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Ultimate Texas Chocolate Sheet Cake Recipe - Moist Fudgy Party Dessert

This classic Texas chocolate sheet cake is a rich, moist dessert with signature fudgy frosting that's perfect for gatherings and parties. The recipe features a dense yet tender sour cream chocolate cake with deep chocolate flavor that satisfies every sweet tooth.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder
  • 1 cup water
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder
  • 6 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3½ cups powdered sugar
  • ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 15x10x1-inch jelly roll pan or a 9x13-inch baking pan.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add cocoa powder and water, stirring until smooth. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat.
  4. Pour the hot chocolate mixture over the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, eggs, and vanilla. Add to the batter and mix until smooth.
  6. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting. In a saucepan, combine butter, cocoa powder, and milk. Heat until butter melts and mixture comes to a boil.
  8. Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla extract and powdered sugar until smooth. Stir in pecans if using.
  9. Pour the warm frosting over the hot cake as soon as it comes out of the oven. Spread evenly with a spatula.
  10. Let the cake cool completely before cutting into squares. The frosting will set as it cools.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for better incorporation. Mix batter just until combined to avoid tough texture. Apply frosting to warm cake for signature fudgy texture. Cake tastes better the next day as flavors develop.