This classic cake recipe is made entirely from scratch, and everyone loves it! Have you tried Texas Sheet Cake before? If not, you are in for a spectacular treat! This is one of the best chocolate cakes I’ve made. Rich and tender with so much chocolate flavor, and a decadent chocolate frosting, it’s a chocolate lover’s dream. Toasted pecans in the frosting give this dessert the perfect bit of crunch! If you love this idea of making an easy chocolate cake in a sheet pan, be sure to try my Coca-Cola Cake too. It’s made in a very similar way but with an extra special ingredient! Old Fashioned Mayonnaise Cake is also a delicious chocolate cake option, made in a 13×9-inch pan.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Texas Sheet Cake Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make this recipe, and some details about the key ingredients:
Cocoa Powder: Regular unsweetened cocoa powder gives this cake all of it’s rich, chocolatey flavor. Butter: For this cake recipe, you don’t even need to soften the butter first! For both the cake batter and the frosting, the butter is melted with the cocoa powder on the stove. Eggs: I suggest that you let your eggs come to room temperature before mixing them into the cake batter. Since the batter is warm, it will be difficult to properly mix in cold eggs. Sour Cream: This makes Texas Sheet Cake moist and tender. You can also use the same amount of buttercream or plain yogurt to get the same effect. Pecans: Optional, but delicious! If you plan to add nuts to the frosting, chop them and toast them first.
Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
What Size Pan To Use for Texas Sheet Cake
I’ve tested this recipe using two different pans. In the images here, I’m baking a Texas sheet cake in a jelly roll pan that is 15×10.5 inches and about 1-inch deep. I’ve also tested the recipe using a rimmed baking sheet that is 18×13 inches. This is typically considered a half sheet pan and is the normal size of a standard baking sheet. Both types of pans can be used to make this cake, and just about any rimmed baking sheet that is between those two measurements as well!
How To Make The Best Texas Sheet Cake
Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a rimmed sheet pan or jelly roll pan and set it aside.
How to Frost a Texas Sheet Cake
Recipe Tips
It’s important to sift the powdered sugar before mixing it into the frosting. If you don’t sift you’ll have a grainy, lumpy texture. Use your hand mixer to beat the frosting if you need to to get it smooth and silky. Work quickly to add the frosting to the cake so that you can spread it out before it starts to set. Nuts are optional, but they add a really lovely texture to this dessert. Finely chop the nuts and toast them before adding them, and feel free to try pecans, walnuts, or even hazelnuts. Serve it how you like it. Texas sheet cake is traditionally served warm or at room temperature, but I also like it chilled from the fridge! If you’re serving a crowd, you can make more than one sheet cake. You can also cut this cake into smaller servings if you need to. This recipe works in either a jelly roll pan or a rimmed baking sheet. The bake time will be slightly less for the larger and more shallow pan. I like to use a jelly roll pan for this recipe since it makes a cake with a bit more height.
Storing Tips
If this cake doesn’t get gobbled up right away, you can store leftovers at room temperature. Just keep the cake well-covered and airtight. It should be fine this way for 2-3 days. You can store the cake in the refrigerator, but it tends to dry out a bit in the fridge.
What To Serve With Texas Sheet Cake
A fabulous chocolate cake like this one is welcome just about anywhere, but It’s perfect for large get-togethers like summer barbecues or holidays. Try my amazing and easy BBQ Grilled Chicken Recipe and favorite sides like Dill Pickle Pasta Salad and Broccoli Cole Slaw for your next backyard party. Everyone loves this chocolate Texas Sheet Cake! Make it to take to the next potluck you’re invited to, or serve it after dinner tonight. Pin the recipe so that you can easily find it later too. © Little Sunny Kitchen
