Weekend Chocolate Sheet Cake

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves: 18 Cuisine: American

A rich, moist chocolate sheet cake with deep cocoa flavor, perfect for gatherings and indulgent treats, suitable for both casual and special occasions.

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Ingredients

  • 2 c. all-purpose flour
  • 2 c. sugar
  • 1/3 c. cocoa
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 2 sticks margarine
  • 1 c. water
  • 1/2 c. buttermilk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp. pure vanilla

Instructions

  1. Combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl and mix well.
  2. Heat water and margarine in a saucepan until boiling.
  3. Pour the boiling water and margarine mixture over the dry ingredients and mix well.
  4. Beat in buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
  5. Pour batter into a greased and floured 15 x 10-inch baking pan.
  6. Bake in a 400°F oven for 25 minutes.
  7. Serve warm or cold with your favorite topping.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer chocolate flavor, consider using unsweetened dark cocoa instead of regular cocoa. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Ensure the margarine is fully melted before adding to the dry ingredients for a smoother batter. This cake can also be made in a traditional round cake pan if you prefer.

Serving Suggestions

This chocolate sheet cake is delightful on its own, but it pairs beautifully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an added touch, drizzle with chocolate ganache or top with fresh berries. It’s perfect for gatherings, and you can serve it alongside Charley'S Favorite Sweet Potato Pie for a fantastic dessert spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend its freshness, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until just heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Weekend Chocolate Sheet Cake contains roughly 175 calories, with 4g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (14% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value), and iron (10% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

175 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.9g 8% DV
Total Fat 7.2g 9% DV
Carbs 21.8g 8% DV
Fiber 3.8g 14% DV
Sugar 2g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 253mg 11% DV
Potassium 291.8mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 3.3mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 12.6mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 9.7mg 11% DV
Vitamin D 0.4mcg 2% DV
Calcium 49.5mg 4% DV
Iron 1.8mg 10% DV
Diet fit 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 use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with cake flour for a lighter texture, but keep in mind it may change the cake's density. If you're looking for gluten-free options, almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend can work, but you may need to adjust the liquid ingredients accordingly.

What can I do if I don't have eggs?

If you're out of eggs, you can use a flaxseed meal substitute. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. This works well in cakes and will help bind the ingredients together.

How can I make this cake more decadent?

To enhance the decadence, you can fold in chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the batter before baking. Adding a layer of chocolate frosting once the cake has cooled can also elevate its richness, making it a true chocolate lover's dream.

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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