Texas Sheet Cake is a beloved dessert known for its rich chocolate flavor and easy preparation. This cake is perfect for various occasions, from family gatherings to potlucks and birthday parties. Its unique feature is the warm fudge-like pecan frosting that sets it apart from other cakes. With its moist texture and delightful toppings, Texas Sheet Cake is sure to please any crowd.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This cake comes together in just 45 minutes, making it a great option for last-minute desserts.
- Feeding a Crowd: The large baking sheet yields about 15 servings, perfect for gatherings or celebrations.
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate and pecans creates a rich taste that chocolate lovers will adore.
- Versatile Dessert: Serve it at parties, picnics, or even as a comforting treat at home.
- Easy to Customize: You can add your favorite nuts or even swap ingredients for dietary needs while keeping the deliciousness intact.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Saucepan
- Baking sheet (10×15 inch)
- Whisk
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Makes mixing easy and ensures your batter is well combined without much effort.
- Saucepan: Essential for melting butter and cocoa, creating the base for your cake’s rich flavor.
- Baking sheet: A must-have for creating the classic Texas Sheet Cake shape, allowing even baking across the surface.
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 for easier removal.
Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Mixture
In a saucepan over low heat, melt the 1 cup of unsalted butter. Add in the 1 cup of water and 5 tablespoons of cocoa powder. Bring this mixture to a boil before removing it from heat, then 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 your stand mixer bowl, mix together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually beat in the sour cream and egg mixture until blended.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Once cooled enough to touch, add the chocolate mixture to your flour mixture on low speed. Scrape down the sides as needed and mix until just combined.
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: Make the Frosting While Baking
While your cake bakes, prepare the frosting by combining 6 tablespoons of whole milk with an additional 5 tablespoons of cocoa powder and another 1/2 cup of unsalted butter in a saucepan. Bring this mixture to a boil before removing from heat.
Step 8: Finish Frosting Preparation
Stir in the 4 cups of confectioners sugar and add in the teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Fold in the chopped pecans until everything is well mixed.
Step 9: Frost Your Cake
Once your cake has baked and cooled slightly, spread the warm frosting evenly over it while still warm. Enjoy this delightful Texas Sheet Cake fresh!
How to Serve Texas Sheet Cake
Texas Sheet Cake is a delightful dessert that is perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or a simple family dinner. Its rich chocolate flavor and warm fudge-like pecan frosting make it an irresistible treat. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your Texas Sheet Cake experience.
Simple Slice and Serve
- Cut the cake into squares and serve it plain for a classic approach.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added creaminess.
Chocolate Drizzle
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the frosted cake for an extra chocolatey touch.
- This adds visual appeal and enhances the chocolate flavor.
Fresh Berries
- Top each slice with fresh berries such as strawberries or raspberries.
- The tartness of the berries complements the sweet frosting beautifully.
Whipped Cream
- Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of each piece.
- This adds lightness and balances the richness of the cake.
Coffee Pairing
- Serve slices alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee.
- The bitterness of coffee pairs well with the sweetness of the cake.
How to Perfect Texas Sheet Cake
Creating the perfect Texas Sheet Cake involves attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your cake turns out delicious every time.
Use room temperature ingredients: Bring butter, eggs, and sour cream to room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter and ensures even baking.
Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined when adding wet ingredients to dry. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake texture.
Check doneness with a toothpick: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when your cake is done.
Cool slightly before frosting: Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before spreading on frosting. This allows it to set without melting away.
Best Side Dishes for Texas Sheet Cake
Texas Sheet Cake pairs well with various side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Here are some great ideas to consider when serving this delightful dessert.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits brings balance to the sweetness of the cake.
- Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Set up an ice cream bar with toppings for guests to customize their desserts.
- Coffee or Tea: Offer hot beverages like coffee or tea to enhance the dessert experience.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide a savory contrast to the sweet cake.
- Pecan Pie Bars: These bars echo the pecans in your cake and add another layer of flavor.
- Chocolate Mousse: Serve small cups of chocolate mousse as an indulgent pairing for true chocolate lovers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Texas Sheet Cake, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Avoiding these mistakes will help you create a delicious cake every time.
Not using room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs or butter can lead to a dense cake. Always ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best texture.
Overmixing the batter: Mixing too long can make the cake tough. Beat the ingredients just until combined to keep your Texas Sheet Cake light and fluffy.
Skipping the parchment paper: Not lining your pan can result in a sticky mess. Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up.
Underbaking or overbaking: Baking for too long or too short can ruin your cake’s texture. Always check for doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean.
Ignoring cooling time for frosting: Applying frosting when the cake is too hot can melt it away. Allow your cake to cool slightly before spreading on the frosting.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Texas Sheet Cake can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- If possible, cover with plastic wrap or foil before placing it in the container.
Freezing Texas Sheet Cake
- Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place wrapped slices in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Frozen Texas Sheet Cake will maintain quality for up to 3 months.
Reheating Texas Sheet Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid. Warm for about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Texas Sheet Cake special?
Texas Sheet Cake is unique due to its moist texture and rich chocolate flavor, complemented by a fudgy pecan frosting that adds a delightful crunch.
Can I make Texas Sheet Cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake and frost your cake a day ahead. Just store it properly in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.
How do I adjust this recipe for high altitudes?
To adjust for high altitudes, reduce sugar by 1-2 tablespoons and add an extra tablespoon of flour. Also, increase baking time slightly.
What toppings work well with Texas Sheet Cake?
While pecans are traditional, you can also use walnuts, chocolate chips, or even sprinkles for a fun twist!
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend specifically designed for baking to make this recipe gluten-free without sacrificing taste.
Final Thoughts
Texas Sheet Cake is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Its rich chocolate flavor paired with nutty frosting makes it perfect for gatherings or family dinners. Feel free to customize it by adding different nuts or experimenting with various frostings. Try this delightful recipe today and impress your friends and family!
Texas Sheet Cake
Texas Sheet Cake is a crowd-pleasing dessert that effortlessly combines rich chocolate flavor with the crunch of pecans. Known for its moist texture and warm fudge-like frosting, this cake is perfect for any occasion—from family gatherings to birthday parties.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 15 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (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
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10×15 inch baking sheet.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter with water and cocoa powder over low heat until boiling; set aside to cool.
- In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream and eggs.
- In a stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the sour cream mixture.
- Once cooled slightly, mix in the chocolate mixture until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- While baking, make the frosting by boiling milk, cocoa powder, and butter in a saucepan. Remove from heat and stir in confectioners sugar, vanilla extract, and pecans.
- Spread warm frosting over cooled cake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding chocolate chips or swapping out pecans for walnuts. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
