Chocolate Sheet Cake

Introduction

The Texas Chocolate Sheet Cake is a Southern favorite, famous for its deep chocolate flavor and soft, tender crumb. It’s baked in a large pan, making it perfect for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings. The warm, glossy chocolate icing poured over the freshly baked cake creates a fudgy, irresistible topping.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
• 1 cup water
• 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup sour cream (or plain yogurt)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

• ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 6 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3½ cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the Oven and Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and lightly flour a 13×18-inch rimmed baking sheet (half-sheet pan) or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2 – Mix Dry Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3 – Make Chocolate Mixture

1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in cocoa powder and water. Bring to a gentle boil.
3. Remove from heat and immediately pour this hot mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until combined.

Step 4 – Add Wet Ingredients

1. In a small bowl, beat together sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract.
2. Add this mixture to the batter and stir until smooth.

Step 5 – Bake the Cake

1. Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
2. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6 – Prepare the Frosting

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add cocoa powder and milk, stirring constantly until smooth and hot (do not boil).
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
4. Gradually whisk in powdered sugar until glossy and smooth.

Step 7 – Frost the Cake

• Pour the warm frosting over the hot cake right out of the oven.
• Spread evenly using a spatula — it will slightly soak into the cake, creating a fudgy glaze.
• Let the cake cool completely before slicing.

Optional Add-ins:

• Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the frosting.
• Add a teaspoon of instant coffee to the chocolate mixture for a richer flavor.
• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – about 1/24 of the cake):

• Calories: 320
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Sugar: 33g
• Protein: 3g

Benefits

• Feeds a large crowd.
• Easy, one-bowl preparation.
• Moist, rich, and deeply chocolatey flavor.
• The frosting sets beautifully without refrigeration.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Sheet Cake is a showstopper for any event — a glossy, fudgy masterpiece that’s both nostalgic and delicious. Whether you’re serving it for a birthday, holiday, or casual Sunday treat, it’s bound to become a family favorite.