Name: The BEST Texas Sheet Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup water (240 ml); 1 cup butter (227 g); 3 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (22.5 g); 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 g); 2 cups granulated sugar (400 g); 1 teaspoon baking soda (5 g); 1/2 teaspoon salt (2.5 g); 1/2 cup sour cream (120 g); 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml); 6 Tablespoons milk (90 ml); 3 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (22.5 g); 1/2 cup butter (115 g); 3 3/4 cups powdered sugar (450 g)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 21 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping dessert that’s rich, moist, and downright irresistible, you’ve just found it with The BEST Texas Sheet Cake Recipe. This classic American treat is famously easy to whip up in a jelly roll pan, delivering deep chocolate flavor with a tender crumb topped by a luscious, warm chocolate frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving a little chocolate comfort, this beloved recipe never fails to impress and satisfy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two clear glass bowls sit on a white marbled surface. The larger bowl is filled with a mound of white flour, fluffy and uneven on top. The smaller bowl contains two raw yellow egg yolks, a dollop of white cream, and a light brown liquid, all resting together side by side. The scene is simple and clean, with the bowls placed close but not touching. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of The BEST Texas Sheet Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of taste and texture. From the luscious cocoa that gives it that signature chocolate punch to the sour cream that adds tender moisture, these ingredients come together beautifully with just pantry staples.

1 cup water (240 ml): Helps dissolve cocoa and butter for an even chocolate base.
1 cup butter (227 g): Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
3 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (22.5 g): Delivers deep chocolate flavor without extra sweetness.
2 cups all-purpose flour (240 g): Provides structure and a tender crumb.
2 cups granulated sugar (400 g): Sweetens the cake perfectly and balances the cocoa.
1 teaspoon baking soda (5 g): Acts as a leavening agent to keep the cake light.
1/2 teaspoon salt (2.5 g): Enhances all the chocolatey flavors.
1/2 cup sour cream (120 g): Brings moisture and a delicate tang to the batter.
2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml): Elevates the overall flavor with warmth and depth.

For the Frosting

6 Tablespoons milk (90 ml): Creates a smooth base for the frosting.
3 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (22.5 g): Gives the frosting an intense chocolate kick.
1/2 cup butter (115 g): Brings creamy richness and shine.
3 3/4 cups powdered sugar (450 g): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect consistency.

How to Make The BEST Texas Sheet Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Mix the Chocolate Base

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and grease an 18×13-inch jelly roll pan—this pan size is key for that classic thin sheetcake layer. Start by combining the water, butter, and cocoa powder in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring this mixture to a boil, which not only melts everything together smoothly but intensifies the chocolate flavor. Set this aside once boiling.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

While your chocolate mixture is heating, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. This combo is your dry foundation that ensures the cake rises just right and is perfectly sweetened.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate small bowl, beat the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. The sour cream is a secret ingredient that keeps the cake moist and tender, balancing the cocoa’s intensity with a subtle tang.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the sour cream and egg mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients, stirring until completely combined. Then, add your warm chocolate mixture to the batter and mix until no lumps remain—this is where the batter turns glossy and luscious, promising a moist cake inside.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the surface evenly with a spatula. Slide it into the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cake is set and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean. The result: a dense yet tender chocolate cake that’s ready for its frosting moment.

Step 6: Make the Signature Frosting

When the cake is about halfway through baking, start the frosting. Combine milk, cocoa powder, and butter in a saucepan, bring to a boil, then remove from heat. Stir in the powdered sugar until smooth—using a hand-held mixer can help eliminate lumps and give your frosting that silky texture we all crave.

Step 7: Frost and Set

Pour the warm frosting over the hot cake, spreading it evenly with a spatula so it seeps into every crevice. Let it cool and set for about 10 minutes before slicing. This sticky, chocolatey glaze is what truly makes The BEST Texas Sheet Cake Recipe stand apart from all others.

How to Serve The BEST Texas Sheet Cake Recipe

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a smooth yellow batter at the bottom layer. A second layer of rich, creamy brown chocolate mixture is being poured over the yellow batter from a container held above the bowl. The two layers contrast with the yellow batter showing beneath and the thick chocolate folding gently on top, creating a soft swirl. The scene captures the moment the chocolate flows into the yellow base, forming distinct but merging textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While this cake shines on its own, simple garnishes can elevate it for special occasions. Try a light dusting of powdered sugar or a handful of chopped toasted pecans to add a delightful crunch that complements the silky frosting. Fresh raspberries or a few dollops of whipped cream bring a refreshing contrast to the richness.

Side Dishes

This cake is wonderfully indulgent, so pairing it with lighter sides works beautifully. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a tangy fruit salad balances the chocolate intensity. For a cozy gathering, consider serving alongside a cup of strong coffee or a glass of cold milk to complete the comforting experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your guests? Serve The BEST Texas Sheet Cake Recipe in individual squares topped with a swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips or edible gold dust for glamour. For a rustic touch, place a few sprigs of fresh mint around the tray or plate. It’s the kind of dessert that looks as good as it tastes no matter how you dress it up.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Texas sheet cake keeps beautifully for a couple of days. Simply cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container at room temperature. Stored this way, it stays moist and flavorful, perfect for snacking or serving the next day.

Freezing

If you want to save it for longer, this cake freezes well. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or freeze the whole cake covered in an airtight container. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight to preserve texture and freshness.

Reheating

To revive that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. The frosting will soften deliciously, giving you that gooey, melty chocolate experience like it’s just been baked.

FAQs

Can I use a different pan size?

The recipe works best with an 18×13-inch pan to get that classic thin sheet cake layer. Using a smaller pan will make the cake thicker and may require longer baking time, while a larger pan might make it too thin and dry.

Is sour cream necessary?

Yes! Sour cream adds moisture and a subtle tanginess that makes this cake incredibly tender and rich. You can’t quite replicate the texture or flavor with substitutes like yogurt or buttermilk.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute your all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just be sure to check that your cocoa and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

What if I don’t have unsweetened cocoa powder?

It’s best to use unsweetened cocoa powder to control the sweetness and get that deep chocolate flavor. Using sweetened or Dutch-processed cocoa will alter the texture and flavor balance of the cake and frosting.

How thick should the frosting layer be?

The frosting is meant to be generously spread yet still thin enough to coat the cake evenly and seep into its surface. About a quarter-inch thickness after it sets is perfect for that melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t made The BEST Texas Sheet Cake Recipe yet, you are truly missing out on a chocolate lover’s dream come true. It’s the kind of cake that feels homemade, brings people together, and disappears too fast at every gathering. Give this delightful recipe a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it, and I promise it’ll become a cherished favorite in your kitchen too.

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