Chocolate-Cinnamon Sheet Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

This rich chocolate-cinnamon sheet cake offers a moist, tender crumb infused with warm cinnamon and deep cocoa flavors. Topped with a luscious chocolate frosting made with butter, cocoa, and milk, it's perfect for special occasions or a comforting treat for chocolate lovers.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 stick butter
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 4 tablespoons cocoa
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk or sour milk
  • 4 tablespoons milk
  • 4 Tbsp. cocoa
  • 6 Tbsp. milk

Instructions

  1. Bake the cake in a preheated oven until done, then about 5 minutes before it finishes, melt butter, cocoa, and milk together in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
  2. Remove from heat and add powdered sugar, vanilla, and pecans.
  3. Beat well to combine.
  4. Spread the frosting on the hot cake.
  5. Leave the cake in the pan to set and cool before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. To enhance the cinnamon flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg. Make sure the cake is fully cooled before applying the frosting to prevent it from melting.

Serving Suggestions

This Chocolate-Cinnamon Sheet Cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added decadence. Serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad or a warm cup of coffee for a delightful dessert experience. It also makes a great addition to potlucks or family gatherings.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until warm. This will help maintain its moist texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Chocolate-Cinnamon Sheet Cake contains roughly 498 calories, with 6g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (17% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (17% of the Daily Value), and protein (13% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

498 kcal 25% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.3g 13% DV
Total Fat 32.4g 42% DV
Carbs 42g 15% DV
Fiber 4.8g 17% DV
Sugar 11.4g 23% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 140.3mg 6% DV
Potassium 398.3mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 41.2mg 14% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 31.8mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 15.5mg 17% DV
Vitamin D 0.6mcg 3% DV
Calcium 139mg 11% DV
Iron 2.3mg 13% DV
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste, but the cake may be denser. If you're gluten-free, try a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring it contains a binding agent like xanthan gum for the best texture.

What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?

If you need an egg substitute, you can use unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) or a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes). These options will help maintain the cake's moisture and structure.

How can I make this cake more chocolatey?

To intensify the chocolate flavor, you can add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder and consider incorporating chocolate chips into the batter. This will provide a delightful burst of chocolate in every bite.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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