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Delicious Texas sheet cake recipe.

Texas sheet cake recipe

Before we jump into baking, let’s talk about the magic behind each ingredient in this Texas sheet cake recipe. Every ingredient plays a key role in creating that soft, fudgy texture and rich chocolate flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 20 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

Cake Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 cup water
  • 5 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

Icing Ingredients

  • 6 tbsp milk
  • 5 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ cup butter
  • 4 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Preheat and Prep
    First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large 13x18-inch baking sheet with butter or non-stick spray. This will prevent the cake from sticking and help with easy cleanup!
  • Mix the Dry Ingredients
    In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly combined before adding the wet ingredients.
  • Make the Chocolate Mixture
    In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and stir in water and cocoa powder. Bring it just to a boil, then remove it from the heat. Pour this warm mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
  • Add the Eggs and Sour Cream
    In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and sour cream. Add this to the chocolate mixture and stir well until smooth. The batter should be silky and easy to pour.
  • Bake the Cake
    Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. While the cake bakes, get ready to make the frosting!
  • Make the Chocolate Frosting
    In a saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in milk and cocoa powder, whisking until smooth. Remove from heat, then mix in confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract. Stir until silky and lump-free.
  • Frost While Warm
    Once the cake comes out of the oven, immediately pour the warm frosting over the warm cake. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. The heat will help the frosting seep into the cake, creating that signature fudgy top.
  • Let It Set and Enjoy!
    Let the cake cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Once set, cut into squares and enjoy every chocolatey bite!

Notes

Want to make sure your Texas sheet cake recipe turns out perfectly every time? Here are some helpful tips!
  • Measure ingredients correctly – Too much flour can make the cake dense, so use the scoop-and-level method.
  • Use room temperature eggs and sour cream – This helps everything mix smoothly and evenly.
  • Don’t overbake – The cake should be just set in the center. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs.
  • Make it ahead – This cake tastes even better the next day! Store it covered at room temperature.
  • Freeze leftovers – Cut into squares, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Keyword Homemade Texas sheet cake recipe