Big Tex's Chocolate Sheet Cake: A Crowd-Pleasing Classic

Whip up this easy Texas Sheet Cake! Deeply chocolatey, moist, and perfect for a crowd. My family's favorite – even better than Chicken Salad And Crackers! Get the recipe now.

Recipe Introduction

Ever find yourself needin' a dessert that feeds a crowd and tastes like a warm hug? honestly, that's where texas sheet cake comes in.

It's chocolatey, it's moist, and it's easier than wranglin' cattle.

This ain't no fussy french pastry. this texas sheet cake is pure, down-home goodness. born and raised in the great state of texas (obviously!), it's the kind of cake you bring to a potluck, a family reunion, or even just a tuesday night when you need a little somethin' sweet.

It's dead easy, taking about 50 minutes to make, including bake time, and it feeds a whole heap of folks – about 24 generous slices.

The Heart of Texas: A Sweet Slice of History

Folks have been bakin' variations of sheet cakes for generations, but the texas sheet cake really took off sometime in the mid-20th century.

The lone star state know how to make everything in a large scale and this dessert had no exception. it's all about simplicity and sharing.

Why This Cake Is a Winner (And How it Helps With Your Sanity!)

This texas sheet cake isn't just delicious; it's also surprisingly easy to make. plus, a slice is a great way to boost your mood.

I mean, who can resist chocolate, right? it is the dessert for a party when you have plenty of friends that came to visit.

I was in the mood to make a chicken salad sandwich with pickles . that is my recipe, so i wanted to make one.

But, i had plenty of friends that came to visit! this cake was the one to go for! so, i had my slice of chicken salad and crackers and everyone had a piece of texas sheet cake !

What About Chicken Salad?

Now, while we're talkin' about crowd-pleasers, let's have a quick chat about chicken salad . i reckon a chicken salad recipe costco is a good startin' point if you need inspiration, but for me, it's all about the pickles.

Seriously, a cold chicken salad sandwich ain't nothin' without a good, crunchy pickle.

DIY Chicken Salad Magic

You know, i sometimes wonder if i should enter my chicken salad in the derby chicken salad recipe contest. my secret ingredient? a tiny splash of pickle juice.

Makes all the difference! you might think you can do that only if you need to prepare chicken salad for one , but it actually works really well for a large amount! honestly, i think it is the best chicken salad ever .

Now, we chicken salad all the time, but nothing beat the one with pickles.

And Finally...

Basically, texas sheet cake is a winner, especially if you’re not a baker. it's the perfect "i need a dessert, and i need it now!" kind of situation.

And, hey, maybe pair it with a little chicken salad for a truly texan spread! now go on and bake something awesome!

Alright, let’s dive into what you'll need to whip up this big tex's texas sheet cake . honestly, it’s easier than finding a decent chicken salad sandwich with pickles in this town.

Been there, tried that, believe me. i swear i searched for the best chicken salad ever , it seems that i am the only one that can make a cold chicken salad sandwich .

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients Breakdown

Okay, let's get granular. For the cake itself, you're gonna need:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour. Don't be shy about dusting the pan, too.
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar. White gold, I tell ya.
• ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) baking soda. For that lift, baby.
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) salt. Just a pinch to balance it all.
• 1 cup (240ml) unsalted butter (that's 2 sticks ), cubed. Real butter, people. None of that margarine nonsense.
• 1 cup (240ml) water.
• 4 tablespoons (20g) unsweetened cocoa powder. Quality matters here. Go for something rich.
• ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk. That tang is key.
• 2 large eggs.
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract. Real deal, not imitation.

For the frosting , you'll need:

• 1 cup (240ml) unsalted butter ( 2 sticks ), cubed.
• 6 tablespoons (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder. Again, good stuff!
• 6 tablespoons (90ml) milk.
• 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted! Trust me on this one. Lumpy frosting is a no-go.
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract.
• 1 cup (100g) chopped pecans or walnuts. Toasted, if you're feeling fancy.

Quality Check: For the butter and cocoa powder, spring for the good stuff. It really makes a difference. Trust me. You want a Derby chicken salad recipe quality!

Seasoning Notes and flavour

Forget the chicken salad for one , we chicken salad , this is the cake you want!

The key here is the cocoa. it's what gives it that deep, dark chocolate flavor. you want a nice, rich cocoa powder.

Don't skimp. vanilla extract, also critical. don't even bother with the imitation stuff.

You know, sometimes i add a pinch of cinnamon to the cake batter. just a little somethin' somethin'. adds a nice warmth.

I do the diy chicken salad recipe trick, but for baking!

Substitutions? If you’re out of buttermilk, a tablespoon of lemon juice in regular milk works in a pinch.

Equipment Needed: Keep it simple

Honestly, you don't need a whole kitchen's worth of fancy gadgets. Here’s the bare minimum:

• 9x13 inch baking pan . That's the classic sheet cake size.
• Large saucepan.
• Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer).
• Mixing bowls.
• Measuring cups and spoons.

Alternatives? No mixer? Elbow grease and a whisk work just fine. Seriously.

The key thing is the 9x13 inch pan . that's what makes it a sheet cake, after all. and texas sheet cake is all about scale and flavor! i saw it once in the chicken salad recipe costco , but making it at home is another level.

Alright, let's talk texas sheet cake . you know, that cake that's practically a state dessert? it’s rich, chocolatey, and perfect for any get-together.

Like your grandma's recipe, but maybe a little sassier . we'll get that classic taste nailed down, trust me.

Big Tex's Chocolate Sheet Cake: Prep Like a Pro

Think mise en place. Fancy French, right? Nah, it just means get everything ready before you start.

Essential Mise en Place

First, preheat your oven to 350° f ( 175° c) . grease and flour that 9x13 inch pan. nobody wants cake stuck to the bottom! get your ingredients measured.

That's the basic, you know?

Time-Saving Organization Tips

Honestly, I like to melt the butter and cocoa together first . One less pan to wash later! And sift your powdered sugar. Seriously, lumpy frosting? No thanks.

Safety Reminders

Hot pans are HOT! Use oven mitts, folks. And keep those kiddos away from the stove. Common sense, but worth repeating, right?

Step-by-Step: Easy Peasy Texas Sheet Cake

Alright, the main event.

1. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a big bowl. Easy peasy.
2. Boil butter, water, and cocoa in a saucepan until smooth. Don’t burn it!
3. Pour the hot butter mixture over the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. No overmixing, okay?
4. Whisk buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla in another bowl. Then, add it to the batter.
5. Pour into that prepared pan and bake for 20- 25 minutes . I use a toothpick to check. If it comes out clean, you're golden.

Pro Tips for Texas Sheet Cake Glory

Wanna kick things up a notch? Let's do it!

Expert Techniques

Pour the frosting on while the cake is still hot. It soaks in and gets all gooey. Don't skip that part!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overbaking! It'll dry out your cake. Check it early! Nobody likes a dry cake.

Make-Ahead Options

You can totally make the cake a day ahead. just frost it right before serving. keep it in the fridge.

Also, if you are on your own, then this chicken salad for one is perfect for you while you wait for the oven to cool down.

Or even, grab chicken salad and crackers or a cold chicken salad sandwich . if you are feeling adventurous, you can also try a diy chicken salad recipe for yourself.

And there you have it, folks. The perfect Texas Sheet Cake . This recipe is just as good as the Best Chicken Salad Ever , if not better!. Enjoy it!.

Alright, so you're gonna tackle big tex's chocolate sheet cake, huh? it's practically a requirement if you live anywhere near the lone star state.

It is really, really amazing. okay, let's dive into those all-important recipe notes! this is where we fine-tune the magic.

Recipe Notes: Nailing That Texas Sheet Cake Perfection

This ain’t just a recipe; it's an experience ! seriously, these notes are key to making sure your texas sheet cake is a crowd-pleaser.

We're talking that "oh my gosh, can i have the recipe?" kind of reaction. trust me, i've been there, done that, and eaten way too much cake.

Serving Suggestions: Plating and Party Tricks

Let's talk presentation, darlin'. you know, first impressions do matter, even with cake. honestly, this cake is so good, you could serve it straight from the pan.

But if you wanna get fancy, a dusting of cocoa powder or powdered sugar? chef's kiss! and a scoop of vanilla ice cream? forget about it! for drinks, think cold milk, sweet tea, or even a strong cup of coffee.

This cake is versatile. it goes great with a chicken salad sandwich with pickles during lunch, or by itself at afternoon tea.

Speaking of which, it is possible to make chicken salad for one if you want it all to yourself!

Storage Tips: Keeping the Dream Alive

Okay, so maybe, just maybe , you'll have some leftovers. but probably not. seriously though, if you do, wrap it tightly and pop it in the fridge.

It'll stay good for about 3 days. freezing? yeah, you can. wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then foil.

Thaw in the fridge. reheating? honestly, cold cake is amazing. but if you must, a few seconds in the microwave will do the trick.

Variations: Twists on a Texas Classic

Want to shake things up a bit? I get it. Let's see...

• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap out the butter for a good vegan butter substitute and use almond milk instead of buttermilk. Boom! Dietary adaptation achieved. You should be able to find a great Chicken Salad Recipe Costco style to go dairy free too!
• Seasonal Swaps: Throw in some chopped apples in the fall. Maybe some berries in the summer. Get creative! It is also possible to eat Chicken Salad And Crackers on the side.

Nutrition Basics: A Little Real Talk

Alright, let's be real. this is cake. it's not exactly health food. but hey, a little treat never hurt anyone! we're talking roughly 350-400 calories per serving.

It's got carbs, fat, and sugar. but it also brings joy! now, if you're looking for protein, maybe have a cold chicken salad sandwich on the side.

This texas sheet cake is not a replacement for we chicken salad , but it does hit the sweet spot.

So go on, bake it up! you know you want to. you may even be able to try derby chicken salad recipe or another type of chicken salad on the side too.

And if it is not your thing, you can also try chicken salad , but do not say i said that.

Seriously though, don't stress too much about perfection. have fun, and enjoy every chocolatey bite!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called Texas Sheet Cake? Is this related to the size of texas sheet cake?

That's a good question, partner! It's called Texas Sheet Cake because, like everything in Texas, it's BIG! Baked in a large sheet pan (typically 9x13 inches or larger), it's perfect for feeding a crowd – think potlucks, family reunions, or any shindig where you need a dessert that's both delicious and plentiful. It's all about that Texas-sized hospitality!

How do I keep my Texas Sheet Cake from being dry? Mine always comes out crumbly!

Ah, dryness – the bane of every baker! Key to a moist Texas Sheet Cake is not overbaking it. Start checking for doneness around 20 minutes with a wooden skewer; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Also, pouring the warm frosting over the hot cake allows the frosting to soak in, adding extra moisture and flavor. Think of it like giving your cake a nice, warm hug!

Can I make Texas Sheet Cake ahead of time? How do I store it?

You betcha! Texas Sheet Cake is actually even better the next day! Once cooled and frosted, you can store it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, store it in the fridge for up to a week, but be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. Kinda like a good chili, it gets better with time!

I don't have buttermilk. What can I use as a substitute for texas sheet cake?

No buttermilk, no problem! You can easily make your own. Just add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a measuring cup, then fill the cup to the 1-cup line with regular milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to curdle slightly. This creates a tangy buttermilk substitute that works wonders in Texas Sheet Cake and adds a little zing, just like Aunt Bee used to make.

Can I change up the nuts in the frosting for this texas sheet cake recipe?

Absolutely! Pecans are traditional, but walnuts work beautifully too. For a different twist, try toasted coconut flakes for a unique tropical vibe. If you're nut-free, just leave them out entirely! The rich chocolate frosting is still plenty delicious on its own. It's all about making it your own little piece of Texas heaven.

What's the nutritional information like for texas sheet cake? Is it healthy?

Well, let's be honest, Texas Sheet Cake isn't exactly health food! It's a decadent treat meant for enjoying in moderation. A single serving packs a good dose of calories, fat, and sugar. While it's not something you'd eat every day, a small slice shared with friends and family is a delightful way to celebrate life's sweet moments. Everything in moderation, as they say!

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