Texas Sheet Cake

Texas Sheet Cake is a beloved dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to potlucks. This rich, moist chocolate cake, baked in a large sheet pan, is topped with a warm, fudgy pecan frosting that takes it to the next level. Its simplicity and delicious flavor make Texas Sheet Cake a crowd favorite that everyone can enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and minimal equipment, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Perfect for Sharing: With generous servings, this sheet cake is ideal for parties and gatherings where you want to feed a crowd.
• Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate cake and rich pecan frosting creates a delightful taste experience that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Dessert: Serve it at birthday parties, holidays, or just because! Texas Sheet Cake suits any occasion.
• Quick Preparation: With a total time of just 45 minutes, you can whip up this dessert in no time.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes mixing ingredients easy and saves time compared to hand mixing.
• Saucepan: Perfect for melting butter and combining wet ingredients without burning them.
• Baking sheet: Allows for even baking and easy serving straight from the pan.

Ingredients

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.

Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Mixture

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

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, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add in the sour cream and egg mixture until blended.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Mixture

Once the chocolate mixture has cooled enough to touch, pour it into the dry ingredient mixture. Beat on low speed until fully mixed, scraping down the sides as necessary.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your 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: Prepare the Frosting

While your cake bakes, prepare the frosting by combining 6 tablespoons whole milk with an additional 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder and another 1/2 cup unsalted butter in a saucepan. 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 1 cup of chopped pecans until everything is well blended.

Step 9: Frost Your Cake

Once your cake is out of the oven and still warm, spread the frosting generously over the top while it’s still warm for best results.

Enjoy your delightful Texas Sheet Cake!

How to Serve Texas Sheet Cake

Texas Sheet Cake is a delightful dessert that can be served in various ways. Its rich chocolate flavor and creamy pecan frosting make it a favorite for gatherings, celebrations, or just a sweet treat at home. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience with this delicious cake.

Serve Warm

• Serving the cake warm adds to its fudgy texture and enhances the flavor of the chocolate frosting.

Pair with Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top creates a delightful contrast between warm cake and cold ice cream, making each bite irresistible.

Add Fresh Berries

• Fresh strawberries or raspberries can provide a refreshing tartness that balances the sweetness of the cake and frosting.

Drizzle with Caramel Sauce

• A light drizzle of caramel sauce over each slice can add an extra layer of flavor, making it even more decadent.

Top with Whipped Cream

• Lightly whipped cream can complement the richness of the Texas Sheet Cake, giving it a fluffy texture.

How to Perfect Texas Sheet Cake

To achieve the best results when making your Texas Sheet Cake, consider these essential tips. They will help ensure your cake is moist, flavorful, and perfectly frosted.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.

• Don’t overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to keep the cake soft and tender.

• Watch your baking time: Keep an eye on the cake while it bakes; removing it from the oven when a toothpick comes out clean prevents drying out.

• Cool before frosting: Allow the cake to cool slightly before spreading on the frosting for a smoother application.

Best Side Dishes for Texas Sheet Cake

While Texas Sheet Cake is delicious on its own, pairing it with certain side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Coffee: A rich cup of coffee complements the chocolate flavors perfectly.
2. Milk: Classic cold milk is always a favorite choice alongside chocolate desserts.
3. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and contrasts well with sweetness.
4. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide a savory balance to the sweet cake.
5. Chocolate Mousse: For true chocoholics, serving alongside chocolate mousse enhances indulgence.
6. Nutty Granola: Adding some granola offers crunchiness that pairs well with the soft texture of the cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Texas Sheet Cake, it’s easy to encounter a few pitfalls. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping Ingredient Temperature: Using cold eggs or butter can affect the batter’s consistency. Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for the best results.

• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too long can lead to a dense cake. Beat the mixture only until combined to keep your cake light and fluffy.

• Not Checking Oven Temperature: An oven that is too hot or too cold can ruin your cake. Always use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures.

• Using Incorrect Pan Size: A pan that is too small may cause overflowing, while a pan that is too large can dry out the cake. Stick to the recommended 10×15 inch size for perfect results.

• Frosting While Cake Is Too Hot: Applying frosting on a very hot cake can cause it to melt. Allow your cake to cool slightly before frosting for a smooth finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Texas Sheet Cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Texas Sheet Cake

• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
• You can freeze the cake for up to 3 months without losing flavor.

Reheating Texas Sheet Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Texas Sheet Cake?

Texas Sheet Cake is a large chocolate cake baked in a sheet pan, known for its rich fudge-like frosting and pecan topping.

How do I store leftover Texas Sheet Cake?

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Can I make Texas Sheet Cake without nuts?

Yes! If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans from the recipe while still enjoying all its chocolatey goodness.

What is the best way to frost Texas Sheet Cake?

Frost the cake while it is still slightly warm. This helps the frosting spread smoothly and melds beautifully with the cake.

Final Thoughts

Texas Sheet Cake is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Its soft texture combined with rich chocolate flavor makes it irresistible. Feel free to customize it by adding different toppings or flavors in the frosting. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!

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Texas Sheet Cake

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x

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Description

Texas Sheet Cake is a classic dessert that brings joy to any gathering with its rich chocolate flavor and decadent pecan frosting. This easy-to-make treat is baked in a large sheet pan, making it perfect for serving a crowd at parties, holidays, or casual get-togethers. With its moist texture and fudgy topping, Texas Sheet Cake is a crowd-pleaser that’s simple enough for beginner bakers yet delicious enough to impress everyone. In just 45 minutes, you can create this delightful cake that will leave your guests asking for seconds.

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

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 10×15 inch pan.
2. In a saucepan over low heat, melt butter, add water and cocoa powder. Bring to a boil and set aside.
3. Whisk together sour cream and eggs in a small bowl.
4. In a stand mixer bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix in the sour cream mixture until blended.
5. Stir in the cooled chocolate mixture until fully mixed.
6. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. For the frosting, combine milk, cocoa powder, and butter in a saucepan; bring to boil then remove from heat. Stir in confectioners sugar and vanilla; fold in pecans.
8. Frost warm cake directly after baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 70g)
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 35mg