If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dessert that’s sure to please, look no further.
This classic recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion, from potlucks to family dinners. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, even if you’re not an experienced baker. It’s the perfect dessert after a BBQ featuring favorites such as Black and Bleu Burgers, Chicken Kabobs, and BBQ Shrimp. The perfect ending to a perfect meal!
We love so many things about this incredible cake.
First and foremost is how delicious it is. But, it’s also so simple to prepare!
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Ingredients
When it comes to making this epic dessert, it’s important to have all the necessary ingredients on hand.
Here are the ingredients we will need for the cake:
- Sugar – Granulated
- Water – Room temperature
- Oil – Canola or vegetable
- Buttermilk – Either whole or low-fat will work
- Butter – Unsalted
- Eggs – Lightly beaten
- Vanilla extract – We love Madagascar vanilla
- Flour – All-purpose
- Cocoa powder – Unsweetened
- Cinnamon – Ground
- Baking soda – check the expiration date, make sure it’s fresh
- Salt – Kosher
Here are the ingredients we will need for the icing:
- Butter – Unsalted
- Milk – Whole
- Confectioners’ sugar – Also known as Powdered Sugar
- Cocoa powder – Unsweetened
- Vanilla extract – We love Madagascar vanilla
- Salt – Kosher
- Cinnamon – Ground
- Chopped pecans – Optional, use as many or as little as you desire
EXPERT TIP: Traditionally, this cake is baked in what’s referred to as a half sheet pan. The dimensions are 13″x18.” You can also make it in a 10″x15″ pan, but the cake will be thicker because the pan is not as large. You can also make this in 9×13 dish, but you won’t get the traditional thickness for the cake.
The Tools You Will Need
Before you get started, let’s make sure you have all the necessary equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A 13×18-inch half-sheet pan (or jelly roll pan). A 10×15-inch or standard baking pan will work in a pinch.
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Toothpick
EXPERT TIP: It’s important to pour the icing over the cooled cake while it’s still warm. We let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes to cool before adding the icing. This gives you just enough time to prepare the icing as soon as the cake comes out of the oven. Then, for clean slicing, let the cake cool completely before cutting.
Tips and Tricks
Making a Texas Sheet Cake is easy, but there are a few tips and tricks that can help you get the perfect texture and flavor every time. Here are some tips that we’ve learned over the years:
- Use good quality cocoa powder. The chocolate flavor is the star of this cake, so it’s important to use a cocoa powder that you love. We like to use Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense cake. Mix the batter just until everything is combined and there are no lumps.
- Use room temperature ingredients. This helps everything mix together more easily and can lead to a more evenly baked cake.
- Let the cake cool for at least 10 minutes before frosting. If the cake is too hot, the frosting can melt and slide off. Letting it cool ensures that the frosting will stick and stay put.
- Warm the frosting before spreading it on the cake. This helps the frosting spread more easily and creates a smooth, glossy finish. You can warm the frosting in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Store the cake at room temperature. This cake is best enjoyed within a day or two of baking, but it can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze the cake for longer storage. If you want to keep the cake for longer, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to make an Easy Texas Sheet Cake that is perfectly moist, chocolatey, and delicious every time.
Variations and Additions
When it comes to Texas Sheet Cake, the possibilities for variations and additions are endless. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Chocolate Cake Variations
While the classic cake is made with chocolate cake, you can switch things up by using different cake flavors. Try making a vanilla sheet cake, or a marble sheet cake by swirling chocolate and vanilla cake batter together. You can also add in different mix-ins like chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
Flour Options
Most Texas Sheet Cake recipes call for all-purpose flour, but you can experiment with different types of flour for a slightly different texture and flavor. Try using cake flour for a lighter, more tender crumb, or whole wheat flour for a nuttier, heartier cake.
Icing Options
While the classic Texas Sheet Cake is topped with a rich chocolate icing, you can switch things up by using different icing flavors. Try making a vanilla icing, or a cream cheese icing for a tangy twist. You can also experiment with different textures and consistencies, like a glaze or a whipped frosting.
Nutty Additions
Chopped walnuts are a classic addition to Texas Sheet Cake, but you can switch things up by using different nuts or adding in other mix-ins. Try using pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts, or adding in shredded coconut or dried fruit.
Cake Box Mixes
If you’re short on time or ingredients, you can use a cake box mix as the base. Simply follow the instructions on the box, and add in any mix-ins or variations that you like. It’s a quick and easy way to make a delicious sheet cake without any fuss.
Other Classic Dessert Recipes to Try
This Texas Sheet Cake is without a doubt one of our all-time favorite desserts to prepare and is always such a huge hit. But these classics are true winners, too:
Lemon Meringue Pie
Chocolate Delight
Classic Cherry Pie
Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Banana Pudding Trifle
Red, White, and Blue Trifle
Old Fashioned Peach Cobbler
Key Lime Pie
Chocolate Meringue Pie
German Chocolate Cake
These are absolutely knock-out recipes. And folk, just look at this cake. Aren’t you craving this right now?
Ready to make a cake that folks will be raving about for days and weeks to come? Go for it!
And when you do, be sure to take a photo of it, post it on Instagram, and tag @HowToFeedaLoon and hashtag #HowToFeedaLoon!
Easy Texas Sheet Cake
Equipment
- 1 half sheet pan 13"x18" (can also use 10"x15" or regular baking sheet)
- Cooking spray
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup canola oil
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon ground
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp Kosher salt
Warm Chocolate Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup whole milk
- 1 lb confectioners' sugar 4 cups
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp Kosher salt
- ¼ tsp cinnamon ground
- 1 cup pecans chopped, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, 1 cup water, oil, buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Set aside.2 cups sugar, 1 cup water, ½ cup canola oil, ½ cup buttermilk, ½ cup unsalted butter, 2 large eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.2 cups all-purpose flour, ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp baking soda, ¼ tsp Kosher salt
- Slowly stir the flour mixture into the wet mixture and continue stirring until smooth and fully combined (it's okay if there are a few bubbles or bumps).
- Spray the sheet pan with cooking spray.
- Transfer the cake batter to the pan and smooth it out with a spatula.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes. Make the warm chocolate frosting immediately.
Make the Warm Chocolate Frosting
- In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter with the milk over medium-low heat.½ cup unsalted butter, ⅓ cup whole milk
- Turn off the heat and stir in the confectioners' sugar, cocoa, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon until silky smooth.1 lb confectioners' sugar, ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tsp vanilla extract, ¼ tsp Kosher salt, ¼ tsp cinnamon
- Pour the warm frosting over the cooled cake and smooth with a spatula. Top with chopped pecans, if using.1 cup pecans
This is my favorite cake! The frosting is amazing!