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Easy Texas Sheet Cake Recipe

Easy Texas Sheet Cake Recipe

This classic Texas sheet cake is tender, chocolaty, and covered in warm fudge icing. It comes together fast and feeds a crowd.
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 24

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter cut into chunks
  • 1 cup water
  • 0.33 cup unsweetened cocoa powder natural or Dutch-process
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 0.5 cup buttermilk shaken
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter for icing
  • 0.25 cup unsweetened cocoa powder for icing
  • 0.33 cup milk for icing
  • 3.5 cup powdered sugar sift if lumpy
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract for icing
  • 1 cup chopped pecans optional, toasted
  • 0.13 tsp fine salt pinch, for icing

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Heat oven to 350°F. Grease a 13x18-inch rimmed sheet pan and line with parchment.
  • Whisk flour, sugar, baking soda, and kosher salt in a large bowl.
  • Simmer butter, water, and 1/3 cup cocoa in a saucepan until smooth. Remove from heat.
  • Pour the warm cocoa mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir until mostly combined.
  • Whisk eggs, buttermilk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Fold into the batter until silky and pourable.
  • Spread batter in the prepared pan. Bake 18–22 minutes, until the center springs back.
  • Start the icing near the end of baking: melt 1/2 cup butter with 1/4 cup cocoa and milk; bring just to a simmer.
  • Off heat, whisk in powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and a pinch of salt until glossy. Stir in pecans.
  • Pour warm icing over the hot cake and spread quickly. Cool until set, then slice and serve.

Notes

Try swirling a spoonful of espresso powder into the icing for mocha depth, or swap pecans with toasted walnuts. Leftovers keep well covered at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate up to 5 days; serve slightly warm for the fudgiest texture.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Easy Texas Sheet Cake Recipe flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.