Once a summer day I am to try baking the Chocolate Sheet Cake Recipe after craving something rich and decadent, but simple to make.
I had seen various cake recipes online, but this one stood out due to its combination of simple ingredients and the promise of a moist, flavorful cake.
The idea came to me while browsing Pinterest, and I thought, “Why not try a chocolate cake that’s both indulgent and easy?” I wanted to make something simple yet unforgettable.
What sets this Chocolate Sheet Cake Recipe apart is the perfect balance of chocolate and sweetness, paired with a smooth, velvety frosting.
The Chocolate Sheet Cake Recipe texture is incredibly moist, making it stand out from other recipes that can sometimes be too dry or overly sweet. It’s the ideal combination of indulgence and comfort, making it a crowd favorite!
Details Of Chocolate Sheet Cake Recipe
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Serving Size: 16 servings (depending on portion size)
What You’ll Need For Chocolate Sheet Cake Recipe?
Kitchen Utensils
- 9×13-inch baking sheet or rectangular baking pan
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sifter (for dry ingredients)
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
- Knife or spatula (for frosting application)
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup light brown sugar (soft)
- 1 cup granulated white sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup sour cream (approximately 115g)
- 1 1/2 cups strong hot coffee
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar (confectioners sugar)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup fudge sauce
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
How To Make Chocolate Sheet Cake Recipe
1. For the Cake:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×13-inch baking sheet or rectangular baking pan. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well until fully combined.
2. To the dry ingredients, add the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and sour cream. Mix until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
3. Gradually pour in the hot coffee and vanilla extract. Stir gently to combine, but don’t overmix. The batter will be quite thin—this is normal.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack.
2. For the Frosting:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, beating until smooth and creamy.
2. Stir in the fudge and salt until fully incorporated. If the frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
3. Once the cake has cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top of the cake using a rubber spatula or butter knife. Cut the cake into squares and serve. Enjoy your delicious homemade chocolate sheet cake!
Special Note
If you want to add a touch of flair, consider incorporating a swirl of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the frosting.
For a festive twist, you can use colored sprinkles or edible glitter to decorate the cake. This chocolate sheet cake also pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, making it a perfect dessert for a casual family dinner or a lively party.
Nutritional Amount Chocolate Sheet Cake Recipe
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Total Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Cholesterol | 70mg |
| Sodium | 270mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Sugars | 30g |
| Protein | 4g |
Pro Tips For This Recipe
1. Sift Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda together to ensure they are well-mixed and to avoid lumps in the batter, leading to a smoother texture.
2. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring eggs, buttermilk, and butter to room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend more evenly into the batter, contributing to a consistent crumb and texture.
3. Stir in Boiling Water Carefully: When adding boiling water to the batter, do so slowly and mix gently. This step helps to bloom the cocoa powder, intensifying the chocolate flavor and creating a smoother batter.
4. Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a clean application.
5. Adjust Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, gradually add a little more heavy cream until it reaches the desired spreadability. Conversely, if it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar to thicken it.
Our Favorite Ways To Serve It Up
Our favorite way to serve up this Chocolate Sheet Cake Recipe is by pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
For a fun twist, we sometimes add a drizzle of caramel or chocolate syrup over the top, or sprinkle some chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for a little crunch.
It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion, and the rich, moist cake pairs wonderfully with nearly any topping you can think of!
How To Store Chocolate Sheet Cake Recipe
To store Chocolate Sheet Cake Recipe, first ensure it is completely cooled before covering it to prevent condensation and sogginess.
For short-term storage, cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate the cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container; it will stay fresh for up to a week.
Conclusion
A Chocolate Sheet Cake Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings together the richness of chocolate with the practicality of a sheet pan.
Its moist, tender crumb and decadent chocolate flavor make it an ideal choice for any gathering, whether it’s a birthday party, a family reunion, or a simple get-together with friends.
The ease of preparation and the ability to feed a large number of people without much fuss are just added bonuses.
With its luscious chocolate frosting and the option for creative decorations, this Chocolate Sheet Cake Recipe not only tastes incredible but also looks impressive.
Once you serve this chocolate sheet cake recipe, you’ll be met with delighted smiles and empty plates, proving that a classic dessert done right can be the highlight of any occasion.
More Delicious Chocolate Cake Recipes
The Best Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
Delicious Molten Chocolate Muffins
Easy Chocolate Loaf Cake Recipe
The Best Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe
Rice Cakes Dipped in Chocolate – Easy Treat
Chocolate Sheet Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking sheet or rectangular baking pan
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sifter (for dry ingredients)
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
- Knife or spatula (for frosting application)
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup light brown sugar soft
- 1 cup granulated white sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup sour cream approximately 115g
- 1 1/2 cups strong hot coffee
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar confectioners sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup fudge sauce
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
For the Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×13-inch baking sheet or rectangular baking pan. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well until fully combined.
- To the dry ingredients, add the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and sour cream. Mix until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
- Gradually pour in the hot coffee and vanilla extract. Stir gently to combine, but don’t overmix. The batter will be quite thin—this is normal.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack.
For the Frosting:
- In a medium-sized bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, beating until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the fudge and salt until fully incorporated. If the frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
- Once the cake has cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top of the cake using a rubber spatula or butter knife. Cut the cake into squares and serve. Enjoy your delicious homemade chocolate sheet cake!