When you're in charge of dessert at the potluck, this is the cake you want in hand. This Texas Sheet Cake recipe is a decadently moist Southern dessert baked in a jelly roll pan and covered in a warm, fudgy chocolate frosting. You'll love it for its easy and quick assembly, and friends and family will adore every single bite. Named for its size, it is indeed a chocolate cake as big as Texas, and perfect for feeding a crowd!
This is my go-to party dessert for birthdays, family dinners, and holidays. Its inspiration came from an award-winning Texas bakery with a tender crumb and rich chocolate flavor. It is guaranteed to be the most delectable cake you've ever laid tastebuds on!
Speaking of all things Texas today, for a recipe that is on the other end of the delicious spectrum (aka, breakfast!), Texas kolaches are a baker's and eater's dream! And, if you're into Southern-born cakes, try our Kentucky Butter Cake next!
Table of Contents
What is Texas Sheet Cake?
Texas sheet cake has all the flavors you know and love when it comes to chocolate cake. It's the pan it bakes in and its icing that sets it apart.
Most chocolate cakes are baked in an 8" round pan or a 9x13" cake pan. While you can bake a sheet cake in a 9x13" pan, it's most commonly made in a jelly roll pan. Jelly roll pan dimensions are 15x10", making this cake thinner and larger with a bigger surface area, ready to take on a heaping pour of fudgy, chocolate icing--the same icing we use in Texas sheet cake cookies!
The signature icing for Texas sheet cake is made on the stovetop, and its consistency is similar to a ganache. The cake and icing meld together in the center, creating rich and decadent layers that morph into what's pretty much the most delicious dessert you'll ever eat. A big claim I 100% stand by.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe for Texas sheet cake is simple and straightforward. It requires no trimming of cake layers, messy buttercream, piping, or decorating. We are talking about the easiest chocolate cake you'll ever make.
Coffee enhances the chocolate's flavor and helps keep the cake super moist. We also use coffee in our Chocolate Coffee Cake and highly recommend you add that to your baking roster!
It's almost shocking that a cake can be this good, this easy, and feed so many people! Texas sheet cake serves up to 16-20 people, making it a Texas-sized cake, perfect for a party.
How to Make Texas Sheet Cake
There are a few steps that set this cake apart from your standard chocolate cake recipe and actually make it much easier to assemble, if you ask me.
- One, the sugar is not mixed in with the other wet ingredients but rather the dry—meaning there's no creaming. Yes, please!
- Two, instead of slowly incorporating the dry ingredients into the wet, everything is ultimately added to the dry mix.
- And three, that hot, signature fudgy icing that's poured over the baked cake to finish it all off.
Add Dry Ingredients to the Mixing Bowl | Flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt are whisked together and set aside.
Make Chocolate Mixture on Stovetop: Butter, coffee, and cocoa are mixed together and brought to a boil quickly. This mixture is added to the dry ingredients, and our batter is almost done.
Add Buttermilk, Eggs, + Vanilla | To finish the cake batter, we'll need buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract. These ingredients are combined and then added as a whole to the batter. Once everything comes together, the mixture is then transferred to a prepared pan.
Bake the Cake | Before adding your batter to the pan, be sure to grease it, and dust with flour. This will prevent your sheet cake from sticking. In a jelly roll pan, the cake will be finished baking in about 25 minutes. In a 9"x13" casserole dish, it will likely take closer to 30 minutes.
How to Make Texas Sheet Cake Icing
The icing comes together on the stovetop. You can use the same saucepan to whip up your chocolate mixture, although cleaning it beforehand is a must.
Butter, milk cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and salt are added to a saucepan over medium heat. Once the mixture is melted and begins to simmer, remove it from the heat. Add the vanilla, and now, it's time for a very important question: Pecans or no pecans?
Optional: Add in Pecans | If you're Team Pecan, add them to the icing now. If you've ever had our chocoflan or butter pecan cake, you know how these delectable little nuts can elevate a dessert! The original Texas sheet cake recipe calls for them, but if you aren't a fan of nuts in your baked goods, feel free to leave them out of the process entirely.
If you add them, toast the pecans for an extra special touch before making your icing. You'll notice a difference in both flavor and crunch.
Allow Icing to Set | This cake does not need to be refrigerated. Simply allow the icing to set at room temperature. This will take about 30-45 minutes.
Serve | Once the icing has slightly hardened, serve and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
A jelly roll pan, which is 15x10". The rim should sit about 1" high. You can also bake Texas sheet cake in a 9x13" cake pan; however, you will need to add a few minutes to the baking time.
No, you do not have to refrigerate this cake.
If you can fit the pan in the freezer, you can freeze the sheet cake whole, double-wrapped with aluminum foil. The best way to freeze slices of Texas sheet cake is to wrap each slice delicately with parchment paper, place in a freezer-safe container (be careful not to smoosh it), and freeze for up to 3 months.
More Southern Desserts You'll Love
- Red Velvet Cake
- Peach Cobbler Pound Cake
- Butter Pecan Cake
- German Chocolate Cupcakes
- Banana Pudding Cheesecake
Original Texas Sheet Cake with Buttermilk
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter cut into tablespoons
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup brewed coffee
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs, slightly beaten
- 1 ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Icing:
- 1 ½ cup toasted pecan halves, roughly chopped (optional)
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- ⅓ cup whole milk
- ¼ teaspoon + a pinch fine sea salt
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
For the Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°. Butter and dust a jelly roll pan (10 ½″ x 15 ½″) with flour. If you do not have a jelly roll pan, use a 9"x13" casserole dish, and see notes below.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside until ready to use.
- Add butter, cocoa, and coffee to a saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Once the mixture reaches a boil, whisk for 30 seconds and pour over the flour mixture. Stir until evenly mixed.
- In a small bowl or measuring pitcher, combine buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla. Add the buttermilk mixture to the bowl and stir to combine.
- Pour the batter into the pan and smooth over the top. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the center springs back slightly when gently poked. Start on the icing as soon as the cake comes out of the oven.
For the Icing:
- While the cake is baking, toast the pecans (if using). Add the pecan halves to a dry pan over medium-low heat and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat as soon as the pecans become fragrant. Do not allow to burn. Set aside until ready to use.
- Once the cake is out of the oven, add the butter, cocoa, milk, and salt to a large saucepan over medium heat and stir. Allow butter to melt, then stir in the powdered sugar, until smooth and add the vanilla. If using pecans, add about ⅔ of them now.
- Pour the icing over the warm cake and spread to the edges. Sprinkle the remaining pecans evenly over the top, if using. Set aside and allow the icing to set. Serve and enjoy.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Sues says
Oh yum!! My husband might get mad at me if I add pecans, but I'm doing it anyway partly because they make the cake look extra fun and partly because I'm sure it's extra delicious!!
Elaine says
I'm on Team Pecans! I love the addition of coffee in this recipe! Thanks for the history lesson, too!
Liz says
YUM! It doesn't get better than Texas Sheet Cake! This would be perfect for a party!
Caitlyn Erhardt says
This is speaking to my chocolate loving heart! Amazing recipe!
Kelly Anthony says
Ha! Thank you, Caitlyn! I think I've got one of those too!!
Danielle says
I wish I had stumbled on this recipe a few hours ago! I was just searching for a chocolate cake recipe. Pinning for next time!
Kelly Anthony says
Thanks, Danielle!
Chrissy says
This looks sooo rich and chocolatey and absolutely incredible! I'm definitely making this as a treat after my next long run 😉
Natalie says
Oh yummy. This cake looks absolutely delicious. Love the addition of coffee. I can't wait to make this for my family.
Melissa says
Look at that chocolate-y goodness! I'd love a large piece, please! I am team pecans, so load it up!
Anne|Craving Something Healthy says
This would be such a delicious but dangerous dessert in my kitchen! I'd eat it all day long - and definitely YES to pecans!
Madison | A Joyfully Mad Kitchen says
I'm not usually a nut fan in my baked goods, but I'm starting to be lately! Definitely adding this to our recipe box 😉
Kelly Anthony says
Same! It wasn't until my 30's that I started to enjoy it! Crazy!
Taylor Kiser says
This is the ultimate chocolate dessert! Totally wishing I had a slice right now!
Emily Hill says
I always make my sheet cake with buttermilk. It's truly the best flavor!
Jillian says
I love everything about this sheet cake - delish!
Marie says
Oh my goodness! This cake looks absolutely delicious and full of chocolate flavour. Love the icing!
Kelly Anthony says
Thank you so much, Marie!
Adriana Lopez Martin says
wow, I have been craving chocolate cake forever yours really looks scrumptious I would have more than one slice for sure. Looks so moist and perfect with the pecans.
Kelly Anthony says
Thank you so much, Adriana!
Stephanie W. says
You must add cinnamon for an authentic Texas Sheet Cake! I'm surprised you didn't know this.
In fact. The 4a essential ingredients that give this cake it's unique flavour, are:
Cocoa powder
Coffee
Buttermilk
And most importantly...CINNAMON!!!
Kelly Anthony says
Feel free to add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dry mix, Stephanie.
Nancy L Maynard says
No no no on cinnamon. I was given the recipe in about 1965 from a wonderful friend.
I did not hear about cinnamon in it until about 1985.
Emma Walton says
Oh my gosh every part of this cake just looks EPIC. Especially that frosting and those nuts... seriously drooling right now.
Kelly Anthony says
Thank you so much, Emma!
Jacqueline Debono says
This sheet cake looks totally yum! I wish I had all the ingredients on hand cause I'd go and make it NOW! Guess I'll have to wait! Love discovering recipes from around the world!
Veena Azmanov says
I have already decided my next Party Cake recipe. This looks amazing, delicious, yummy and mouth melting....
Pam Greer says
I have never had a Texas sheet cake, or at least I don't think I have! But you have convinced me that I need to make this ASAP!
Cathy says
I'm Team Pecan for sure! Kelly this sheet cake just looks sooooo yummy in every way!! It is calling out my name!
So making this cake!!
Melynda says
This was a winner in my household!!! So easy to put together that you feel like ur forgetting something... My family Thanks you !!!! Perfect for large groups and chocolate lovers
Kelly Anthony says
Hi Melynda! Thank you SO much! We love it in our house too 🙂
Sherri says
I've never had a Texas sheet cake but it looks sooooo decadent! And, I'd definitely go for the pecans! Yes, please!
Linda says
This cake looks like a chocolate lovers dream! Now I'm going to have to ask my relatives in Texas how they bake up a Texas sheet cake. It sounds so scrumptious and love that it has buttermilk and coffee added to it to make the chocolate flavor more pronounced. Thanks for such a great recipe.
Kelly Anthony says
Thanks, Linda! It's crazy what coffee can do for chocolate!
Sherrie says
Hi Kelly. I need a good chocolate cake recipe for a birthday this week. I have had Texas cake years ago, it was so good, so moist. Wondering though, will it affect the outcome and taste of the cake if coffee isn’t added? Or is that ingredient definitely needed? Thank you. Sherrie
Kelly Anthony says
Hi Sherrie! I wouldn't stray from the recipe. Coffee has a good deal of acidity to it, so leaving it out could affect the way the cake rises. I haven't tried this recipe without it yet, so I couldn't promise there wouldn't be any issues!
Jennifer says
I love this easy texas sheet cake!!! One of my families favorite desserts!!!
Kelly Anthony says
Aw yay! Thanks, Jennifer!
Michelle says
I've never heard of a Texas sheet cake! It sounds and looks delicious and has everything I love in it. So now I can't wait to make this! Thank you for sharing this x
Kelly Anthony says
Thanks, Michelle!
Nicoletta De Angelis Nardelli says
Never had one but love that texture! And the topping! Decadent and so pretty to offer to guests!
Charity says
YES PLEASE!!! I've pinned this recipe for later because this looks the perfect picnic cake! Thanks!
Kelly Anthony says
Thank you so much, Charity!
Elizabeth Leaver says
This cake looks so decadent and chocolatey, I need a slice immediately! I love the addition of coffee as well. Cannot wait to make this!
lauren says
If I don't cut it, it counts as one piece right? That's my story and I'm sticking to it. This cake is so fudgy! The buttermilk adds so much.
Nancy Maynard says
Recently had a birthdparty. So much food, cookies, cupcakes, fruit trays and more. I asked permission to bring a Chocolate Sheet Cake. It was the hit of the affair.
Eileen Kelly says
I am a born and raised New York girl who loves Texas sheet cake! I spent a lot of time in Dallas when I was young and besides loving the state, I love this sheet cake. I love your recipe and adding the pecans, delish!
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
Wow, now this is my kind of chocolate cake!! Soo mouthwatering. This would make such a good treat on Valentine's Day!
Andrea says
You can never have enough chocolate cake recipes in your life! This looks amazing and I can't wait to make it!
Gloria says
This is the perfect cake to "take along". What a great dessert for a crowd. Buttermilk always makes cakes so moist and delicious too. Yum!!
Amanda says
I'm so in love with this recipe! It makes for the moistest, most delicious chocolate cake. Everyone needs to make this. Thanks for such a great recipe!
Danielle Wolter says
your description has me drooling...this sounds so much better than the microwaved fish and broccoli i'm eating for lunch. I love me a good texas sheetcake!
Stine Mari says
And now I officially crave chocolate cake. This looks so tender and moist, absolutely delicious!
Byron Thomas says
This cake looks so chocolaty and rich! This is totally the type of dessert I would make and serve just as is! I would place the cake in the center of the table with a bunch of forks and let everyone dig in!
Lathiya says
Just the name caught my attention. Being in Texas, now I want to try this recipe. I'm sure having chocolate, my kids would love it for sure.
April says
I can see it pleasing the crowd like it is nobody's business! That flavor must be just over the roof and I can imagine everyone fighting for the last piece. Delicious cake!
Mimi says
Texas Sheet Cake... why haven't I tried it yet? It looks amazing and I bet it tastes even better! What a great way to celebrate your guests and have a fun night together!
Cheese Curd In Paradise says
Oh my goodness that frosting looks amazing! I would say no to pecans, but that would be a very hard choice! Maybe I would need a piece of each to properly decide.....
Jacqueline Debono says
I really need to try this sheet cake asap! It looks absolutely wonderful. My hubby is a chocoholic and he would love this!
Maman de sara says
I live in Texas and I don’t know Texas sheet cake!! I will definitely try this cake, it looks tempting!
Kelly Anthony says
Oh no! You'll love it! It's in your genes 😉
Stephanie says
I can't believe I still haven't tried a Texas Sheet Cake - I think it's time to change that! It certainly has me curious - and looks delicious!
Kelly Anthony says
Thanks, Stephanie!
Ancy says
Hey Kelly.. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe with all of us.. Made it for a family celebration and it turned out to be a winner.. looking forward to more of your recipes..
Kelly Anthony says
Hi, Ancy! That is amazing! This is seriously one of my all-time favorite dessert recipes for feeding a crowd. I'm thrilled it was a hit for yall 🙂
Debra Maberry says
I love Texas sheet cake. Haven’t made it for years. If I use salted butter do I eliminate all of the salt?
Kelly Anthony says
Hi Debra! I don't recommend using salted butter as this recipe was developed using only unsalted butter. However, if you do use salted butter, leaving the salt out of the recipe entirely would probably be best.
Anita says
I lost my mom's recipe and went searching. This is almost identical with the exception of the coffee. Mom's recipe is 1 cup of water and 2 tsp of cinnamon. For those who like a milder chocolate flavor (like Mexican chocolate), I recommend the cinnamon. I tried it with the coffee and love it just as much. Thanks for the recipe.
Kelly Anthony says
That's wonderful, Anita! So glad you found a substitution you love 🙂 Thank you!
Debbie Anderson says
Made this last night to take to work today - it turned out great! Followed recipe exactly! Toasting the pecans makes a world of difference from other cakes I have made and didn't toast! It was a big hit! Thanks for sharing!
Kelly Anthony says
Thank you, Debbie! I'm so glad you loved the cake! 🙂 And, thank you for sharing!!!
Rebekah Cartwright says
This was absolutely delicious! The cake was so moist and tender. Loved the frosting! It had a rich chocolaty flavor without being overly sweet and the pecans make it extra special. This will be my go to chocolate cake recipe!
Kelly Anthony says
Thank you, Rebekah! I love this recipe so much! Glad you do too 🙂
Beth says
Hi, I just finished frosting and placing toasted pecans on cake. The recipe was straight forward, organized and easy to follow. This cake looks delicious! We will be eating it tonight at a pot luck tennis party and I'm so excited to share this Texas sheet cake!
Kelly Anthony says
Thank you, Beth!!!