Introduction

Get ready to make an incredible ORIGINAL TEXAS SHEET CAKE that everyone will love! This recipe combines simple ingredients with great flavor to create something truly special. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is both delicious and easy to prepare.

Follow along as we show you how to make this wonderful recipe step by step!

Ah, an absolute classic! Original Texas Sheet Cake is legendary for a reason: it’s incredibly moist, intensely chocolatey, covered in a fudgy, pecan-studded icing poured on warm, and famously baked in a jelly roll pan to serve a crowd.

Here is the beloved, community cookbook-style recipe, with all the traditional steps that make it unique.

Original Texas Sheet Cake

Why it’s “Texas”? It’s big, bold, and meant to feed a crowd—perfect for potlucks, reunions, and any gathering.

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Ingredients:

For the Cake

· 2 cups all-purpose flour
· 2 cups granulated sugar
· 1 teaspoon baking soda
· ½ teaspoon salt
· 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
· ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (use regular, not Dutch-process)
· 1 cup water
· ½ cup buttermilk (see note for substitute)
· 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Icing (made while cake bakes):

· ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
· ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
· 6 tablespoons milk (whole or 2% is best)
· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
· 3 ½ – 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
· 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted is even better!)

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Instructions

1. Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 15x10x1-inch jelly roll pan (standard rimmed baking sheet). This pan size is non-negotiable for the proper thickness.
2. Make the Cake Batter:

· In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
· In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the 1 cup butter, ¼ cup cocoa powder, and water. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
· Immediately pour the hot cocoa mixture over the dry flour mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or mix on low speed until just combined.
· In a small bowl or measuring cup, mix the buttermilk, beaten eggs, and vanilla. Add this to the batter and mix until smooth and well-blended. The batter will be thin.

3. Bake:

· Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly.
· Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake will spring back when lightly touched.
· Crucial: Start making the icing when the cake has about 5-7 minutes left to bake.

4. Make the Icing:

· In a medium saucepan (you can wash the first one), combine the ½ cup butter, ¼ cup cocoa powder, and milk. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring.
· Remove from heat and immediately stir in the vanilla.
· Gradually whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth and pourable. It should be thin enough to pour but thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Stir in the chopped pecans.

5. Ice the Cake:

· As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, pour the warm icing evenly over the hot cake.
· Use an offset spatula to gently spread it to the edges. The icing will set as it cools, creating a delicious, fudgy, slightly crackly top.

6. Cool & Serve:

· Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
· Cut into squares directly in the pan. Serve at room temperature.

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Key Secrets & Tips for Authenticity:

· Buttermilk Substitute: No buttermilk? Mix ½ tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice into ½ cup regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
· The Pour: Pouring the warm icing on the hot cake is essential. It allows the icing to soak in just a tiny bit, creating an inseparable bond between cake and frosting.
· Pecans: While traditional, you can omit them or substitute with walnuts. Toasting them first (350°F for 5-8 minutes) adds incredible depth.
· Pan Size: Using a 9×13″ pan will result in a thicker cake that needs a longer bake time (closer to 25-30 mins) and may not cook as evenly. The jelly roll pan is key for the perfect thin, moist texture.
· Storage: Cover tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

Enjoy a slice of pure, nostalgic comfort! This cake is famously hard to resist, so be prepared for requests for the recipe.

Conclusion

Congratulations on making this delicious ORIGINAL TEXAS SHEET CAKE! We hope you and your loved ones enjoyed every bite of this flavorful dish. This recipe is perfect for sharing with family and friends, and we’re confident it will become a regular favorite in your kitchen.

🍽️ Looking for more amazing recipes? Browse through our collection of delicious dishes on YumPost! From quick weeknight dinners to impressive desserts, we have something for every taste and occasion.

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