Chocolate Sheet Cake

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

Chocolate Sheet Cake offers rich, moist chocolate goodness with a tender crumb, perfect for family gatherings or casual celebrations. Its deep cocoa flavor and simple ingredients make it an easy crowd-pleaser suited for all ages. A classic dessert that combines convenience with indulgence.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups self-rising flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 sticks butter
  • 4 tablespoons cocoa
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  1. Sift the flour and sugar together.
  2. Melt the butter in a saucepan.
  3. Add cocoa and water to the melted butter and bring to a boil.
  4. Pour the hot cocoa mixture over the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
  5. Add buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla to the mixture.
  6. Mix well until smooth.
  7. Pour the batter into a greased 16 x 10 x 1-inch pan.
  8. Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, consider using cake flour instead of self-rising flour. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. To enhance the chocolate flavor, add a pinch of espresso powder to the cocoa mixture. Make sure to use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness in the cake.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the chocolate sheet cake with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. It pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert experience. For a fun twist, try serving it alongside Open-Faced Cucumber Sandwiches for a delightful afternoon tea.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake, where it can last up to a week. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or until warm. This chocolate sheet cake is great served warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Chocolate Sheet Cake contains roughly 217 calories, with 5g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (17% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value), and iron (11% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

217 kcal 11% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.9g 10% DV
Total Fat 4.3g 5% DV
Carbs 29.7g 11% DV
Fiber 4.9g 17% DV
Sugar 4.5g 9% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 63.6mg 3% DV
Potassium 427.5mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 18.6mg 6% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 22mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 14.5mg 16% DV
Vitamin D 0.5mcg 3% DV
Calcium 82.7mg 6% DV
Iron 2mg 11% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
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 regular flour instead of self-rising flour?

Yes, you can substitute regular all-purpose flour for self-rising flour. Just make sure to add 1 teaspoon of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt for every cup of flour used to ensure the cake rises properly.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?

If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly before adding it to your batter.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

To check if 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 ready. Be careful not to overbake, as this can lead to a dry texture.

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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