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Ultimate Dark Chocolate Sheet Cake with Rich Cocoa Frosting

This sophisticated dark chocolate sheet cake features an intense chocolate flavor with less sweetness, perfect for grown-up palates. The elegant sheet pan design makes it ideal for parties and potlucks, combining rich cocoa notes with a moist crumb texture.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup dark cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 3/4 cup dark cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat eggs lightly, then add buttermilk, cooled coffee, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
  4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
  7. For the frosting, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with milk. Stir in vanilla extract and salt until smooth and spreadable.
  8. Spread the dark chocolate frosting evenly over the cooled cake. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle with chopped dark chocolate or cocoa powder.

Notes

Use high-quality dark cocoa powder for intense flavor. Don't overmix the batter for tender crumb. Coffee enhances chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee. Cool cake completely before frosting to prevent melting.