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