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Texas Sheet Cake

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 20-25 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes Yield: One 15x10 inch sheet cake Serves: 20-24 people Difficulty: Easy Storage: 3-4 days at room temperature
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Equipment

  • 15x10 inch sheet pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • Cooling rack
  • Saucepan for frosting
  • Offset spatula or knife for spreading frosting

Ingredients
  

  • For the Cake:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the Frosting:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped pecans optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 15x10 inch sheet pan.
  • In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt.
  • In a saucepan, combine butter, water, and cocoa. Bring to a boil.
  • Pour hot chocolate mixture over flour mixture and mix well.
  • Add eggs, buttermilk, baking soda, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
  • Pour batter into prepared sheet pan.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  • For frosting, melt butter in a saucepan. Add cocoa and milk.
  • Bring to a boil, remove from heat.
  • Whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
  • Pour frosting over warm cake immediately after removing from oven.
  • Sprinkle with pecans if desired.
  • Let cool completely before serving.

Notes

Use natural cocoa powder, not Dutch-processed
Buttermilk can be substituted with milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar
Cake is best served the day it's made
Can be stored covered at room temperature for 3-4 days
Freezes well for up to 2 months
For a lighter frosting, reduce powdered sugar
Toast pecans for enhanced flavor
Great for potlucks and large gatherings
Can be made in advance
Serve at room temperature for best texture
Works well with vanilla ice cream