Chocolate Sheet Cake(Also Known As Texas Sheet Cake)

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

A rich, moist chocolate sheet cake with deep cocoa flavor, perfect for gatherings and celebrations, offering a classic Southern dessert experience loved by many.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 cups flour
  • 2 sticks margarine
  • 4 tablespoons cocoa, sifted
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Combine sugar and flour together in a large bowl.
  2. Combine margarine, cocoa, and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
  3. Pour the hot mixture over the flour and sugar mixture.
  4. Add buttermilk, eggs, cinnamon (if using), soda, vanilla, and salt to the mixture.
  5. Mix well until smooth.
  6. Pour the batter into a greased and lightly floured 16 x 11-inch jelly roll pan.
  7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using unsweetened dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa. If you're out of buttermilk, you can substitute with milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. To enhance the moisture, add a tablespoon of sour cream. Make sure to sift the cocoa to avoid clumps in your batter.

Serving Suggestions

This Chocolate Sheet Cake is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the richness. For a festive touch, serve it with fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. It makes a great addition to potlucks or family gatherings.

Storage & Reheating

Allow the cake to cool completely before storing. You can keep it covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for up to a week. For longer storage, slice the cake and freeze individual pieces, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, for up to 3 months.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Chocolate Sheet Cake(Also Known As Texas Sheet Cake) contains roughly 132 calories, with 2g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 4g fat.

132 kcal 7% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.1g 4% DV
Total Fat 4g 5% DV
Carbs 16.9g 6% DV
Fiber 1.2g 4% DV
Sugar 4.7g 9% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 163.3mg 7% DV
Potassium 132.8mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 10.1mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 13.4mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 7.3mg 8% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 1% DV
Calcium 57.6mg 4% DV
Iron 0.5mg 3% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains 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 butter instead of margarine?

Yes, you can substitute margarine with an equal amount of unsalted butter for a richer flavor. Just ensure to melt the butter before combining it with cocoa and water.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it after about 18 minutes of baking to avoid overcooking.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch, and chocolate chips will make it even more decadent. Just fold them in gently before pouring the batter into the pan.

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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