Sheet Pan White Texas Cake with Chocolate Frosting
A moist, fluffy sheet cake with a tender crumb topped by rich, luscious chocolate frosting, perfect for feeding a crowd or potluck. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 55 minutes layers all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 20, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1/4 cup whole milk (for frosting)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 2 1/4 cups granulated sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk 1 1/2 cups buttermilk, 1 cup vegetable oil, 3 large eggs, and 1 tbsp vanilla extract until smooth. Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir until just combined.
- Step 3: Pour batter into a greased 15x10-inch sheet pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- Step 4: For the frosting, beat 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter until creamy. Add 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder and mix well.
- Step 5: Gradually add 2 cups powdered sugar, alternating with 1/4 cup whole milk, beating well after each addition until smooth and spreadable. Stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- Step 6: Spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice into squares and serve.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sheet Pan White Texas Cake with Chocolate Frosting take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Sheet Pan White Texas Cake with Chocolate Frosting?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sheet Pan White Texas Cake with Chocolate Frosting?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Sheet Pan White Texas Cake with Chocolate Frosting for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 20 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 20). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Sheet Pan White Texas Cake with Chocolate Frosting?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
