Texas Sheet Cake Recipe

When it comes to a classic cake you can’t go wrong with Grandma’s Texas Sheet Cake. A classic chocolate cake recipe with a poured frosting that has been loved for generations!

Classic cakes just can’t be beat. They are classics for a reason. Cake recipes that are passed down from generation to generation have love written into them. You know that recipe has been tried and tested for decades. This recipe for Texas Sheet Cake is exactly that! This is so moist and full of chocolate and it has the most delicious poured chocolate frosting and chopped walnuts. If you are looking for that perfect cake to serve to your guests, you have to make Grandma’s Texas Sheet Cake recipe! Make Grandma proud!

texas sheet cake recipe

The BEST Texas Sheet Cake

texas sheet cake recipe

The best (and easiest) Texas Sheet Cake is an amazing chocolate cake recipe made in a jelly roll pan and covered in warm chocolate frosting.

Prep: 10min

Total: 30min

Yield: 15

Serving Size: 1 serving

Nutrition Facts: calories 475 kcal, Carbohydrate 71 g, Protein 3 g, Fat 21 g, Saturated Fat 13 g, Cholesterol 75 mg, Sodium 343 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 56 g, servingSize 1 serving

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup butter
  • 3 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 6 Tablespoons milk
  • 3 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 3 3/4 cups powdered sugar

Instruction:

  1. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 18×13” pan.’, ‘name’: ‘Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 18×13” pan.’, ‘url’: ‘https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/the-best-texas-sheet-cake/#wprm-recipe-10380-step-0-0’}
  2. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Add water butter cocoa powder to a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring mixture to a boil.’, ‘name’: ‘Add water butter cocoa powder to a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring mixture to a boil.’, ‘url’: ‘https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/the-best-texas-sheet-cake/#wprm-recipe-10380-step-0-1’}
  3. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Meanwhile, in a separate bowl mix together the flour, sugar baking soda and salt. ‘, ‘name’: ‘Meanwhile, in a separate bowl mix together the flour, sugar baking soda and salt. ‘, ‘url’: ‘https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/the-best-texas-sheet-cake/#wprm-recipe-10380-step-0-2’}
  4. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘In another small bowl mix together the sour cream, eggs and vanilla. ‘, ‘name’: ‘In another small bowl mix together the sour cream, eggs and vanilla. ‘, ‘url’: ‘https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/the-best-texas-sheet-cake/#wprm-recipe-10380-step-0-3’}
  5. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Add sour cream/egg mixture to the flour mixture and mix until combined. ‘, ‘name’: ‘Add sour cream/egg mixture to the flour mixture and mix until combined. ‘, ‘url’: ‘https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/the-best-texas-sheet-cake/#wprm-recipe-10380-step-0-4’}
  6. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Once the chocolate mixture in the saucepan in boiling, remove it from heat and pour it into the batter. Mix until combined and no lumps remain.’, ‘name’: ‘Once the chocolate mixture in the saucepan in boiling, remove it from heat and pour it into the batter. Mix until combined and no lumps remain.’, ‘url’: ‘https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/the-best-texas-sheet-cake/#wprm-recipe-10380-step-0-5’}
  7. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Pour mixture into prepared pan and smooth with a spatula to make sure it is dispersed in an even layer.’, ‘name’: ‘Pour mixture into prepared pan and smooth with a spatula to make sure it is dispersed in an even layer.’, ‘url’: ‘https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/the-best-texas-sheet-cake/#wprm-recipe-10380-step-0-6’}
  8. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘ Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until set (mine is usually done around 15 minutes).’, ‘name’: ‘ Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until set (mine is usually done around 15 minutes).’, ‘url’: ‘https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/the-best-texas-sheet-cake/#wprm-recipe-10380-step-0-7’}
  9. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘When the cake is about half-way through cooking, prepare the frosting.’, ‘name’: ‘When the cake is about half-way through cooking, prepare the frosting.’, ‘url’: ‘https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/the-best-texas-sheet-cake/#wprm-recipe-10380-step-0-8’}
  10. {‘@type’: ‘HowToSection’, ‘name’: ‘For the Chocolate Sheet Cake Frosting’, ‘itemListElement’: [{‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Add milk, cocoa and butter to a saucepan. Bring mixture to a boil. ‘, ‘name’: ‘Add milk, cocoa and butter to a saucepan. Bring mixture to a boil. ‘, ‘url’: ‘https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/the-best-texas-sheet-cake/#wprm-recipe-10380-step-1-0’}, {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Once boiling, remove it from the heat and stir in powdered sugar. I like to beat the mixture with my hand-held mixer to get rid of any lumps.xa0’, ‘name’: ‘Once boiling, remove it from the heat and stir in powdered sugar. I like to beat the mixture with my hand-held mixer to get rid of any lumps.xa0’, ‘url’: ‘https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/the-best-texas-sheet-cake/#wprm-recipe-10380-step-1-1’}, {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Pour hot icing over hot cake. Use a spatula to spread it evenly over the cake. Allow frosting to set for about 10 minutes before eating.’, ‘name’: ‘Pour hot icing over hot cake. Use a spatula to spread it evenly over the cake. Allow frosting to set for about 10 minutes before eating.’, ‘url’: ‘https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/the-best-texas-sheet-cake/#wprm-recipe-10380-step-1-2’}]}

The Best Chocolate Sheet Cake Ever

texas sheet cake recipe

Ree Drummond’s chocolate sheet cake is a rich dessert recipe that’s made with mostly pantry staples. The pecan-studded fudge icing on top is pure decadence!

Prep: 20min

Total: 40min

Yield: 24 serving(s)

Ingredients:

  • 2 c. flour
  • 2 c. sugar
  • 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
  • 4 tbsp. (heaping) cocoa powder
  • 2 sticks butter
  • 1 c. boiling water
  • 1/2 c. buttermilk
  • 2 whole beaten eggs
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 1/2 c. finely chopped pecans
  • 1 3/4 sticks butter
  • 4 tbsp. (heaping) cocoa powder
  • 6 tbsp. milk
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 lb. (minus 1/2 cup) powdered sugar

Instruction:

  1. Note: I use an 18-by-13 sheet cake pan. Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl. Melt butter in a saucepan. Add cocoa. Stir together. Add boiling water, allow mixture to boil for 30 seconds, then turn off heat. Pour over flour mixture, and stir lightly to cool.
  2. Pour the buttermilk in a measuring cup and add beaten eggs, baking soda, and vanilla. Stir buttermilk mixture into butter/chocolate mixture. Pour into sheet cake pan and bake at 350-degrees for 20 minutes.
  3. While cake is baking, make the icing. Chop pecans finely. Melt butter in a saucepan. Add cocoa, stir to combine, then turn off heat. Add the milk, vanilla, and powdered sugar. Stir together. Add the pecans, stir together, and pour over warm cake.
    Cut into squares, eat, and totally wig out over the fact that you’ve just made the best chocolate sheet cake. Ever.

Classic Texas Sheet Cake

texas sheet cake recipe

If you love chocolate, and we mean really truly love, then this classic Texas sheet cake is exactly what your sweet tooth craves. Between the scratch-made cake and the decadent homemade frosting, this dessert is a chocolate lover’s dream come true. Unlike most cakes, this tender-crumbed delight should be frosted when it’s still hot—no need to let it cool. Pour on the sticky, sweet pecan-flecked frosting and watch it spread into a gloriously glossy blanket that’ll keep your cake moist and fresh tasting for as long as it lasts.

Prep: 20min

Total: 1

Yield: 16

Serving Size: 1 Serving

Nutrition Facts: calories 460 , Carbohydrate 59 g, Cholesterol 70 mg, Fat 4 1/2 , Fiber 2 g, Protein 4 g, Saturated Fat 12 g, servingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 270 mg, Sugar 44 g, Trans Fat 1/2 g

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 cup water
  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened baking cocoa
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 eggs, slightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened baking cocoa
  • 6 tablespoons milk
  • 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Instruction:

  1. Heat oven to 325°F. Spray 15x10x1-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
  2. In large bowl, stir together flour, granulated sugar and salt; set aside.
  3. In 2-quart saucepan, heat 1 cup butter, the water and 3 tablespoons baking cocoa to boiling. Remove from heat. Pour over flour mixture in bowl; stir until well mixed. Add buttermilk, baking soda, 1 teaspoon vanilla and the eggs; stir until well blended. Pour into pan, spreading evenly.
  4. Bake 22 to 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
  5. Meanwhile, in another 2-quart saucepan, heat 1/2 cup butter, 3 tablespoons baking cocoa and the milk to simmering. Remove from heat. Beat in powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla with whisk until smooth. Stir in pecans.
  6. Pour frosting over hot cake. Cool completely before cutting, about 1 hour.

Grandma’s Texas Sheet Cake

texas sheet cake recipe

When it comes to a classic cake you can’t go wrong with Grandma’s Texas Sheet Cake. A classic chocolate cake recipe with a poured frosting that has been loved for generations!

Prep: 20min

Total: 42min

Yield: 20

Serving Size: 1 serving

Nutrition Facts: calories 391 kcal, Carbohydrate 53 g, Protein 4 g, Fat 20 g, Saturated Fat 4 g, Trans Fat 1 g, Cholesterol 20 mg, Sodium 230 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 41 g, servingSize 1 serving

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup margarine
  • 1 cup water
  • 4 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs (slightly beaten)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup margarine
  • 6 Tablespoons milk
  • 4 Tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instruction:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375F degrees.
  2. In a large saucepan, bring to a boil margarine, water and cocoa powder.
  3. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
  4. Add in flour, eggs, baking soda, sugar and sour cream to the saucepan.
  5. Mix together well.
  6. Pour batter into a buttered and floured 10”x15”x2″ baking pan and bake for 22 minutes.
  7. For the frosting: in a saucepan, bring to boil margarine, milk and cocoa powder.
  8. Remove from heat and add in chopped nuts, powdered sugar and vanilla.
  9. Beat well until combined and immediately pour over warm cake.
  10. Let cool until frosting is set.

Easy Texas Sheet Cake Recipe

FAQ

Why is it called a Texas sheet cake?

Some sources say it may have first shown up in a Texas newspaper, which is why it’s called “Texas” sheet cake, while others claim the name comes from the fact that it’s the size of Texas. Regardless of its origins, this cake is truly a crowd-pleaser.

What makes sheet cake different?

The primary difference between sheet cake and regular cake is the size of the cake pan. Sheet cake is made in a sheet cake pan which is a shallow, large pan. Regular cake is usually made in a 9×13 baking dish or, for a double layer cake, it’s made in two 8-9” round pans.

Can you leave a Texas sheet cake out overnight?

You do not have to refrigerate the cake. It can be left at room temperature for up to two days. Any longer than that an you will want to pop it in the fridge or freezer.

What size pan do you use for a sheet cake?

Here are some common sheet cake pan measurements: Full sheet cake: 18″ x 26″ Half sheet cake: 13″ x 18″ Quarter sheet cake: 9″ x 23″

About the author

Helen is an author and editor at helenbackcafe.com, who has a passion for writing about recipes. She loves to experiment with different ingredients and cooking techniques to create delicious and unique dishes.

Among all the foods, pizza holds a special place in her heart, and she loves exploring different variations and toppings to create the perfect slice. Through her writing, Helen hopes to inspire others to get creative in the kitchen and share their love for food with the world.

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