Texas Sheet Cake

Texas sheet cake is a classic dessert that’s known for its rich, moist chocolate cake topped with a glossy chocolate icing. It’s a favorite at potlucks and gatherings because it’s easy to make and feeds a crowd. Here’s a recipe for Texas sheet cake:Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Icing:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 6 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions:

For the Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 15×10-inch (38×25 cm) baking sheet or jelly roll pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup of butter. Stir in 1 cup of water and 1/4 cup of cocoa powder. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove it from the heat.
4. Pour the hot cocoa mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until it’s well combined.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, buttermilk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
6. Add the egg mixture to the chocolate batter and mix until smooth.
7. Pour the batter into the greased baking sheet or pan and spread it out evenly.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

For the Icing:

1. In a saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of butter. Stir in 1/4 cup of cocoa powder and 6 tablespoons of milk. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove it from the heat.
2. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
3. Gradually mix in 4 cups of powdered sugar until the icing is smooth and glossy.

To Assemble:

1. While the cake is still warm, pour the icing over the top of the cake and spread it out evenly.
2. If you’re using nuts, sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts over the warm icing.
3. Allow the cake to cool and the icing to set before cutting it into squares.

Texas sheet cake is best enjoyed once it has completely cooled and the icing has set. It’s a delightful chocolate dessert that’s perfect for sharing at gatherings or indulging in a sweet treat.