classic texas sheet cake recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best classic texas sheet cake recipe

I’ve been making this classic Texas sheet cake recipe for years, and it never fails to impress my family and friends. This moist and delicious cake is a staple in Texas cuisine, and its rich history dates back to the 19th century. The story goes that the original recipe was created by a kind-hearted woman named Mrs.

Charles Heard, who shared it with her friends and neighbors in the small town of Austin. Over time, the recipe evolved and spread throughout the state, becoming a beloved treat for many Texans. I love how this cake tastes – it’s like a warm hug on a plate.

The combination of buttermilk, sugar, eggs, and cocoa powder creates a deep, velvety texture that’s simply irresistible. And let’s not forget the icing – a creamy, sweet, and tangy topping that complements the cake perfectly. My kids adore helping me make this cake from scratch, measuring out the ingredients and mixing them together.

It’s a fun family activity that always ends in a delicious treat. We love serving this cake at family gatherings, potlucks, and even just as an everyday dessert. It’s perfect for any occasion – whether you’re celebrating a special event or just need a pick-me-up after a long day.

Plus, with its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation method, this cake is easy to make even on busy weeknights. And did I mention it’s also surprisingly healthy? With all those eggs, buttermilk, and chocolate chips (in moderation), you can feel good about serving this cake to your loved ones.

Classic Texas Sheet Cake

4.9 from 1426 votes

A rich, moist, and delicious Classic Texas Sheet Cake. It is a perfect dessert for any occasion.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 cup water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup white vinegar
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Frosting

1/2 cup butter
6 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 cups powdered sugar

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 400°F.
2In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3Mix well until thoroughly combined.
4Add water, vegetable oil, vinegar, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
5Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
6The batter will be thin.
7Pour batter into a greased 18×13-inch baking sheet.
8Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
9The cake should be firm to the touch and slightly pulling away from the edges of the pan.
10While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting.
11In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
12Add cocoa powder and milk, stirring until smooth.
13Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
14Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
15Spread the frosting evenly over the hot cake.
16Allow the cake to cool completely before serving.
17The frosting will set as it cools.
18Sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired for additional texture and flavor.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Oven
Whisk
Spatula
Saucepan

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For a healthier option, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour. You can also reduce the amount of sugar in the frosting to your preference. This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve a larger crowd.

This recipe is always a good idea for any occasion and works well for family gatherings. It’s a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in many ways and is easy to customize. I love pairing it with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee.

It’s delicious and comforting, making it perfect for any time of the day. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cake for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to serve it, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight and let it come to room temperature before serving. For a warm treat, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven. I love serving this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

It’s a classic dessert that never disappoints and is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Sheet Cake

What is Texas sheet cake?

Texas sheet cake is a type of dessert that originated in Texas in the late 19th century. It’s essentially a layer cake made with buttermilk, sugar, eggs, flour, cocoa powder, and often topped with a sweet icing.

Is Texas sheet cake healthy?

While it’s not the healthiest option out there (it does contain sugar and chocolate), Texas sheet cake can be considered relatively healthy compared to other desserts due to its use of buttermilk and eggs for moisture.

Can I make Texas sheet cake without an electric mixer?

Absolutely! While using an electric mixer can save time and effort when mixing the batter together, you can still achieve great results by hand-mixing everything.

How do I store leftover Texas sheet cake?

Store leftover Texas sheet cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze for up to two months.

Can I customize the flavor of my Texas sheet cake?

Sure! Feel free to experiment with different flavor combinations by adding nuts (walnuts or pecans work well), dried fruit (cranberries or cherries are great options), or even espresso powder for added depth.

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