The Ultimate Texas Sheet Cake Recipe ❤️ A Southern Classic Worth Saving!

There’s something timeless and undeniably comforting about a well-made Texas Sheet Cake. With its rich chocolate base, warm frosting that melts into the cake, and that unmistakable Southern charm, this classic dessert has graced countless potlucks, birthdays, family reunions, and backyard BBQs for generations.

Whether you’re baking it for a crowd or just want a taste of nostalgic home-baked goodness, this sheet cake delivers with ease, flavor, and heart. If you’re new to Texas Sheet Cake, buckle up — you’re about to fall in love. If you’re already a fan, you’ll know exactly why this recipe is worth saving forever. ❤️❤️

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Why Is It Called “Texas Sheet Cake”?

Despite the name, there’s no concrete proof the recipe originated in Texas — but one thing’s certain: the cake’s size, flavor, and boldness are definitely Texan in spirit! It’s big, chocolatey, unapologetically rich, and completely irresistible.

Unlike traditional layered cakes, the Texas Sheet Cake is baked in a 10×15 inch sheet pan, giving it a thin, broad shape. What makes it truly special is the warm chocolate frosting poured over the warm cake, allowing the two to blend together into a gooey, dreamy texture you just can’t replicate with chilled icing.

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Why This Recipe Stands Out

There are dozens of Texas Sheet Cake recipes floating around, but this one has everything we love — the perfect balance of moist cake, deep chocolate flavor, and sweet, creamy frosting. Plus, it’s easy to make and uses pantry-friendly ingredients. You don’t need fancy equipment or hours in the kitchen. You just need a sheet pan, some basics, and a craving for something sweet and chocolatey.

Let’s dive in!

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🌟 Texas Sheet Cake Recipe (Original & Unchanged)

Ingredients

For the Cake:

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

For the Frosting:

• 6 tablespoons milk
• 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup butter
• 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (Optional, but adds amazing crunch)

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Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare Your Pan & Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10×15 inch sheet pan. This size helps create that classic thin layer with just the right amount of richness per bite.

Step 2 – Make the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir together.

Now beat in the sour cream and eggs until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Meanwhile, in a saucepan over low heat, melt 1 cup of butter. Add 1 cup of water and 5 tablespoons of cocoa powder, stirring to combine. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, then remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.

Pour the cocoa mixture into the flour and egg mixture. Stir well until everything is blended into a luscious, chocolatey batter.

Step 3 – Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared sheet pan and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Do not overbake — you want that signature soft and moist texture.

Step 4 – Prepare the Frosting

While the cake is baking (or immediately after), start your frosting.

In a large saucepan, combine:

• 6 tablespoons milk
• 5 tablespoons cocoa powder
• ½ cup butter

Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove from heat.

Stir in 4 cups of confectioners’ sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. If desired, fold in 1 cup of chopped walnuts for a crunchy, nutty finish.

Step 5 – Frost While Warm

Here’s the magic: Spread the warm frosting over the warm cake. This allows the icing to seep into the top layer of the cake slightly, creating a rich, fudgy topping that blends perfectly into every bite.

Let the cake cool slightly before serving — or serve warm for extra indulgence!

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🍫 Pro Tips for Perfect Texas Sheet Cake

1. Use real butter – Margarine can’t replicate the richness and texture that real butter brings to both the cake and the frosting.
2. Don’t skip the sour cream – It adds incredible moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
3. Frost while warm – The signature of Texas Sheet Cake! This step allows the icing to partially melt into the top, creating a hybrid frosting-glaze that’s simply divine.
4. Nuts or no nuts? – Walnuts add great texture and a nutty depth, but they’re totally optional. Pecan fans? Feel free to swap them in.

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🍽️ How to Serve Texas Sheet Cake

This cake is best served slightly warm or at room temperature. Pair it with:

• A cold glass of milk
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Or just enjoy it solo — it’s that good!

Great for:

• Potlucks
• Birthday parties
• Family reunions
• Picnics
• Or any time you’re craving comfort!

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🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. The cake will firm up a bit but still taste amazing.
• Make ahead? Absolutely! Bake the cake a day in advance and frost the next morning. Or make the whole thing ahead of time — it only gets better after resting for a few hours.

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❤️ Final Thoughts

There’s something so incredibly satisfying about the simplicity of Texas Sheet Cake. It’s not fussy, it’s not showy, but it is deliciously memorable. It brings people together, creates smiles, and vanishes quickly from the table — a true hallmark of a beloved recipe.

This isn’t just a dessert. It’s a piece of chocolatey tradition. Whether you serve it at a gathering or enjoy a quiet moment with a square and a cup of coffee, it never disappoints.

So go ahead. Save this recipe. Share it. Bake it again and again. Because once you taste this Texas Sheet Cake, you’ll understand why it’s a keeper. ❤️❤️

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