Texas Sheet Cake

This classic Texas Sheet Cake is famous for its ultra-moist texture, rich chocolate flavor, and signature warm poured frosting that melts beautifully into the still-warm cake. Made in a large sheet pan, it’s perfect for parties, potlucks, holidays, or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing dessert that comes together quickly. The warm chocolate icing seeps slightly into the surface, creating a fudgy, glossy topping—especially delicious with the optional toasted pecans for crunch.

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (225 g) butter
• 1 cup (240 ml) water
• ¼ cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Warm Chocolate Frosting

• ½ cup (115 g) butter
• ¼ cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) milk
• 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (120 g) chopped pecans (optional but classic)
  

  Directions