Texas Sheet Cake is a rich, moist chocolate cake that’s topped with a velvety chocolate frosting and sprinkled with nuts. This easy-to-make cake is perfect for feeding a crowd and is a Southern favorite.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving something sweet, Texas Sheet Cake always delivers. It’s known for its soft, fudgy texture and a frosting that is poured onto the warm cake, creating a decadent treat. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s simple to prepare but impressive in flavor, Texas Sheet Cake is your answer. Not a fan of nuts? No worries, you can easily leave them out, and the cake will still be incredibly indulgent!

Kitchen Equipment Needed:

Large saucepan
Whisk
Mixing bowls
18×13 inch baking sheet (or a jelly roll pan)
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula

Texas Sheet Cake

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

Kitchen Equipment Needed
Large saucepan
Whisk
Mixing bowls
18x13 inch baking sheet (or a jelly roll pan)
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup water
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup sour cream
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Directions:
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 18x13 inch baking sheet.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Prepare the chocolate mixture: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the water and cocoa powder, whisking until smooth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove from heat.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Pour the chocolate mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until well combined.
Add sour cream and eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract. Add this mixture to the cake batter and stir until smooth.
Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Prepare the frosting: While the cake is baking, make the frosting. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cocoa powder and milk, whisking until smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then remove from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and powdered sugar, whisking until smooth. Fold in the chopped nuts, if using.
Frost the cake: When the cake comes out of the oven, let it cool for about 5 minutes. Then, pour the warm frosting over the warm cake, spreading it evenly.
Let it set: Allow the cake and frosting to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
20 minutes
Total Time:
35 minutes
Nutrition (per serving):
Calories: 350
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 180mg
Sugar: 45g
Fiber: 1g