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Easy Chocolate Texas Sheet Cake Recipe

Easy Chocolate Texas Sheet Cake Recipe

Moist, fudgy Texas sheet cake baked in one pan and finished with a warm cocoa-pecan frosting. Perfect for potlucks and weeknights.
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 24

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 2.1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1.9 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 tsp fine salt
  • 1.1 tsp baking soda
  • 0.9 cup unsalted butter for the cake
  • 1 cup water for the cake
  • 0.33 cup unsweetened cocoa powder for the cake
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 0.55 cup buttermilk shaken
  • 1.25 tsp vanilla extract for the cake
  • 0.6 cup unsalted butter for the frosting
  • 0.28 cup milk for the frosting
  • 0.3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder for the frosting
  • 3.2 cup powdered sugar sifted if lumpy
  • 1.25 tsp vanilla extract for the frosting
  • 0.75 cup chopped pecans toasted, optional

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Heat oven to 350°F. Grease a 13x18-inch rimmed sheet pan and line with parchment.
  • Whisk flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda in a large bowl.
  • Melt butter with water and cocoa in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle bubble and whisk smooth.
  • Pour the hot cocoa mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until mostly combined.
  • Beat in eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla until the batter is smooth and pourable.
  • Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake 16–20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Start the frosting near the end of baking: simmer butter, milk, and cocoa in a saucepan, whisking until smooth. Remove from heat.
  • Whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until glossy. Fold in pecans.
  • Pour warm frosting over the hot cake and spread quickly. Let set 20 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Try swapping half the water in the cake for hot coffee to boost chocolate flavor. For tidy squares, chill the frosted cake for 30 minutes before cutting. Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days; bring to room temp before serving.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Easy Chocolate Texas Sheet Cake Recipe flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.