Texas Sheet Bars

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Cuisine: American

Sweet, rich Texas Sheet Bars feature a chocolate base topped with icing, perfect for gatherings and satisfying chocolate lovers with its moist texture and indulgent flavor.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb. margarine
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 pint sour cream
  • 4 tablespoons cocoa
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Bring margarine, cocoa, and water to a boil.
  2. Mix eggs, sugar, flour, baking soda, salt, and sour cream in a separate bowl.
  3. Combine the cocoa mixture with the egg mixture.
  4. Spread the batter onto an 11 x 16-inch cookie sheet.
  5. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.
  6. Allow to cool.
  7. Top with icing.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using unsweetened dark cocoa instead of regular cocoa powder. If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute the sour cream with a non-dairy yogurt. Ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can lead to dense bars.

Serving Suggestions

These Texas Sheet Bars are delightful on their own but can be elevated with a simple icing made of powdered sugar and milk. They pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. For a themed dessert table, consider serving them alongside Chocolate Cake Delight or Sugar And Raisin Cookies for variety.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Texas Sheet Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place a bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds on low power, just until warm. This will restore some of the softness without drying them out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Texas Sheet Bars contains roughly 1110 calories, with 8g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 103g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value) and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2351mg per serving (102% of the Daily Value).

1110 kcal 56% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.4g 17% DV
Total Fat 103.1g 100% DV
Carbs 41.7g 15% DV
Fiber 10.2g 36% DV
Sugar 0.6g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2350.9mg 100% DV
Potassium 818.9mg 17% DV
Cholesterol 8.3mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 42.2mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 10.9mg 12% DV
Calcium 123.3mg 9% DV
Iron 4.7mg 26% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
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 fat instead of margarine?

Yes, you can substitute margarine with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil for a different flavor. If you prefer a lighter option, try using applesauce in place of half the fat, which will also add moisture without extra calories.

What type of cocoa should I use for best results?

Using unsweetened cocoa powder is recommended for this recipe, but for a deeper chocolate flavor, Dutch-processed cocoa can also work well. Just be aware that Dutch-processed cocoa may result in a slightly different texture and color.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?

Absolutely! Adding 1 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, or a cup of chocolate chips will enhance the flavor and texture. Just fold them into the batter gently before spreading it 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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