Texas Sheet Cake

Rich, moist, and unapologetically chocolatey, this Texas Sheet Cake is a Southern classic that never disappoints. With its fudgy cocoa cake base and warm pour-over icing, it’s big on flavor and generous in size — perfect for potlucks, celebrations, or any time you need to serve a crowd with something undeniably indulgent.

Sliced Texas sheet cake with chocolate icing and pecans.
Clock symbol indicating preparation, baking, and chilling times

Prep – 20 minutes
Bake – 20 minutes

Slice of cake with frosting, representing a dessert.

20 slices
Ingredients

Cake:

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 cup (240ml) water
  • 1 cup (226g / 2 sticks) unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup (20g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ cup (120ml) sour cream
  • 2 large eggs

Frosting:

  • ½ cup (113g / 1 stick) unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup (20g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 6 tbsp (90ml) milk
  • 3 ½ cups (420g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (60g) chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan.
  • Whisk flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda.
  • In a saucepan, heat butter, water, and cocoa until boiling.
  • Stir into dry ingredients.
  • Mix in sour cream and eggs until smooth.
  • Pour into pan and bake 18–20 minutes.
  • For frosting, boil butter, cocoa, and milk. Remove from heat, whisk in sugar, vanilla, and pecans.
  • Pour warm frosting over warm cake and spread evenly.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use good-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor.
  • Don’t overbake — the cake should be soft and tender with a light crumb.
  • If serving to a large group, bake it in a rimmed sheet pan and cut into smaller servings.
  • For variation, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to deepen the chocolate.

  • Serve slightly warm or at room temperature — the frosting sets into a soft glaze as it cools.

  • Cut into squares or rectangles and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

  • Great for birthdays, casual gatherings, or school bake sales — it travels well and slices clean.

Related Recipes

  • Fudgy Brownies – Rich, dense, and irresistibly chocolatey, these fudgy brownies boast a gooey center and a crackly top — perfect for any chocolate lover.
  • Chocolate-Filled Croissant Rolls – Another comforting chocolate treat with a flaky twist.
  • Snickerdoodle Cookies – Soft, chewy, and coated in cinnamon sugar, these classic snickerdoodles deliver a warm, buttery flavor with a signature tangy twist.