Texas Sheet Cake

Craving a rich, moist chocolate cake with a sweet, fudgy topping? Look no further than the beloved Texas Sheet Cake! This decadent dessert is a Southern classic, perfect for any occasion.

With its melt-in-your-mouth texture and smooth, gooey icing, it’s a cake that always impresses. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a party, or just because, this Texas Sheet Cake will quickly become a favorite.

Ingredients List

Creating this indulgent Texas Sheet Cake requires a blend of simple yet flavorful ingredients. Let’s break down what you’ll need to bring this cake to life!

Cake Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup water
• 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

Icing Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons milk
• 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup butter
• 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (Optional)

Required Kitchen Tools

When preparing Texas Sheet Cake, the right tools will make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Jelly Roll Pan (10×15 inches): The large pan ensures the cake bakes evenly and gives you that signature thin, moist texture. A 10×15-inch jelly roll pan is ideal for this recipe.
2. Mixing Bowls: You’ll need large bowls to combine both the dry and wet ingredients before bringing them together to make the batter.
3. Saucepan: A medium saucepan is necessary for melting the butter and making the icing.
4. Whisk or Electric Mixer: Use a whisk for mixing the cake batter, but an electric mixer can help make the process even faster.
5. Spatula: A flexible spatula will be useful for spreading the icing on the warm cake.

Cake Preparation

Baking a Texas Sheet Cake is all about layering rich flavors and ensuring a smooth, even texture. Follow these steps to create a cake that’s soft, moist, and deliciously satisfying.

Mixing the Ingredients

To begin, combine your dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Make sure these ingredients are thoroughly mixed to ensure an even distribution of flavors throughout the cake.

Next, beat in the sour cream and eggs. Mix until the batter is smooth and fully combined. This will give your cake a tender crumb and help it stay moist.

Preparing the Cocoa Mixture

In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once the butter has melted, stir in the water and unsweetened cocoa powder. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly to avoid any burning or clumping. Once it’s boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.

Combining the Cocoa Mixture with the Dry Ingredients

Once the cocoa mixture has cooled a bit, slowly blend it into the flour and egg mixture. Use a spatula or whisk to combine everything thoroughly, ensuring no lumps remain. The batter should be thick and smooth, and it will have a rich chocolate color from the cocoa.

Baking the Cake

Pour the finished batter into your prepared jelly roll pan. Spread it out evenly with a spatula, making sure it reaches the edges of the pan.

Place the pan in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be moist but firm to the touch.

Icing Preparation

The icing is what takes Texas Sheet Cake to the next level. It’s sweet, creamy, and perfectly complements the rich chocolate cake beneath it. Here’s how to make this fudgy, indulgent topping.

Making the Icing

While the cake is baking, it’s time to prepare the icing. In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, cocoa powder, and butter. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir the mixture constantly. Once it reaches a boil, remove it from the heat immediately.

Mixing the Icing

Once the cocoa mixture is off the heat, slowly stir in the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract. Continue stirring until the icing is smooth and glossy. Be sure to mix well to ensure there are no lumps.

Adding Walnuts (Optional)

For an extra touch of flavor and texture, fold in the chopped walnuts. These will add a crunchy contrast to the smooth cake and icing. If you prefer a nut-free version, feel free to skip this step.

Spreading the Icing

Once the cake is done baking, allow it to cool slightly but not completely. The icing should be spread over the warm cake to help it melt into the surface. Using a spatula, evenly spread the icing over the entire cake, ensuring it covers every corner. The warmth of the cake helps the icing set into a smooth, fudgy layer that will harden slightly as it cools.

Serving and Decoration

Once your Texas Sheet Cake is iced and cooled, it’s time to serve! The key to presenting this cake beautifully lies in the finishing touches and how you cut it.

Cutting and Serving

Texas Sheet Cake is typically served in squares or rectangles, as it’s baked in a large jelly roll pan. Once the icing has set and cooled, use a sharp knife to cut the cake into even portions. Serve them on a platter for easy sharing at any gathering.

Decorating Your Cake

While the cake itself is quite simple, you can add a few personal touches for an extra wow factor. Here are some decorating suggestions:

• Chopped Nuts: If you didn’t add walnuts to the icing, consider sprinkling some on top of the finished cake for a crunchy texture.
• Chocolate Shavings: For an added chocolate burst, grate some chocolate over the top of the cake after icing.
• A Dusting of Powdered Sugar: For a classic finish, lightly dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar just before serving.

Texas Sheet Cake is a crowd-pleaser, and with these little additions, you can make it look as good as it tastes!

Storage Instructions

After preparing your Texas Sheet Cake, storing it properly ensures it stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible.

How to Keep Texas Sheet Cake Fresh

To keep the cake fresh for a few days, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay soft and moist for up to 2-3 days. Be sure to keep it in a cool, dry place to maintain its texture.

Freezing Texas Sheet Cake

If you need to store the cake for a longer period, Texas Sheet Cake freezes beautifully. Cut it into squares and place the pieces in a freezer-safe container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap. This way, you can store the cake in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw the cake at room temperature or reheat it in the microwave for a few seconds.

Conclusion

Texas Sheet Cake is a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat. With its rich chocolate flavor, moist texture, and fudgy icing, this cake is guaranteed to impress at any gathering.

Whether you’re making it for a family celebration or just because you’re craving something sweet, this recipe is perfect for every occasion.

By following the steps carefully, you’ll be able to bake a cake that’s both visually stunning and mouth-wateringly delicious. So go ahead, try this Texas Sheet Cake, and indulge in a taste of Southern sweetness!