If you love moist, fudgy chocolate cake with a rich, glossy icing, this Classic Texas Sheet Cake is calling your name! A true Southern favorite, this cake is ultra-soft, incredibly easy to make, and topped with a luscious chocolate glaze that melts right into the warm cake. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, potluck, or just because you’re craving chocolate, this sheet cake will be a guaranteed hit!
Let’s dive into the recipe, along with tips, variations, and everything you need to make the best Texas sheet cake ever!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Simple ingredients, big flavor – You likely have everything in your pantry!
✔ One of the easiest cakes to make – No fancy equipment needed, just a saucepan and a mixing bowl!
✔ Super moist and rich – Thanks to sour cream and the warm cocoa mixture.
✔ That chocolate icing! – It seeps into the cake, creating a fudgy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
✔ Feeds a crowd – Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just to share with family and friends.
What Does Texas Sheet Cake Taste Like?
Imagine a deep, chocolatey cake that’s moist and tender, topped with a warm, pourable chocolate frosting that sets into a thin, fudgy layer. It’s like a cross between a brownie and a cake—sweet, slightly tangy from the sour cream, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups white sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup water
- 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
For the Icing:
- 6 tablespoons milk
- 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup butter
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional, for crunch)
Tools You’ll Need
✔ 10×15-inch baking pan – The perfect size for a Texas sheet cake.
✔ Saucepan – For melting butter and cocoa.
✔ Mixing bowls – To combine the dry and wet ingredients.
✔ Whisk or hand mixer – To mix everything smoothly.
How to Make Classic Texas Sheet Cake
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 10×15-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the sour cream and eggs, mixing until smooth.
Step 3: Prepare the Cocoa Mixture
- In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup butter over low heat.
- Stir in water and 5 tablespoons cocoa powder, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before adding it to the flour mixture.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
- Pour the warm cocoa mixture into the flour mixture and stir until smooth and fully combined.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Prepare the Chocolate Icing
- While the cake is baking, combine the milk, cocoa powder, and butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then remove from heat.
- Stir in the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts, if using.
Step 6: Ice the Cake While It’s Warm
- Immediately pour the warm icing over the warm cake—this helps it soak in slightly for that signature fudgy texture!
- Spread evenly, ensuring every inch is covered in chocolate goodness.
- Let it set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
What to Serve with Texas Sheet Cake
This cake is already a chocolate lover’s dream, but you can take it up a notch with:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream – The perfect hot-and-cold combo!
- Whipped cream – Light and fluffy to balance the richness.
- A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce – For extra indulgence!
- A cup of coffee or cold milk – Because chocolate cake and milk are a match made in heaven!
Tips for the Best Texas Sheet Cake
✔ Use sour cream for extra moisture – It makes the cake incredibly soft.
✔ Pour the icing while the cake is warm – This helps it melt into the cake slightly for that signature texture.
✔ Don’t overbake – Check the cake at 18 minutes to ensure it stays moist and tender.
✔ Add a pinch of cinnamon – For a true Texas twist, mix a pinch of cinnamon into the cake batter.
✔ Let the cake cool slightly before cutting – This helps the icing set and makes for cleaner slices.
How to Store and Freeze Texas Sheet Cake
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: If you prefer it chilled, keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual slices for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and thaw before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make Texas sheet cake ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
2. Can I use buttermilk instead of sour cream?
Absolutely! Buttermilk works as a great substitute for sour cream in this recipe.
3. Can I make this in a different pan size?
Yes, but the baking time will change. If using a 9×13-inch pan, bake for 25-30 minutes.
4. Can I make this cake nut-free?
Of course! Simply omit the walnuts for a smooth, classic icing.
More Delicious Desserts to Try
Looking for more tasty treats? Try this next:
🥑 Egg Salad Avocado Toast – A Creamy, Flavor-Packed Breakfast Delight! – The perfect start to your morning!
Final Thoughts
Texas sheet cake is one of the easiest and most crowd-pleasing desserts you can make. With its rich chocolate flavor, fudgy icing, and ultra-moist texture, it’s a treat that’s sure to be loved by everyone!
Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments! And don’t forget to save this on Pinterest so you can make it again later! 🍫✨