Where Does Texas Sheet Cake Come From?
The origins of this cake are murky. Some sources say it may have first shown up in a Texas newspaper, which is why it’s called “Texas” sheet cake, while others claim the name comes from the fact that it’s the size of Texas. Regardless of its origins, this cake is truly a crowd-pleaser. I sent one version to my husband’s office and there was a legit line of people waiting to snag a slice.
What Makes an Authentic Texas Sheet Cake?
When researching this classic cake, three common characteristics for “authentic” Texas sheet cake turned up again and again:
Natural unsweetened cocoa powder (such as Hershey’s) Buttermilk Pecans
There are some versions that swap out the buttermilk for sour cream (I tried it and didn’t think it changed the final result). Instead of water, some recipes use coffee, which enhances the cocoa flavor and makes for a richer tasting cake. Feel free to use it if you have some on hand. Some versions also left the nuts out altogether, though I think they add a much appreciated crunch so I kept them in my version. I also tried a version topped with half toasted coconut and half mini chocolate chips; both were delicious so give them a try if you like!
Bake in a Sheet Pan—or Change It Up!
The classic recipe is meant to be very thin and is baked in a 13x18-inch sheet pan (technically a “half-sheet” pan). This will make about 36 slices. That said, you can also make this cake in a 9x13-inch pan to make a thicker cake, or you can make it into 24 cupcakes. The baking time will be about 10 minutes longer for the 9x13-inch cake and slightly shorter for cupcakes; bake until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
Be Careful Not To Over-Bake the Cake
While the frosting helps keep this cake ultra-moist, make sure not to over-bake the cake. It is so thin that it can quickly dry out if left too long in the oven. Bake just until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top springs back to the touch.
How To Frost a Texas Sheet Cake
The frosting should be poured onto the cake while both are warm; this way, some of it soaks into the top layer of the cake and creates a glazed top. However, it’s crucial that the cake not be too hot. I tried pouring the frosting right when the cake came out of the oven, and that was a mistake—the cake ended up mostly absorbing it. On my next attempt, I let the cake rest a few minutes while I prepared the icing and then poured it on. A couple of minutes made all the difference between the cake top looking like the cratered surface of the moon versus a nice shiny glaze. Also, be sure to sprinkle any toppings you want as soon as the icing is poured, as it starts to set almost immediately into a thick glaze—similar to that on a donut, with a matte finish.
Serving and Storing Texas Sheet Cake
After frosting, you can serve this cake immediately, or a day or two later. To slice, serve the cake straight from the pan. Slice it with a thin, sharp knife and use a thin, flexible spatula to transfer each slice to a plate. Store slices of leftover cake on the counter in an airtight container with a lid or covered in plastic wrap. This cake also freezes well, too. Just be sure to wrap it well in plastic once the icing is completely set and dry to the touch (otherwise the plastic will stick to it). Loosen the plastic wrap and bring it to room temperature on the counter for a few hours before serving.
More Crowd-Pleasing Chocolate Desserts
Double-Chocolate Cupcakes German Chocolate Snack Cake with Coconut-Pecan Frosting Fudgy Chocolate Brownies Sour Cream Chocolate Cake Suzanne’s Chocolate Cake
2 cups (8.8 ounces) all-purpose flour 2 cups (14 ounces) granulated sugar 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1 cup (8 ounces) unsalted butter 1 cup water 1/4 cup (1 ounce) natural unsweetened cocoa powder 1/2 cup buttermilk 2 large eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
For the frosting:
3/4 cup (6 ounces) unsalted butter 5 tablespoons natural cocoa powder 1/2 cup milk,whole or 2 percent 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Pinch kosher salt 3 cups (15 ounces) powdered sugar, sifted 1 cup chopped pecans (4.5 ounces)
Using a whisk or electric mixer, beat the hot cocoa mixture into the dry ingredients until combined. Beat in the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla, followed by the baking soda, until combined. Remove from the oven and set the pan on a wire rack to cool briefly, about 5 to 10 minutes, while you make the frosting. Pour the hot frosting over the still-warm cake and spread evenly. Sprinkle the top with chopped pecans, (and/or other toppings). Allow to set, then serve immediately or cool completely and cover to serve later. You can also wrap the cake well in foil or plastic wrap and freeze.
