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freshly baked Texas sheet cake with smooth chocolate frosting and chopped pecans on a vintage cake stand

Texas Sheet Cake Recipe

This classic Texas sheet cake is rich, chocolaty, and topped with a decadent pecan frosting.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 13x18 inch baking sheet.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Step 3: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the water and cocoa powder, stirring until smooth. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat.
  4. Step 4: Pour the chocolate mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until combined.
  5. Step 5: Add the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well until the batter is smooth.
  6. Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet, spreading it evenly.
  7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Step 8: While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting by melting butter in a saucepan. Stir in cocoa powder and milk, bringing to a boil. Remove from heat and add powdered sugar and vanilla, whisking until smooth.
  9. Step 9: Pour the warm frosting over the warm cake and sprinkle with chopped pecans.
  10. Step 10: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

For a more intense chocolate flavor, consider adding 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter.