
why make this recipe
Texas Sheet Cake is a delightful dessert that has a rich chocolate flavor and a moist texture. It’s perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or just a sweet treat at home. The cake is easy to make and doesn’t require special skills. Plus, it covers a big sheet pan, making it great for serving a crowd. With its simple ingredients and quick preparation time, you’ll want to make this cake again and again.
how to make Texas Sheet Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (for topping)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a sheet pan.
- In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, and cocoa powder.
- In another bowl, combine buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
- Stir in boiling water until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan and bake for 30-35 minutes.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting by melting butter in a saucepan. Whisk in cocoa powder and milk until the mixture is smooth.
- Remove from heat and gradually add powdered sugar until well combined.
- Once the cake has cooled, spread the frosting on top and sprinkle with chopped pecans.
- Slice and serve.
how to serve Texas Sheet Cake
Texas Sheet Cake is best served at room temperature. You can cut it into squares and serve it on a plate. It pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, adding an extra touch of sweetness.
how to store Texas Sheet Cake
To store Texas Sheet Cake, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Make sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out.
tips to make Texas Sheet Cake
- Make sure to mix the dry and wet ingredients well to avoid lumps.
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor, especially the baking powder and eggs.
- Don’t skip the boiling water step; it helps create a moist cake.
- For a richer taste, add more cocoa to the frosting if you like.
variation
You can add different toppings to Texas Sheet Cake, such as shredded coconut or chocolate chips. Some people like to use different nuts, like walnuts, instead of pecans. Experimenting with flavors like adding a hint of espresso to the batter can also enhance the chocolate taste.
FAQs
1. Can I use whole milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can use whole milk, but it’s best to add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to make it closer to buttermilk.
2. How long does the cake take to bake?
The cake usually takes about 30-35 minutes to bake, but you can check with a toothpick to ensure it’s done.
3. Can I freeze Texas Sheet Cake?
Yes, you can freeze it. Make sure to wrap it tightly to keep it fresh. Thaw it in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.

Texas Sheet Cake
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 cup butter for frosting
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder for frosting
- 0.5 cup chopped pecans for topping
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a sheet pan.
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, and cocoa powder.
- In another bowl, combine buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
- Stir in boiling water until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan and bake for 30-35 minutes.
Frosting
- While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting by melting butter in a saucepan.
- Whisk in cocoa powder and milk until the mixture is smooth.
- Remove from heat and gradually add powdered sugar until well combined.
- Once the cake has cooled, spread the frosting on top and sprinkle with chopped pecans.