Few desserts capture the heart like a classic Texas Sheet Cake—moist, chocolatey, and topped with a warm, melt-in-your-mouth frosting. Perfect for gatherings or just a sweet treat at home, this cake is legendary for its ease and deep flavor, thanks to the buttery, chocolate-rich batter and velvety cocoa frosting that sets just enough to create a luscious texture.
Your daughter’s baking skills deserve high praise—this recipe is a testament to her talent and eye for great taste! Let's break down what makes each ingredient in her creation so essential, followed by step-by-step guidance for mastering this decadent dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water: Activates the cocoa, releasing its full flavor in the batter.
- 1 cup butter: Adds richness and keeps the cake ultra-moist.
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: The key to a deep chocolate flavor, essential in both the cake and frosting.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure without making the cake dense.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens and adds moisture to the cake.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cake rise to achieve a light yet fudgy texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness.
- ½ cup sour cream: Adds tang and contributes to a tender, moist crumb.
- 2 large eggs: Provide structure and help bind the ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the chocolate flavor.
For the Frosting:
- 6 tablespoons milk: Thins the frosting to a smooth, pourable consistency.
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: Intensifies the chocolatey goodness in the frosting.
- ½ cup butter: Creates a rich, creamy base for the frosting.
- 3¾ cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and adds a smooth texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease an 18x13-inch pan to prevent sticking, ensuring easy release after baking.Combine Wet Ingredients in Saucepan
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine water, butter, and cocoa powder. Bring this mixture to a boil, letting the cocoa infuse the liquid for a rich flavor base.Prepare the Dry Mix
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the cake rises evenly and has a smooth, consistent crumb.Mix Wet Ingredients in a Small Bowl
In another bowl, blend sour cream, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. This creamy mixture contributes both moisture and structure to the cake.Combine All Elements
Add the sour cream mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until combined. Next, carefully pour in the hot chocolate mixture from the saucepan. Stir until smooth and lump-free.Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to smooth the top. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until set (around 15 minutes is typical).Prepare the Frosting
As the cake bakes, prepare the frosting. In a saucepan, combine milk, cocoa, and butter, bringing the mixture to a boil. Remove from heat and gradually whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth.Frost the Cake
Pour the hot frosting over the cake while it’s still warm. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Allow the frosting to set for about 10 minutes before slicing.
Why This Recipe Is Loved
This cake is beloved for its simplicity and decadent, intense chocolate flavor. Baking the cake and frosting simultaneously allows the frosting to meld into the cake, creating a fudgy, almost brownie-like texture on top.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Texas Sheet Cake
- Use room-temperature eggs and sour cream for a smoother batter.
- Don’t overbake. This cake is meant to be soft and fudgy; check at the 15-minute mark.
- Frost while warm for an even, smooth layer that seeps into the cake slightly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a perfect pairing, a cup of bold coffee or iced espresso complements the rich chocolate flavors beautifully.
In Summary:
This Texas Sheet Cake recipe is pure chocolate indulgence, packed with flavor and incredibly easy to make. With its soft, tender crumb and creamy cocoa frosting, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone coming back for seconds.