Texas Sheet Cake is a classic Southern dessert known for its rich, chocolatey flavor, ultra-moist texture, and fudgy frosting that soaks into the cake while still warm. This easy-to-make sheet cake is perfect for feeding a crowd, making it a staple for potlucks, family gatherings, and celebrations.

This one-bowl, one-pan cake comes together quickly, and the warm chocolate glaze poured over the cake creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup water
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Fudgy Chocolate Frosting:

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ⅓ cup whole milk
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Baking Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch or 10×15-inch sheet pan with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
4. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in the water and cocoa powder. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring until smooth.
5. Pour the hot cocoa mixture into the flour mixture and stir to combine.
6. Add the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

7. Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan and spread evenly.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 4: Make the Fudge Frosting

9. While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
10. Stir in the cocoa powder and milk, then bring to a simmer while stirring constantly.
11. Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
12. Stir in the chopped pecans or walnuts, if using.

Step 5: Frost the Cake While Warm

13. As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, immediately pour the warm frosting over the warm cake.
14. Spread evenly with a spatula and let it soak into the cake.

Step 6: Cool & Serve

15. Allow the cake to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
16. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor.

Baking Tips for the Best Texas Sheet Cake

✔ For extra moisture, use hot coffee instead of water in the batter.
✔ No buttermilk? Make a substitute by mixing ½ cup milk with 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
✔ Want an even fudgier cake? Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips to the batter before baking.
✔ For a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans or walnuts.
✔ Let the frosting soak in! Pouring it over a warm cake helps create that signature fudgy texture.

Variations & Customizations

• Cinnamon Texas Sheet Cake – Add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon to the batter for a warm, spiced twist.
• Peanut Butter Texas Sheet Cake – Swirl in ½ cup peanut butter into the frosting before spreading.
• Mocha Texas Sheet Cake – Use hot brewed coffee instead of water in the cake batter for a deeper chocolate flavor.
• Salted Caramel Texas Sheet Cake – Drizzle caramel sauce over the frosting and sprinkle with sea salt.

Storage & Make-Ahead Instructions

✔ At Room Temperature: Store covered at room temp for up to 3 days.
✔ In the Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
✔ To Freeze: Freeze individual slices or the whole cake (wrapped in plastic wrap) for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is Texas Sheet Cake so moist?

The secret is the hot cocoa mixture added to the dry ingredients and the warm frosting poured over the warm cake. This keeps it super soft and fudgy.

2. Can I make Texas Sheet Cake without buttermilk?

Yes! You can use regular milk with 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.

3. What size pan works best?

A 10×15-inch jelly roll pan is traditional, but a 9×13-inch pan also works (it will just be slightly thicker).

4. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! Texas Sheet Cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

5. What’s the best way to serve Texas Sheet Cake?

It’s delicious on its own, but you can serve it with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Texas Sheet Cake

✔ Rich, fudgy, and ultra-moist
✔ Simple ingredients and easy to make
✔ Feeds a crowd – perfect for gatherings
✔ Quick prep time – ready in under an hour
✔ Melt-in-your-mouth chocolate glaze

If you’re looking for the best Texas Sheet Cake recipe, this classic Southern favorite is guaranteed to be a hit at any occasion! Enjoy every fudgy bite!