Texas Sheet Cake

This Texas Sheet Cake is a classic Southern dessert that’s rich, moist, and topped with a decadent chocolate frosting. Known for its simplicity and bold flavors, this cake is baked in a single layer, making it perfect for feeding a crowd at potlucks, family gatherings, or casual get-togethers. With its deep cocoa flavor and creamy frosting, it’s sure to become a favorite!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 cup margarine
• 1 cup water
• 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup sour cream

For the Frosting:

• ½ cup margarine
• 6 tablespoons milk
• 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 3½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) .
2. Butter and flour a 10”x15”x2″ baking pan (also called a jelly roll pan) or spray it generously with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

1. In a large saucepan, combine 1 cup margarine , 1 cup water , and 4 tablespoons cocoa powder .
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Stir in the 2 cups all-purpose flour , 2 beaten eggs , 1 teaspoon baking soda , 2 cups granulated sugar , and ½ cup sour cream . Mix well until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

1. Place the pan on the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for 22–25 minutes , or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Oven times may vary, so keep an eye on the cake toward the end of baking.
2. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 10–15 minutes before frosting.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

1. In a saucepan, combine ½ cup margarine , 6 tablespoons milk , and 4 tablespoons cocoa powder .
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, remove from heat.
3. Stir in 1 cup chopped walnuts (if using), 3½ cups powdered sugar , and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract . Beat the mixture well until it’s smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Frost the Cake

1. Immediately pour the warm frosting over the slightly cooled cake. Use a spatula to spread the frosting evenly across the surface.
2. Let the cake cool completely at room temperature until the frosting sets.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Once the frosting has set, cut the cake into squares or rectangles.
2. Serve as-is or garnish with additional chopped walnuts for extra crunch.

Why You’ll Love This Cake

This Texas Sheet Cake is a crowd-pleaser for good reason. The cake itself is moist and packed with chocolate flavor, while the frosting is rich, creamy, and perfectly sweet. Its thin layer makes it easy to serve, and the optional walnuts add a delightful texture contrast. Best of all, it’s quick to make and feeds a large group effortlessly.

Tips for Success

• Use fresh cocoa powder : Fresh cocoa powder ensures maximum chocolate flavor in both the cake and frosting.
• Don’t skip the sour cream : It adds moisture and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
• Frost immediately : The frosting sets quickly, so pour it over the cake as soon as it’s ready.
• Storage : Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair slices of cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or extra chopped walnuts for a decorative touch.
• Serve with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee for a cozy dessert experience.

Enjoy this Texas Sheet Cake —a rich, chocolatey, and comforting dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious!