Ingredients
Method
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10x15-inch jelly roll pan or a 9x13-inch baking dish for thicker results.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, water, and cocoa powder. Bring to a boil.
- Pour hot cocoa mixture into the flour mix. Stir until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla. Stir into batter.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- While cake bakes, start making the frosting.
Step 4: Make the Frosting
- In a saucepan, melt butter with cocoa and milk over medium heat.
- Bring to a boil, then remove from heat.
- Whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
- Stir in chopped nuts if using.
Step 5: Frost While Warm
- As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, pour warm frosting over the hot cake.
- Spread quickly and evenly—it sets fast!
Notes
🥄 Variations
Nut-Free: Omit pecans for a smooth finish Cinnamon Kick: Add ½ tsp cinnamon to the batter Extra Rich: Replace water with brewed coffee for deeper flavor Sheet Pan Cupcakes: Bake in muffin tins for personal-sized cakes Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend 🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
Room Temp: Store covered for 3–4 days Fridge: Keeps for up to 1 week—let it come to room temp before serving Freezer: Freeze tightly wrapped pieces for up to 2 months Reheat: Microwave individual slices 10–15 seconds for melty goodness ❓ 10 FAQs
Why frost the cake while warm?
It allows the frosting to soak into the cake for a gooey top layer. Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes—it stays moist and flavorful for days. Do I need buttermilk?
Yes—it helps with texture and tang. Substitute with milk + 1 tsp vinegar if needed. Can I skip the nuts?
Definitely—great with or without. What cocoa powder is best?
Regular unsweetened works great. Dutch-processed also adds depth. Can I use a different pan size?
Yes—adjust baking time for thicker cakes in smaller pans. Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter and almond or oat milk. Is it super sweet?
The sweetness balances with the cocoa and buttermilk—rich but not cloying. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but you’ll need two pans or a larger baking sheet. What toppings go well with it?
Toasted coconut, crushed toffee, mini marshmallows, or a sprinkle of sea salt! 🏁 Conclusion
This Chocolate Texas Sheet Cake is the pinnacle of party desserts. It’s rich, tender, and unapologetically chocolatey—with a fudgy icing that makes every bite feel nostalgic and homemade. 🍫🤎 Whether it’s a family BBQ, birthday bash, or Tuesday night chocolate fix—this recipe delivers every time. Don’t be surprised when people ask for seconds (and the recipe)!
Nut-Free: Omit pecans for a smooth finish Cinnamon Kick: Add ½ tsp cinnamon to the batter Extra Rich: Replace water with brewed coffee for deeper flavor Sheet Pan Cupcakes: Bake in muffin tins for personal-sized cakes Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend 🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
Room Temp: Store covered for 3–4 days Fridge: Keeps for up to 1 week—let it come to room temp before serving Freezer: Freeze tightly wrapped pieces for up to 2 months Reheat: Microwave individual slices 10–15 seconds for melty goodness ❓ 10 FAQs
Why frost the cake while warm?
It allows the frosting to soak into the cake for a gooey top layer. Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes—it stays moist and flavorful for days. Do I need buttermilk?
Yes—it helps with texture and tang. Substitute with milk + 1 tsp vinegar if needed. Can I skip the nuts?
Definitely—great with or without. What cocoa powder is best?
Regular unsweetened works great. Dutch-processed also adds depth. Can I use a different pan size?
Yes—adjust baking time for thicker cakes in smaller pans. Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter and almond or oat milk. Is it super sweet?
The sweetness balances with the cocoa and buttermilk—rich but not cloying. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but you’ll need two pans or a larger baking sheet. What toppings go well with it?
Toasted coconut, crushed toffee, mini marshmallows, or a sprinkle of sea salt! 🏁 Conclusion
This Chocolate Texas Sheet Cake is the pinnacle of party desserts. It’s rich, tender, and unapologetically chocolatey—with a fudgy icing that makes every bite feel nostalgic and homemade. 🍫🤎 Whether it’s a family BBQ, birthday bash, or Tuesday night chocolate fix—this recipe delivers every time. Don’t be surprised when people ask for seconds (and the recipe)!