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· 4.2 from 83 reviews

If you have a craving for rich, fudgy chocolate with a moist crumb that melts in your mouth, you have come to the perfect place. The BEST Texas Sheet Cake Recipe is a classic American dessert that combines ease and indulgence in one big, heavenly slab. Baked in a jelly roll pan, this chocolate cake is topped with a warm, glossy chocolate frosting that seeps into every bite, making it utterly irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just want to treat yourself, this simple yet spectacular recipe will quickly become your go-to for any occasion.

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

Gathering these straightforward ingredients is like gathering old friends for a delicious reunion. Each element is crucial to creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and richness that makes this recipe stand out.

1 cup water (240 ml): Adds moisture and helps the cocoa bloom for deep chocolate flavor.
1 cup butter (227 g): Richness and tenderness come straight from this essential fat.
3 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (22.5 g): Gives the cake its signature chocolate punch without overpowering.
2 cups all-purpose flour (240 g): The structure that holds this luscious cake together perfectly.
2 cups granulated sugar (400 g): Sweetness that balances the cocoa and keeps each mouthful delightful.
1 teaspoon baking soda (5 g): Helps the cake rise beautifully for a tender crumb.
1/2 teaspoon salt (2.5 g): Enhances all the flavors, making the chocolate truly pop.
1/2 cup sour cream (120 g): Adds moisture and a subtle tang to enrich the cake’s texture.
2 large eggs: Bind all ingredients with richness and lift.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml): Brings warmth and aromatic depth.
For the Frosting:
6 Tablespoons milk (90 ml): Creates the perfect consistency for a luscious glaze.
3 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (22.5 g): The frosting’s intense chocolate flavor hero.
1/2 cup butter (115 g): Adds creaminess and sheen to the frosting.
3 3/4 cups powdered sugar (450 g): Sweet and silky, this makes the frosting sing.

How to Make The BEST Texas Sheet Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Chocolate Mixture

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing a generous 18×13” pan. Then, combine water, butter, and cocoa powder in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring this rich chocolate mixture to a boil, filling your kitchen with the kind of heavenly aroma only chocolate can offer. It’s the foundation flavor that elevates the whole cake.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

While your chocolate base is coming to boil, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. These dry ingredients are the backbone of the cake, providing sweetness, lift, and balance to the intense cocoa flavor.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate smaller bowl, beat together the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract. This mixture adds moisture and depth, ensuring every bite of the cake feels rich and tender. This little mix also helps to keep the cake perfectly soft.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Once the chocolate mixture has reached a boil, remove it from heat and pour it directly into the flour mixture. Stir until fully combined and smooth with no lumps. Then fold in your sour cream and egg mixture. This is the magic moment when everything starts looking like the luscious batter we love.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour your batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Pop it in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, although typically 15 minutes is just enough for a perfectly moist texture. Keep an eye on it; you want a set top but no dryness.

Step 6: Prepare the Irresistible Frosting

While the cake is baking, start the frosting by heating milk, cocoa, and butter together in a saucepan over medium heat until boiling. Remove from heat and quickly stir in powdered sugar. Using a hand mixer at this point will help you chase away any lumps and create an utterly smooth, glossy chocolate glaze.

Step 7: Frost Your Cake

As soon as your cake comes out of the oven, pour the warm frosting generously over the hot cake. Use a spatula to spread it evenly so every inch is covered with chocolatey goodness. Let this set for about 10 minutes—if you can wait that long!

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 is stunning on its own, adding a sprinkle of chopped pecans, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a few fresh raspberries can bring fresh brightness and crunch. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream next to each slice also takes it into the realm of pure indulgence.

Side Dishes

This Texas sheet cake loves company. Pair with a simple cup of robust coffee or a cold glass of milk to balance the richness. It also pairs beautifully with fresh fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait to offer a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, cut the cake into bite-sized squares for a fun party platter or layer pieces with whipped cream and berries to craft an easy trifle. Wrapping individual slices in parchment paper tied with a ribbon makes for adorable gifts or lunchbox treats that feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (and I hope you are), wrap the cake tightly or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay moist and delicious for 2 to 3 days, perfect for sneaking a slice any time you need a chocolate pick-me-up.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully. Slice it into portions, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving to enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven flavor anytime you like.

Reheating

Warm leftover cake slightly in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a low oven to revive the gooey, fudgy texture. If the frosting hardens after storage, a quick reheat melts it right back into that fabulous glaze.

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of sour cream in The BEST Texas Sheet Cake Recipe?

While sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang that enhances the flavor and texture, you can substitute milk if needed. However, the cake might be less tender and not quite as rich. Adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to the milk can mimic the acidity of sour cream.

Is this recipe good for gluten-free baking?

This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, but you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking. Keep in mind that texture and rise might vary slightly, so monitoring the baking time is key for the best result.

Can I make the frosting in advance?

Yes! The frosting can be prepared ahead and stored in the fridge. When you’re ready to use it, gently reheat over low heat while stirring until smooth and pourable, then proceed to frost your cake immediately for the best effect.

What’s the secret to getting the cake so moist?

The combination of boiling water, butter, and cocoa, plus the sour cream and eggs, creates an incredibly tender and moist crumb. Pouring the hot chocolate mixture into the dry ingredients warms and melts them slightly, giving that moist texture that’s signature to The BEST Texas Sheet Cake Recipe.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Absolutely! Just remember to use a larger pan or bake in two pans separately. Adjust the baking time accordingly—check for doneness at 20 minutes and then keep an eye on it as bigger cakes might need a few extra minutes without drying out.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely believe that once you try The BEST Texas Sheet Cake Recipe, it will become a cherished staple in your kitchen, just like it is in mine. It’s easy, quick, and wildly delicious, offering that perfect homemade chocolate fix every time. Go ahead, gather these humble ingredients and bake yourself a batch of joy—you won’t regret it!