The Best Texas Sheet Cake

The Best Texas Sheet Cake is a delicious and moist chocolate cake baked in a jelly roll pan with a decadent and easy-to-make chocolate glaze.

How to Make a Classic Texas Sheet Cake

Few desserts embody the charm of Southern baking like a Texas sheet cake. Known for its rich, moist chocolate base and sweet, fudgy icing, this cake is a favorite at gatherings and potlucks. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make! Whether you’re new to baking or looking to recreate a nostalgic recipe, here’s a simple guide to making a Texas sheet cake that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

What Is a Texas Sheet Cake?

Texas sheet cake is a large, flat chocolate cake typically baked in a jelly roll or half-sheet pan. It’s topped with a pourable chocolate icing that seeps into the cake, making it irresistibly moist and delicious. The cake is often sprinkled with chopped nuts, usually pecans, for a bit of texture.

Why is it Called Texas Sheet Cake?

The origin of the name “Texas sheet cake” is somewhat mysterious, but there are a few plausible theories as to why this beloved dessert bears the Lone Star State’s name.

1. Size: One of the most common explanations is that the cake is large, like Texas. Texas sheet cake is typically baked in a large, shallow pan (like a jelly roll or half-sheet pan), yielding a big, thin cake that can serve a crowd. Texans are known for doing things on a grand scale, and this generously portioned cake fits that image.
2. Southern Tradition: The cake’s rich, indulgent flavor profile, along with the use of ingredients like pecans (a crop associated with Texas), aligns with Southern culinary traditions. This might have led to the association with Texas, a state known for its rich cultural and food heritage.
3. Historical Roots: Some believe the cake became popular in Texas and surrounding areas, leading to its name. It’s thought that it gained fame in the mid-20th century through cookbooks, church gatherings, and potlucks, where its easy preparation and ability to serve many people made it a staple.

While the exact reason behind the name remains uncertain, the cake’s popularity certainly extends far beyond Texas, making it a favorite across the United States.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Step-by-Step Instructions

For the Glaze

Once the cake and glaze are done, let the cake cool completely before serving.

Tips for Success

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your buttermilk and eggs are at room temperature to ensure a smooth batter.
2. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cake as it bakes. Since it’s thin, it can overbake quickly. Start checking it at the 18-minute mark.
3. Get Creative with Toppings: While pecans are traditional, you can experiment with other toppings like shredded coconut or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a modern twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for a Crowd: Texas sheet cake’s large size makes it ideal for sharing at parties and family gatherings.
• Quick and Easy: With its simple ingredients and straightforward process, this cake is one of the easiest chocolate cakes you can make.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of moist chocolate cake and fudgy icing is a chocolate lover’s dream come true.

Texas sheet cake is the kind of dessert that never goes out of style. It’s simple, decadent, and full of Southern charm. Whether you’re baking it for a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this cake is sure to impress. So, grab your ingredients, heat up that oven, and enjoy this classic chocolate treat!

Happy baking!

Texas Sheet Cake

5 from 4 votes

Moist and delicious chocolate cake with a chocolate glaze.

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Ingredients

  

For the Cake

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder, use the extra brute cacao barry cocoa powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 2 eggs, at room temp
• 1/2 cup buttermilk, at room temp
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Glaze

• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 3 cups powdered sugar measured then sifted
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

 

For the Cake

• Preheat your oven to 325°F. Spray a 13×18-inch sheet pan (or jelly roll pan) with non-stick spray. This size gives the cake its signature thin, spread-out look.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugars, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
• In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the water and cocoa powder. Stir until the mixture is smooth and begins to simmer. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool slightly.
• Pour the chocolate mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients, stirring gently to combine. In a small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract, then add this mixture to the batter. Stir until everything is well-combined and smooth.
• Pour the batter into your prepared sheet pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs on it. The cake should be soft and moist, but not jiggly.

For the Glaze

• While the cake is baking, begin making the icing. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the cocoa powder and milk, whisking until smooth. Remove from heat, then add the vanilla extract. Gradually whisk in the powdered sugar until the icing is smooth and thickened. You can adjust the amount of powdered sugar to achieve your preferred consistency.
• Once the cake is out of the oven, allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. Pour the warm icing over the slightly warm cake, spreading it evenly with a spatula. The icing should seep into the cake, adding moisture and flavor to every bite.
• Allow the cake and icing to cool completely before cutting into squares. As tempting as it may be to dive in right away, giving the cake time to set will help the flavors meld together.

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Cake

Keyword: Chocolate Sheet Cake, Texas Sheet Cake