Texas Sheet Cake

Texas Sheet Cake is a beloved dessert that captures the essence of Southern baking. This rich, chocolatey cake, baked in a large sheet pan, is perfect for gatherings or special occasions. With its warm, fudgy pecan frosting, Texas Sheet Cake stands out for its moist texture and delightful flavor. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this cake is sure to impress friends and family alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This Texas Sheet Cake requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible for bakers of all levels.
• Perfect for Sharing: Baked in a large sheet pan, this cake serves up to 15 people, making it ideal for parties or potlucks.
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of chocolate and pecans creates a rich taste that is both comforting and indulgent.
• Versatile Dessert: Serve it warm with ice cream or enjoy it cold; this cake is delicious any way you slice it.
• Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of baking, you’ll have a delightful dessert ready in no time.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Texas Sheet Cake, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Rubber spatula
• 10×15 inch baking pan

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool helps mix the batter thoroughly without much effort, ensuring even texture.
• Saucepan: Used for melting butter and combining ingredients over low heat, it’s essential for creating the fudgy frosting.
• Mixing bowls: They are crucial for keeping your ingredients organized during preparation.

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 to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Mixture

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

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup sour cream and 2 large eggs until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In the bowl of your stand mixer, mix together the 2 cups all purpose flour, 2 cups granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Beat in the sour cream and egg mixture until fully combined.

Step 5: Combine Everything Together

Once the chocolate mixture has cooled enough to touch, add it to the flour mixture on low speed. Scrape down the sides as needed, mixing just until fully incorporated.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour your batter into the prepared pan. Bake in your 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 whole milk with an additional 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder and another 1/2 cup unsalted butter. Bring this mixture to a boil then remove from heat. Stir in the 4 cups confectioners sugar and add in the 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract before folding in the chopped pecans.

Step 8: Frost Your Cake

Once your cake has finished baking and cooled slightly, spread the warm frosting generously over it while it’s still warm.

Enjoy your delicious Texas Sheet Cake as a delightful treat that will surely satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth!

How to Serve Texas Sheet Cake

Texas Sheet Cake is a delightful dessert that can be served in various ways. Whether for a festive gathering or a quiet family dinner, how you present this cake can enhance its appeal.

Classic Slice

• Serve a generous slice of warm Texas Sheet Cake topped with fudge frosting for a comforting treat.

A La Mode

• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of the warm cake. The melting ice cream complements the rich chocolate flavors perfectly.

With Fresh Berries

• Garnish each slice with fresh raspberries or strawberries. The tartness of the berries balances the sweetness of the cake.

Coffee Pairing

• Serve alongside a cup of strong coffee. The bitterness of coffee contrasts beautifully with the rich chocolate, making it an ideal pairing.

Chocolate Drizzle

• Drizzle extra melted chocolate over each slice for an added indulgence. This takes the dessert to another level for chocolate lovers.

Festive Platter

• Arrange slices on a decorative platter and sprinkle powdered sugar on top. This adds an elegant touch, perfect for parties or celebrations.

How to Perfect Texas Sheet Cake

To make your Texas Sheet Cake even better, consider these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
• Check your oven temperature: Use an oven thermometer to verify accuracy. An incorrect temperature can affect baking time and texture.
• Frost while warm: Spread frosting over the cake while it’s still warm for easier application and a gooier finish.
• Allow cooling time: Let the cake cool in the pan before cutting it. This helps maintain its structure and makes serving easier.

Best Side Dishes for Texas Sheet Cake

Texas Sheet Cake is rich and filling on its own, but pairing it with complementary side dishes can enhance your meal experience.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances the sweetness of the cake.
2. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness that cuts through the richness of the cake.
3. Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds a delightful texture when served alongside each slice.
4. Chocolate Mousse: For true chocolate lovers, serve with a small scoop of chocolate mousse for double delight.
5. Coffee or Espresso: A strong cup of coffee enhances the chocolate flavor while providing a nice contrast.
6. Pecan Pie Bars: For those who love nuts, these bars add another layer of flavor that complements the pecans in your Texas Sheet Cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Texas Sheet Cake can be simple, but certain mistakes can lead to disappointing results. Here are some common pitfalls to steer clear of:

• Skipping the room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs or butter can affect the cake’s texture. Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make the cake dense. Mix just until all ingredients are combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Not checking for doneness: Relying solely on baking time can result in an undercooked or overcooked cake. Use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean when inserted into the center.
• Ignoring the frosting timing: Making the frosting too early can cause it to harden before spreading. Prepare it while the cake is baking to ensure it remains warm and easy to spread.
• Choosing the wrong pan size: Using a different sized pan can change baking times and cake density. Stick to a 10×15 inch pan for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Texas Sheet Cake in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Keep any frosting separate if possible, to maintain freshness.

Freezing Texas Sheet Cake

• Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Texas Sheet Cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Texas Sheet Cake

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for about 20-30 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: For small portions, place in a skillet over low heat. Cover with a lid and warm slowly, checking often.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Texas Sheet Cake?

Texas Sheet Cake is a rich chocolate cake baked in a large sheet pan, topped with a creamy pecan frosting. It’s perfect for gatherings due to its size and ease of serving.

How do I make my Texas Sheet Cake more chocolatey?

For an extra chocolatey flavor, you can increase the cocoa powder in both the cake and frosting by one tablespoon each. This adds depth without compromising texture.

Can I use different nuts in my Texas Sheet Cake?

Yes! While pecans are traditional, you can substitute with walnuts or even leave nuts out entirely if preferred.

How long does Texas Sheet Cake last at room temperature?

Texas Sheet Cake can be stored at room temperature for about 2 days if covered properly. After that, refrigerate it for longer storage.

Is there a gluten-free version of Texas Sheet Cake?

You can use gluten-free all-purpose flour as a substitute in this recipe. Just ensure it’s labeled as gluten-free for best results.

Final Thoughts

Texas Sheet Cake is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile! Its rich chocolate flavor and creamy frosting make it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Feel free to customize it with different nuts or even add flavored extracts to suit your taste. Don’t hesitate to try this delightful recipe; your friends and family will surely love it!

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Texas Sheet Cake

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 15 servings 1x

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Description

Texas Sheet Cake is a classic Southern dessert that brings the rich flavors of chocolate and pecans to your table. This moist, fudgy cake is baked in a large sheet pan, making it perfect for celebrations and gatherings. Topped with a warm, creamy pecan frosting, each slice offers indulgent sweetness that will delight your friends and family. Whether served at a birthday party or as a comforting treat after dinner, Texas Sheet Cake is sure to impress. With just 20 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of baking, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready to share in no time.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup water
• 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• For frosting: 6 tablespoons whole milk
• 5 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup butter
• 4 cups confectioners sugar
• vanilla extract
• chopped pecans

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 10×15 inch baking pan.
2. In a saucepan, melt the butter with water and cocoa powder over low heat. Let cool.
3. Whisk together sour cream and eggs in a small bowl.
4. In a stand mixer bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt; mix in the sour cream mixture until combined.
5. Slowly add the cooled chocolate mixture until fully incorporated.
6. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 22-25 minutes.
7. While baking, prepare frosting by boiling milk, cocoa powder, and butter; then mix in confectioners sugar and vanilla before folding in pecans.
8. Frost the warm cake generously before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 100g)
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 41g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 51g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 55mg