Texas Cake

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

Texas Cake is a rich, moist chocolate sheet cake with a deep cocoa flavor and tender crumb. Perfect for family gatherings or potlucks, its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make it a favorite for chocolate lovers and those seeking a nostalgic homemade dessert.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup margarine
  • 4 tablespoons cocoa
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 teaspoon soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Mix flour and sugar in a bowl.
  2. Bring shortening, water, margarine, and cocoa to a boil on the stove.
  3. Pour the hot mixture over the flour and sugar mixture.
  4. Add buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Mix thoroughly until smooth.
  6. Pour batter into a greased 12 x 17-inch sheet pan.
  7. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the margarine with unsalted butter. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for a few minutes. Ensure that your ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter.

Serving Suggestions

Texas Cake can be served plain or topped with a simple chocolate frosting for added sweetness. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for dessert. For a delightful brunch option, consider serving it alongside Sixty Minute Rolls or fresh fruit.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Texas Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. If you want to reheat, simply place a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or enjoy it cold.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Texas Cake contains roughly 179 calories, with 2g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 11g fat.

179 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2g 4% DV
Total Fat 11.4g 15% DV
Carbs 15.2g 6% DV
Fiber 1.1g 4% DV
Sugar 1.6g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 69mg 3% DV
Potassium 127.2mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 15.6mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 13.8mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 7.3mg 8% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 1% DV
Calcium 43.2mg 3% DV
Iron 0.5mg 3% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
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 make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Texas Cake a day in advance. Just ensure it is completely cooled before storing it in an airtight container. This allows the flavors to meld, making the cake even more delicious the next day.

What can I use instead of shortening?

If you prefer not to use shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil. Both options will give the cake a slightly different flavor, but they work well in this recipe.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Keep an eye on it, as baking times can vary slightly based on your oven.

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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