Classic Texas Sheet Cake is a chocolate lover's dream, offering a rich, moist texture and a decadent frosting. It's perfect for feeding a crowd, making it ideal for gatherings or just a sweet family treat.
The heart of this cake is the combination of all-purpose flour and granulated sugar, providing the structure and sweetness. Butter adds richness, while cocoa powder gives it that deep chocolate flavor. The addition of sour cream keeps the cake moist, and eggs help bind everything together. Baking soda ensures it rises just right, and a hint of vanilla extract adds warmth. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast. Fresh berries on the side can add a pop of color and a hint of tartness that complements the richness of the cake.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing an 18x13-inch sheet pan. This will help the cake cook evenly and prevent sticking. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of butter, 1 cup of water, and 1/4 cup of cocoa powder, then bring it to a boil. This mixture will be the base of your cake batter, infusing it with a rich chocolate flavor.
Once it's boiling, remove it from the heat and pour it over the 2 cups of flour and 2 cups of sugar that you've placed in a large bowl. Stir until everything is well combined. Next, add the 2 eggs, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix until you have a smooth batter with no lumps.
Pour the batter into your prepared sheet pan, spreading it evenly to ensure it bakes uniformly. Pop it into the oven and let it bake for about 20 minutes. You'll know it's done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
While the cake is baking, you can prepare the frosting. In a saucepan, combine 1/2 cup butter, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, and 6 tablespoons of milk, then bring this to a boil. Once it starts boiling, remove it from the heat and whisk in 4 cups of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. Pour this luscious frosting over the warm cake, spreading it evenly. Let it cool before serving, allowing the frosting to set beautifully on top.
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