Texas Sheet Cake

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup water
• 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 6 tablespoons milk
• 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (for icing)
• 1/2 cup butter (for icing)
• 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10×15-inch baking pan, ensuring the surface is well coated to prevent sticking.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Add the sour cream and eggs, then beat until smooth. In a saucepan, melt 1 cup of butter over low heat. Stir in 1 cup of water and 5 tablespoons of cocoa powder. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then remove from heat and let cool slightly. Slowly mix this cocoa mixture into the egg batter, blending until smooth and fully combined.

Step 3: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be moist but set.

Step 4: While the cake is baking, prepare the icing. In a large saucepan, combine the milk, 5 tablespoons of cocoa powder, and 1/2 cup of butter. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove from heat. Stir in the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold in the chopped walnuts if desired.

Step 5: Spread the warm icing over the hot cake immediately after it comes out of the oven. Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving so the frosting can soak into the surface. Each bite delivers a luscious combination of tender chocolate cake and glossy fudge icing — a true Southern favorite that never goes out of style.