Description

Looking for a rich and indulgent dessert that’s quick to make and guaranteed to please a crowd? This Classic Texas Sheet Cake is a fudgy, chocolaty masterpiece that’s perfect for celebrations, potlucks, or when you need a comforting sweet treat. With its pour-over warm chocolate icing and optional crunchy pecans, this easy recipe falls into your must-try list of dinner ideas, dessert recipes, and quick baking fixes. It’s the ultimate combination of deep cocoa flavor and simple sheet pan ease—ideal for both beginners and experienced bakers!

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 cups granulated sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 cup water

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

2 large eggs, room temperature

1/2 cup buttermilk, room temperature

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup unsalted butter (for icing)

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for icing)

1/4 cup whole milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing)

3 to 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted

1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan or a 12×18-inch sheet pan. Lightly flour or line with parchment if desired.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.

3. In a medium saucepan, combine butter, oil, water, and cocoa powder. Bring to a gentle boil, then remove from heat and pour over dry ingredients. Mix well.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, baking soda, and vanilla. Add to the chocolate batter and stir until smooth.

5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

6. For the icing, melt butter in a saucepan, then stir in cocoa and milk. Bring to a simmer, remove from heat, add vanilla, and gradually whisk in powdered sugar.

7. Pour warm icing over the hot cake. Spread with an offset spatula if needed.

8. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the icing while still warm. Cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

Toast your pecans before adding for a richer, nutty flavor.

Always pour the icing over the cake while both are still warm for that signature melded texture.

To deepen the chocolate flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder to the batter.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 square
Calories: 320
Sugar: 33g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: easy dessert, texas sheet cake, chocolate cake, fudgy cake, potluck dessert, chocolate icing, quick cake recipe