Texas Sheet Cake

Texas Sheet Cake is a classic dessert that is perfect for any occasion. This rich, moist chocolate cake baked in a large sheet pan is topped with a warm, fudge-like pecan frosting that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, a family gathering, or just want a sweet treat to enjoy at home, Texas Sheet Cake will surely impress with its delightful flavor and easy preparation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this cake can be whipped up quickly.
• Feeds a Crowd: The large sheet size makes it ideal for parties and gatherings, serving 15 generous pieces.
• Deliciously Decadent: The combination of chocolate cake and rich pecan frosting creates an unforgettable flavor experience.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for celebrations or as a comforting treat during the week.
• No Fancy Equipment Needed: You only need basic kitchen tools to create this delicious cake.

Tools and Preparation

To make Texas Sheet Cake, you’ll need some essential tools and equipment. Having the right tools can make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Baking sheet (10×15 inch)
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This makes mixing ingredients easy and ensures everything is blended well without much effort.
• Saucepan: Essential for melting butter and combining it with cocoa powder and water.
• Baking sheet: A large surface area allows the cake to bake evenly and efficiently.

Ingredients

Texas Sheet Cake is a soft homemade chocolate cake made in a large baking sheet topped with warm fudge-like pecan frosting.

For the Cake

• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks, room temperature)
• 1 cup water
• 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Frosting

• 6 tablespoons whole milk
• 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 4 cups confectioners sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup pecans (chopped)

How to Make Texas Sheet Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 10×15 inch pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal later.

Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Mixture

Melt the 1 cup of unsalted butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add 1 cup of water and 5 tablespoons of cocoa powder. Bring this mixture to a boil, then remove it from heat. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of sour cream and 2 large eggs until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix on low speed until combined.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Beat in the sour cream and egg mixture into the dry ingredients. Once the chocolate mixture has cooled enough to touch, beat it into the batter on low speed. Scrape down the sides as needed until fully mixed.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Make the Frosting

While your cake is baking, prepare the frosting. In a saucepan, combine 6 tablespoons of whole milk, an additional 5 tablespoons of cocoa powder, and another 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. Bring this mixture to a boil before removing it from heat.

Step 8: Finish the Frosting

Stir in 4 cups of confectioners sugar and add in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Finally, fold in chopped pecans until everything is well blended.

Step 9: Frost Your Cake

Once your cake is out of the oven and slightly cooled, spread the warm frosting over it while it’s still warm for best results. Enjoy your delicious Texas Sheet Cake!

How to Serve Texas Sheet Cake

Texas Sheet Cake is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging at home, these serving suggestions will make your Texas Sheet Cake experience even better.

With Whipped Cream

• Light and airy whipped cream adds a creamy contrast to the rich chocolate cake.

A Scoop of Ice Cream

• Pairing a slice with vanilla or caramel ice cream enhances the flavors and introduces a delightful chill.

Fresh Berries

• Topping your Texas Sheet Cake with fresh strawberries or raspberries adds a fruity burst and a splash of color.

Drizzle of Caramel Sauce

• A warm drizzle of caramel sauce can elevate the sweetness and provide a rich layer of flavor.

Coffee or Tea

• Serving your cake alongside a cup of coffee or tea complements the chocolatey goodness perfectly.

How to Perfect Texas Sheet Cake

To achieve the best results with your Texas Sheet Cake, consider these helpful tips for baking this classic dessert.

• Use room temperature ingredients – Ensuring that butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature helps create a smooth batter that rises well.

• Don’t overmix – Mixing just until combined prevents tough cake texture. Overmixing can lead to dense results.

• Check oven temperature – An oven thermometer can help confirm your oven is at the right temperature, ensuring even baking.

• Cool before frosting – Allowing the cake to cool for about 10-15 minutes before applying frosting ensures it doesn’t melt away into the cake.

• Store properly – To keep your Texas Sheet Cake fresh, store it covered at room temperature or in the fridge for longer shelf life.

Best Side Dishes for Texas Sheet Cake

Pairing side dishes with Texas Sheet Cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances out the sweetness of the cake.
2. Pecan Pie Bars – These bars echo the nutty flavor in the frosting and add a different texture.
3. Chocolate Mousse – This light dessert provides an elegant way to enjoy more chocolate without overwhelming sweetness.
4. Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses offers savory contrast to the sweet cake.
5. Coffee Cake Muffins – These muffins pair well with coffee and bring another layer of flavor while keeping it casual.
6. Ice Cream Sandwiches – Use slices of Texas Sheet Cake as “bread” around scoops of ice cream for a fun twist on dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Texas Sheet Cake can be simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using cold ingredients: Always ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps in achieving a smooth batter and a tender texture.

• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy outcome.

• Not measuring accurately: Baking is a science; use precise measurements for ingredients. A kitchen scale can help you get it right.

• Skipping the cooling period: Allow the cake to cool before frosting. Frosting a warm cake can lead to melting, resulting in a messy finish.

• Not checking doneness: Relying solely on baking time can be misleading. Use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean when the cake is ready.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Texas Sheet Cake in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• For best quality, cover it with plastic wrap or foil if not using a container.

Freezing Texas Sheet Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in freezer bags.
• Frozen Texas Sheet Cake can last up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Texas Sheet Cake

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a pan over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Texas Sheet Cake, you’re not alone. Here are some common inquiries:

What makes Texas Sheet Cake different from regular chocolate cake?

Texas Sheet Cake is unique due to its large size and soft texture, plus it’s topped with a warm fudge-like frosting that sets it apart from traditional cakes.

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans in Texas Sheet Cake?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or even omit nuts entirely if preferred. Each will give a different flavor and texture.

How do I prevent my Texas Sheet Cake from sticking to the pan?

Greasing and flouring the pan or using parchment paper will help prevent sticking and make removal easier after baking.

Can I make Texas Sheet Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake stores well, making it perfect for preparing in advance for events or gatherings.

Is Texas Sheet Cake suitable for special diets?

While traditional recipes contain gluten and dairy, you can modify ingredients with gluten-free flour or dairy alternatives to accommodate dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

Texas Sheet Cake is truly an irresistible treat that brings joy to any gathering. Its simplicity and versatility allow you to customize flavors and toppings as desired. Whether it’s served at birthday parties or family dinners, this cake will surely delight everyone’s taste buds. Try making your own version today!