Description
This Texas Sheet Cake recipe delivers a rich, moist chocolate cake baked in a large sheet pan and topped with a luscious chocolate frosting. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a perfect dessert for gatherings or anytime you crave a decadent chocolate treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 1 cup water (240 ml)
- 1 cup butter (227 g)
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (22.5 g)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 g)
- 2 cups granulated sugar (400 g)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (5 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (2.5 g)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (120 g)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml)
Frosting Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons milk (90 ml)
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (22.5 g)
- 1/2 cup butter (115 g)
- 3 3/4 cups powdered sugar (450 g)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 18×13 inch sheet pan to prevent sticking.
- Heat chocolate mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine water, butter, and 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder. Bring this mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the butter and cocoa evenly.
- Mix dry ingredients: While the chocolate mixture heats, in a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat together the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate wet ingredients into dry: Add the sour cream and egg mixture to the bowl with the dry ingredients and mix until just combined with no dry streaks.
- Add hot chocolate mixture to batter: When the chocolate-water-butter mixture reaches a boil, remove it from the heat and immediately pour it into the batter. Stir thoroughly to incorporate and eliminate lumps for a smooth batter.
- Transfer batter to pan: Pour the cake batter into the greased sheet pan and use a spatula to spread it evenly for a uniform thickness.
- Bake the cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cake is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Typically, it is done at about 15 minutes.
- Prepare frosting during baking: When the cake is about halfway baked, start making the frosting to have it ready while the cake finishes.
- Make chocolate frosting: In a saucepan, combine milk, 3 tablespoons cocoa powder, and butter. Heat over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil, stirring frequently.
- Add powdered sugar and blend: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the powdered sugar. Use a hand-held mixer to beat the frosting well, removing any lumps and achieving a smooth consistency.
- Frost the cake: Once the cake is hot out of the oven, immediately pour the hot frosting over the top. Use a spatula to spread the frosting evenly across the entire surface.
- Set frosting: Allow the cake to rest for about 10 minutes so the frosting can set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Make sure the cake is hot when pouring the frosting so it melts into the surface for a smooth finish.
- The sour cream adds moisture and tenderness to the cake.
- Using a hand mixer for the frosting will help achieve a lump-free texture.
- The baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven; watch closely after 15 minutes.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Texas sheet cake, chocolate sheet cake, easy chocolate cake, chocolate frosting, moist chocolate cake
