Texas Sheet Cake Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Grandma’s Texas Sheet Cake offers the best of both worlds: it’s quick to prepare and unbelievably tasty. The cake itself is perfectly moist, while the frosting provides a creamy, fudgy texture with a hint of chocolate and crunch from the walnuts. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, a birthday celebration, or just need a special treat, this cake will surely impress.

Ingredients

Cake:

• 1 cup margarine

• 1 cup water

• 4 tablespoons cocoa powder

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• ½ cup sour cream

Frosting:

• ½ cup margarine

• 6 tablespoons milk

• 4 tablespoons cocoa powder

• 1 cup chopped walnuts

• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease and flour a 10″ x 15″ x 2″ baking pan (also known as a jelly roll pan) and set aside.

2. In a large saucepan, combine 1 cup margarine, 1 cup water, and 4 tablespoons cocoa powder. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.

3. Once boiling, remove the pan from heat and stir in the sugar, flour, eggs, baking soda, and sour cream until well-combined.

4. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

5. While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting.

For the frosting:

1. In a saucepan, combine ½ cup margarine, 6 tablespoons milk, and 4 tablespoons cocoa powder. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the margarine has melted and the mixture begins to boil.

2. Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

3. Stir in the chopped walnuts.

4. Immediately pour the frosting over the hot cake, spreading it out evenly. Let the cake cool before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 20 slices

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 22 minutes

• Total Time: 42 minutes

Variations

• Add-ins: You can experiment with different nuts in the frosting, such as pecans, or even leave them out if you’re not a fan of nuts.

• Flavored Frosting: Add a splash of flavored extract, such as almond or hazelnut, to the frosting for an extra layer of flavor.

• Frosting without Walnuts: If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts from the frosting.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you live in a particularly hot climate, you may want to refrigerate the cake to keep the frosting from melting.

• Reheating: You can enjoy this cake either at room temperature or slightly warmed. To warm up individual slices, heat them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake can be made ahead and stored at room temperature for a few days. Just cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.

2. Can I use butter instead of margarine?

Yes, butter can be used in place of margarine for both the cake and frosting. It will add a richer flavor.

3. Can I use buttermilk instead of sour cream?

Yes, buttermilk can be used as a substitute for sour cream in the cake recipe. It will add a slight tang to the flavor.

4. Can I make this cake in a different size pan?

Yes, you can adjust the recipe for a different-sized pan. Just keep in mind that cooking time may vary.

5. Can I freeze Texas Sheet Cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake before or after frosting. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.

6. Is it possible to make a gluten-free version of this cake?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup, like King Arthur Flour’s gluten-free blend.

7. Can I add more chocolate to the cake or frosting?

Yes, you can add more cocoa powder to either the cake or the frosting for a more intense chocolate flavor. Just be sure to adjust the sugar levels if necessary.

8. Can I use a different kind of nut in the frosting?

Certainly! You can use pecans, almonds, or any other nut of your choice instead of walnuts.

9. How do I know when the cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. If it comes out with batter on it, bake for a few more minutes.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the ingredients to make a larger batch. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, depending on the size of your pan.

Conclusion

Grandma’s Texas Sheet Cake is the epitome of comfort food—simple, rich, and satisfying. Whether you are making it for a special occasion or just because, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone who tastes it. The combination of a moist chocolate cake and a sweet, walnut-infused frosting makes this dessert an unforgettable treat. Give it a try, and enjoy a slice of this timeless classic!