It’s not known why chocolate sheet cake is often referred to as “Texas sheet cake.” I like to think it’s because it’s a cake the size of Texas. 🙂 This chocolate cake recipe is made in a sheet cake pan, which is where it gets the name, “sheet cake.” A sheet cake is any cake that is made in a large rectangular pan known as a sheet pan or jelly roll pan.
Texas sheet cake recipes usually bake in a baker’s half-sheet pan that’s 18×13” inch. I prefer this type of pan because it results in a thinner cake with a thin layer of chocolate frosting, and it’s perfect for feeding a crowd. You can bake Texas sheet cake in a 9×13” pan, but increase the baking time to about 30-35 minutes. The primary difference between sheet cake and regular cake is the size of the cake pan. Sheet cake is made in a sheet cake pan which is a shallow, large pan. Regular cake is usually made in a 9×13 baking dish or, for a double layer cake, it’s made in two 8-9” round pans.
Add to saucepan: water, butter, and cocoa powder and bring mixture to a boil. In a bowl: mix together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl: mix together the sour cream, eggs and vanilla. Add sour cream/egg mixture to the flour mixture and mix until combined. Combine the batter. Once the chocolate mixture in the saucepan in boiling, remove it from heat and pour it into the batter. Mix until combined and no lumps remain. Pour into sheet pan. Pour mixture into prepared pan and smooth with a spatula to make sure it is dispersed in an even layer. Bake. at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until set (mine is usually done around 15 minutes).
In a saucepan: Add milk, cocoa and butter; bring mixture to a boil. Stir in: powdered sugar. I like to beat the mixture with my hand-held mixer to get rid of any lumps. Pour over cake. Pour the hot mixture right over the hot cake. Use a spatula to spread it evenly over the cake. Allow frosting to set for about 10 minutes before eating.
You don’t have to, but it will last better and longer if stored, covered, in the refrigerator. If you live somewhere warm and humid, it’s especially best to store it in the fridge.
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