Texas Sheet Cake is a beloved dessert that brings together rich chocolate flavor and a fudgy pecan frosting. This cake is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy night in. Its simplicity in preparation and the delightful taste make it an irresistible choice for any occasion. The large sheet format also means it easily serves a crowd, making it an excellent option for parties and celebrations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up this delicious cake with confidence.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of cocoa and butter creates a moist chocolate cake that everyone loves.
- Perfect for Sharing: This sheet cake serves 15 people, making it ideal for family gatherings and events.
- Quick Baking Time: Bake in just 22-25 minutes, allowing you to enjoy dessert without long waits.
- Versatile Topping Options: While the pecan frosting is delightful, feel free to switch it up with your favorite toppings!
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect Texas Sheet Cake, having the right tools on hand makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Saucepan
- Baking sheet (10×15 inch)
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Ensures thorough mixing of ingredients, creating a smooth batter.
- Saucepan: Perfect for melting butter and mixing the cocoa mixture evenly.
- Baking sheet: Allows for even baking across a larger surface area, essential for sheet cakes.
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.
Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Mixture
In a saucepan over low heat:
1. Melt the 1 cup of unsalted butter.
2. Add in 1 cup of water and 5 tablespoons of cocoa powder.
3. Bring this mixture to a boil then remove from heat; set aside.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a small bowl:
1. Whisk together 1/2 cup sour cream and 2 large eggs until combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In the bowl of your stand mixer:
1. Combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 cups granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
2. Beat in the sour cream and egg mixture until well mixed.
3. Once the chocolate mixture has cooled slightly, add it to the flour mixture on low speed. Scrape down sides as needed.
Step 5: 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 6: Make the Frosting
While the cake bakes:
In another saucepan:
1. Combine 6 tablespoons whole milk, an additional 5 tablespoons cocoa powder, and an additional 1/2 cup unsalted butter.
2. Bring this mixture to a boil then remove from heat.
3. Stir in 4 cups confectioners sugar and add in 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract.
4. Fold in chopped pecans until fully blended.
Step 7: Frosting Application
Once your cake has baked:
Spread the warm frosting over the top while it’s still hot for a gooey finish. Enjoy your delicious Texas Sheet Cake!
How to Serve Texas Sheet Cake
Texas Sheet Cake is a delightful dessert that shines at any gathering. Serving it properly can elevate the experience for your guests and make your event memorable.
Classic Slice
- A traditional slice of Texas Sheet Cake is perfect on its own. Serve it warm or at room temperature for an enjoyable treat.
A La Mode
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of a warm slice. The ice cream melts into the cake, creating a delicious contrast of textures.
With Fresh Berries
- Garnish your cake with fresh strawberries or raspberries. The tartness complements the sweet chocolate flavor beautifully.
Drizzled with Caramel
- For an extra touch, drizzle caramel sauce over each slice. This adds richness and elevates the overall taste.
With Whipped Cream
- Top your cake with homemade whipped cream for a light and airy addition. It balances the richness of the chocolate frosting.
Coffee Pairing
- Serve slices alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee. The bitterness of coffee pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cake.
How to Perfect Texas Sheet Cake
Perfecting your Texas Sheet Cake requires attention to detail and some helpful tips to ensure success every time you bake it.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Don’t Overmix: After adding the cocoa mixture, mix just until combined to keep your cake light and fluffy.
- Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. If there’s batter on it, give it more time in the oven.
- Frost While Warm: Spread frosting over warm cake for easy application and to allow flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Store Properly: Keep leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile of your cake.
Best Side Dishes for Texas Sheet Cake
Pairing side dishes with Texas Sheet Cake can create a more rounded meal experience. These options will complement your dessert perfectly.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the cake.
- Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Set up a sundae bar with toppings like nuts, sprinkles, and sauce for an interactive dessert experience.
- Cheese Platter: Offer a variety of cheeses that contrast with the sweet flavors—sharp cheddar or creamy brie work well.
- Coffee Cake Muffins: These offer a delightful texture and flavor that harmonizes nicely with chocolate desserts.
- Pecan Pie Bites: Mini pecan pies enhance nutty flavors found in Texas Sheet Cake’s frosting.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These treats provide an elegant touch, combining chocolate with fresh fruit for added enjoyment.
- Brownies: For double chocolate lovers, serving fudgy brownies alongside will surely satisfy their cravings.
- Mini Cupcakes: Offer assorted mini cupcakes as bite-sized treats that can be easily enjoyed by guests.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Texas Sheet Cake can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that may affect the outcome. Here are some mistakes to watch for:
- Using cold ingredients: This can lead to a dense cake. Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting.
- Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can make the cake tough. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
- Not checking for doneness: Relying solely on baking time can result in undercooked or overcooked cake. Always use a toothpick to check if it comes out clean.
- Skipping the frosting step: The warm frosting is essential for perfect flavor and texture. Don’t let it cool too much before spreading it on the cake.
- Improperly greasing the pan: A sticky cake is no fun. Ensure you grease and flour your baking sheet thoroughly or use parchment paper.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Texas Sheet Cake in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing Texas Sheet Cake
- Allow the cake to cool completely before wrapping.
- Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Texas Sheet Cake
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm slices for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid for about 5 minutes to retain moisture.
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 fudgy frosting made from cocoa powder and pecans.
How long does it take to make Texas Sheet Cake?
The total time for preparing and baking Texas Sheet Cake is approximately 45 minutes, including prep and cook time.
Can I customize my Texas Sheet Cake?
Yes! You can add different nuts like walnuts or even incorporate chocolate chips into the batter for added texture.
Is Texas Sheet Cake suitable for special occasions?
Absolutely! Its large size makes it perfect for gatherings, parties, or potlucks where you need to serve many people.
What should I serve with Texas Sheet Cake?
This delicious cake pairs well with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Final Thoughts
Texas Sheet Cake is not only delicious but also versatile, making it suitable for various occasions. Its moist texture and rich frosting will impress anyone who tries it. Feel free to customize it with your favorite nuts or toppings. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!
Texas Sheet Cake
Texas Sheet Cake is a classic Southern dessert that combines a rich, moist chocolate cake with a warm, fudgy pecan frosting. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to casual get-togethers. Its generous sheet format means it can serve a crowd, making it an excellent choice for potlucks and celebrations. With its delightful combination of flavors and textures, Texas Sheet Cake is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 15 people 1x
Ingredients
- 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 the frosting: 6 tablespoons whole milk
- 5 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cups confectioners sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10×15 inch baking sheet.
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add water and cocoa powder; bring to a boil and set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk together sour cream and eggs.
- In your stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Mix in the sour cream mixture until well combined. Slowly add the cocoa mixture.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- For the frosting, boil milk, cocoa powder, and butter in another saucepan. Stir in confectioners sugar and vanilla; fold in pecans.
- Spread warm frosting over the baked cake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 39g
- Sodium: 265mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing. Frost while the cake is still warm for best results. Feel free to experiment with toppings like chocolate chips or different nuts.