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Moist Texas Sheet Cake with Creamy Chocolate Frosting

moist texas sheet cake - featured image

A quick and easy Texas sheet cake recipe featuring a moist chocolate cake paired with a smooth, luscious homemade chocolate frosting. Perfect for gatherings and comforting treats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (250g)
  • 2 cups granulated sugar (400g)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (50g)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (115g), melted
  • 1 cup strong brewed coffee (240ml) (can substitute with hot water)
  • 1 cup buttermilk (240ml) (or milk plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the Frosting:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (115g), melted
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (25g)
  • 1/3 cup milk (80ml), whole milk preferred
  • 3 cups powdered sugar (360g), sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray and lightly flour it.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brewed coffee until combined.
  4. Slowly pour the hot butter-coffee mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently to combine. The batter will be thin.
  5. Stir in the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  7. While the cake bakes, prepare the frosting: melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat and whisk in cocoa powder and milk.
  8. Gradually whisk in powdered sugar until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. The frosting should be pourable but thick enough to coat a spoon.
  9. When the cake is still warm, pour the frosting evenly over the top and spread with a spatula if needed.
  10. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack before slicing to let the frosting set.

Notes

Use strong brewed coffee to enhance chocolate flavor without bitterness. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake tender. Frost the cake while still warm to allow frosting to melt into the cake for a moist finish. If frosting thickens before spreading, gently reheat over low heat. Store cake at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days; bring to room temperature before serving. For gluten-free or dairy-free adaptations, see variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: Texas sheet cake, chocolate cake, easy chocolate frosting, moist chocolate cake, homemade sheet cake, quick dessert, comfort food