The BEST Texas Sheet Cake
Why is it called Texas Sheet Cake?
It’s not known why chocolate sheet cake is often referred to as “Texas sheet cake.” I like to think it’s because it’s a cake the size of Texas. 🙂
This chocolate cake recipe is made in a sheet cake pan, which is where it gets the name, “sheet cake.” A sheet cake is any cake that is made in a large rectangular pan known as a sheet pan or jelly roll pan.
What size pan to make sheet cake:
Texas sheet cake recipes usually bake in a baker’s half-sheet pan that’s 18×13” inch. I prefer this type of pan because it results in a thinner cake with a thin layer of chocolate frosting, and it’s perfect for feeding a crowd.
You can bake Texas sheet cake in a 9×13” pan, but increase the baking time to about 30-35 minutes.
What’s the difference between Sheet Cake and Regular Cake?
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.
How to make Texas Sheet Cake:
- Add to saucepan: water, butter, and cocoa powder and bring mixture to a boil.
- In a bowl: mix together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl: mix together the sour cream, eggs and vanilla. Add sour cream/egg mixture to the flour mixture and mix until combined.
- Combine the batter. 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.
- Pour into sheet pan. Pour mixture into prepared pan and smooth with a spatula to make sure it is dispersed in an even layer.
- Bake. at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until set (mine is usually done around 15 minutes).
How to make Sheet Cake Frosting:
- In a saucepan: Add milk, cocoa and butter; bring mixture to a boil.
- Stir in: powdered sugar. I like to beat the mixture with my hand-held mixer to get rid of any lumps.
- Pour over cake. Pour the hot mixture right over the hot cake. Use a spatula to spread it evenly over the cake. Allow frosting to set for about 10 minutes before eating.
Do you need to refrigerate Texas Sheet Cake?
You don’t have to, but it will last better and longer if stored, covered, in the refrigerator. If you live somewhere warm and humid, it’s especially best to store it in the fridge.
Consider trying these popular Dessert Recipes:
You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST for more great recipes!
The BEST Texas Sheet Cake
Video
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks)
- 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
For the Frosting
- 6 Tablespoons milk
- 3 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
- 3 3/4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 18x13'' pan.
- Add water butter cocoa powder to a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring mixture to a boil.
- Meanwhile, in a separate bowl mix together the flour, sugar baking soda and salt.
- In another small bowl mix together the sour cream, eggs and vanilla.
- Add sour cream/egg mixture to the flour mixture and mix until combined.
- 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.
- Pour mixture into prepared pan and smooth with a spatula to make sure it is dispersed in an even layer.
- Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until set (mine is usually done around 15 minutes).
- When the cake is about half-way through cooking, prepare the frosting.
For the Chocolate Sheet Cake Frosting
- Add milk, cocoa and butter to a saucepan. Bring mixture to a boil.
- 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.
- 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.
Notes
Nutrition
Have you tried this recipe?!
RATE and COMMENT below! I would love to hear your experience.
*I originally shared this recipe September 2011. Updated May 2019.
Judy Forsong says
Similar to something my Mom made when we had family visiting. Kids really enjoyed it but I think I’ll use a little less powdered sugar next time I make it.
Nelda says
Great and moist. I used Miricle Whip instead of sour cream.
Angie says
This is devine. Fudgy, moist, beatiful cake. I glaced it with hazelnut chocolate ganache taking it to another level .
I was looking for cakes that would cater for our student population at night church . They are going to love this .
Angie from NZ
Marjorie Allen says
This cake was a hit at my son’s birthday party! My husband and his family love love love Texas Sheet Cake, they were very happy with this recipe. I was super nervous that I was going to end up with scrambled egg chunks when I poured in the hot chocolate mixture but it came out perfectly (the video gave me a lot more confidence) I would probably cut back a little on the sugar, for me, but it really was a hit! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Ali says
This is a good recipe, but you definitely need at least a double batch of the frosting. If I make it again I’ll make a triple batch to make sure I have plenty.
Carolyn says
I have a recipe like this cake but it calls for cinnamon and it tastes wonderful.
Dadise says
awesome and easy EXCEPT I should have read the frosting part again…I put the powdered sugar in when measuring cooked it a little bit anyway..Frosting tastes great but it is a little grainy
Jen Blamy says
This cake is so delicious. I did decrease the sugar in the cake down to 1 and 3/4 cup.
Alissa says
This is a great cake. From reading the reviews I added less powdered sugar and added a bit of cornstarch to compensate for the consistency in the frosting. Someone said it needed way more frosting, but I think the recipe has it just right.