🇺🇸 USA · Dessert
Authentic Texas Sheet Cake
By eatmundo · July 5, 2026
🇺🇸 USA moist, decadent chocolate cake baked in a large sheet pan, creating a thin, wide dessert perfect for feeding a crowd. It's characteristically topped with a warm, fudgy glaze often studded with chopped pecans.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Melt butter with cocoa and water in a saucepan; bring to a boil, then remove from heat.
- 2
Combine flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Pour the hot chocolate mixture over the dry ingredients and mix well.
- 3
Beat in buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour batter into a greased and floured large sheet pan.
- 4
Bake for 20-25 minutes. While baking, prepare the warm fudge icing with butter, cocoa, milk, vanilla, and powdered sugar, then pour over the warm cake and sprinkle with pecans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of cocoa powder should I use for an authentic Texas Sheet Cake, and why?+
For an authentic Texas Sheet Cake, always use unsweetened natural cocoa powder, as its acidity reacts with the baking soda to ensure proper leavening. Dutch-processed cocoa will result in a denser cake.
Should the pecans be toasted before adding them, and how finely should they be chopped?+
Toasting the pecans lightly enhances their flavor for both the cake and the frosting. For the best texture, chop them coarsely to provide a satisfying crunch.
How can I tell when my Texas Sheet Cake is perfectly baked and not overdone?+
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. Overbaking will result in a dry cake, so start checking around 20-25 minutes.
Is it crucial to pour the hot frosting over the warm cake, and what happens if I wait too long?+
Yes, pour the hot frosting immediately over the warm cake to ensure it soaks in slightly and creates that signature gooey, fudge-like texture. Waiting too long will cause the frosting to set harder and not meld as well.
🇺🇸 USMundo Match
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